Exploring the Flavors of Chicken Fajita Tacos
Chicken Fajita Tacos with Green Chili Queso are really something special. They’re a great mix of flavors that you’d find in Mexican cooking, but they’re also comforting and familiar, like something you’d make at home. This dish isn’t just tasty, it’s also really nice to look at, with colorful bell peppers and creamy, spicy Green Chili Queso.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
Here’s why you should give this recipe a try: it’s got a great balance of flavors. The chicken is marinated in traditional Mexican spices and grilled just right, giving you a bit of a smoky and spicy taste. This goes really well with the sweet bell peppers and the savory onions. The Green Chili Queso, which is a smooth cheese sauce with a bit of heat, really brings everything together. These tacos are something you’ll want to have again and again because they’re just that good.
Ingredients:
- 3 skinless/boneless chicken breasts, cubed (1/4″)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 2 teaspoons Mexican chili powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 tablespoons avocado oil (divided use)
- 2 each of yellow, red, and green bell peppers, sliced
- 1 large white onion, chopped
- 2-4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided use)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 12 ounces queso white cheese (e.g., white Velveeta)
- 10-12 ounces mixed jack and pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 1 four-ounce can of hatch green chilies
- Flour tortillas
- Quesadilla cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Marinating and Cooking the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken. Cube the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces and place them in a mixing bowl. Season them with a blend of kosher salt, Mexican chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, then drizzle with avocado oil. Mix everything well so that the chicken is evenly coated in the spices and oil. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for about an hour to allow the flavors to infuse deeply into the chicken.
Once marinated, cook the chicken in a hot cast-iron skillet with a bit of avocado oil. The key is to ensure that each piece of chicken has contact with the skillet, which gives it a beautiful sear and locks in the flavors. Cook for about 4 minutes, then stir and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice, smoky char on the outside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm.
Preparing the Vegetables and Assembling the Tacos
In the same skillet, add more avocado oil and sauté the sliced bell peppers and chopped onion. Season them with a bit of unsalted butter and kosher salt to enhance their natural sweetness and cook until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and keep them warm.
For the tacos, heat a griddle or a skillet over medium heat and lightly toast the flour tortillas on both sides. This step adds a nice texture to the tacos and makes them more pliable. Once the tortillas are ready, start assembling the tacos. Layer a bit of quesadilla cheese (if using) on each tortilla, followed by a generous amount of the grilled chicken and the pepper/onion mixture. Fold the tacos and toast them on the griddle until they are crispy and golden brown on both sides.
Making the Green Chili Queso
The Green Chili Queso is what truly sets these tacos apart. In a saucepan, melt some unsalted butter and add whole milk, whisking continuously. Gradually add in the queso white cheese, jack cheese, and pepper jack cheese, whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the hatch green chilies and season with kosher salt, Mexican chili powder, and black pepper. Continue whisking the sauce until it’s perfectly smooth and keep it warm until ready to serve.
Final Touches and Serving
Serve the Chicken Fajita Tacos hot with a generous drizzle (or side) of the Green Chili Queso. The combination of the spicy, smoky chicken and vegetables with the creamy, tangy queso is heavenly. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for an added burst of freshness. These tacos are perfect for any occasion, be it a casual family dinner or a festive gathering with friends. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the delightful textures that make this dish a true culinary delight.
Below is a printable recipe card!
Ingredients
Method
- Cut 3 chicken breasts into 1/4" cubes.
- In a bowl, combine chicken cubes with 1 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tsp Mexican chili powder, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp black pepper, and 3 tbsp avocado oil; refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Slice 2 yellow, 2 red, and 2 green bell peppers; chop 1 white onion.
- Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a skillet; add vegetables, 1-2 tbsp butter, and 2 tsp kosher salt; cook for 10-12 minutes; set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp oil; cook marinated chicken for 7-8 minutes; set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter; add 2 cups milk, 12 oz queso white cheese, 4-6 oz each of jack and pepper jack cheese, 1 can hatch green chilies, and 1 tsp each of kosher salt, chili powder, and black pepper; whisk until smooth.
- Lightly oil a griddle and toast flour tortillas on both sides.
- Layer optional quesadilla cheese, chicken, and vegetables on each tortilla; fold into tacos.
- Cook folded tacos on griddle until crispy.
- Serve tacos with Green Chili Queso.
And there you have it – Chicken Fajita Tacos with Green Chili Queso that are sure to win hearts and satisfy taste buds! This isn’t just another taco recipe; it’s a journey through a world of rich flavors and comforting textures. Imagine biting into the smoky, tender chicken paired with sweet, caramelized peppers and onions, all brought together by that lusciously creamy Green Chili Queso. It’s the kind of meal that turns a simple dinner table into a vibrant gathering, filled with laughter and stories shared over mouthfuls of deliciousness. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself, these tacos are a reminder of how food can be so much more than just sustenance – it’s a way to connect, to celebrate, and to enjoy the little moments of joy. So go ahead, tie that apron, and let the magic unfold in your kitchen. Here’s to delicious meals and even better memories! Cheers to good food and great company!
Items used in This Recipe
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