Margarita Marinated Chicken Fajita Recipe

Margarita Marinated Chicken Fajita Recipe

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Looking for a fun and flavorful twist on classic chicken fajitas? This Margarita Marinated Chicken Fajita Recipe is the perfect way to spice up your dinner. The marinade, inspired by the refreshing flavors of a margarita, infuses the chicken with citrusy zest, a hint of sweetness, and a smoky depth. Whether you grill or pan-sear the chicken, this dish is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Margarita Marinade:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 chicken thighs)
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup tequila (optional for extra flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Fajitas:

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium red onion, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Flour or corn tortillas
  • Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, tequila (if using), olive oil, honey, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated.
  4. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. Preheat a grill or stovetop pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess liquid.
  3. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, cover it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  5. Slice the chicken into thin strips.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the pan.
  3. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  4. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.

Step 4: Assemble the Fajitas

  1. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
  2. Layer sliced chicken and sautéed vegetables onto the tortillas.
  3. Garnish with fresh cilantro and squeeze a lime wedge over the top.
  4. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa if desired.

Tips for the Best Margarita Chicken Fajitas

  • Tequila Substitute: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the tequila. The citrus juices will still deliver amazing flavor.
  • Marinating Time: While 30 minutes works, letting the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours enhances the flavors even more.
  • Cooking Alternative: If grilling isn’t an option, use a cast-iron skillet or bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
  • Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the marinade for some heat.

Conclusion

These Margarita Marinated Chicken Fajitas are a fantastic way to enjoy bold flavors with minimal effort. The citrusy, smoky marinade elevates the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful, while the sautéed peppers and onions add crunch and color. Perfect for family dinners, BBQ nights, or meal prep, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Try it today and bring a taste of margarita magic to your kitchen!

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