“I’ve got a fantastic recipe to share with you that’ll make your busy days a whole lot easier and tastier. Imagine this: sizzling and flavorful chicken fajitas, packed with all those classic Tex-Mex flavors, ready to be enjoyed whenever you want. Yes, we’re diving into the world of Chicken Fajitas Freezer Meals!”
Here’s the deal: we’re going to whip up a big batch of chicken fajitas with tender chicken strips, bell peppers, onions, and a blend of mouthwatering spices. But here’s the twist – we’ll make it a freezer meal. That means you can prep it in advance, store it in the freezer, and when the craving strikes, just thaw and cook for a delicious homemade fajita feast.
This recipe is all about convenience without compromising on taste. You’ll love how the chicken absorbs those bold flavors while mingling with the sautéed veggies. Serve it up in tortillas with all your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, and you’ve got a Tex-Mex fiesta right in your kitchen.
So, say goodbye to weeknight dinner dilemmas and hello to easy, flavorful Chicken Fajitas Freezer Meals. Let’s get cooking and make your life a little more delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fajitas Freezer Meal
Meal Planning Convenience
Great for Large Gatherings
Minimal Clean Up
Customizable
Time Saving Convenience
Budget Friendly
Chicken Fajita Freezer Meal
Hannah Stewart
We're going to whip up a big batch of chicken fajitas with tender chicken strips, bell peppers, onions, and a blend of mouthwatering spices.
Quinoa or Brown Rice: Incorporate a side of cooked quinoa or brown rice to increase the fiber content and make the meal more filling and nutritious.
Avocado Slices: Top your fajitas with fresh avocado slices. Avocado provides healthy fats and creaminess, adding a satisfying element to your dish.
Greek Yogurt or Low-Fat Sour Cream: Instead of regular sour cream, use Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream as a healthier topping. They offer a creamy texture and a dose of protein without as much saturated fat.
Substitutions:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Swap chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breast to reduce the overall fat content while still enjoying lean protein.
Reduced-Sodium Taco Seasoning: Opt for a reduced-sodium or homemade taco seasoning mix to control the salt content of the dish. Homemade taco seasoning with less salt can be a healthier alternative.
Fresh Tomato Salsa: Instead of canned diced tomatoes, use fresh tomato salsa with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Fresh ingredients provide more nutrients and fewer additives.
These additions and substitutions enhance the nutritional profile of the recipe by increasing fiber, reducing saturated fat and sodium, and incorporating fresh, whole ingredients. Enjoy your healthier and equally delicious chicken fajitas!
How To Reheat & Store Make Ahead Chicken Fajitas
Best Way To Store Chicken Fajitas Leftover?
The best way to store your Chicken fajitas leftovers is by allowing the recipe to cool completely. Once the meal has cooled, you can store your chicken fajitas in an airtight container or freezer bag. If you would like to divide your leftovers into smaller, meal sized portions, this would make it easier to reheat only what you need and reduces the risk of reheating the entire batch multiple times.
How Long Will Chicken Fajitas Last In the Fridge?
With the proper storage techniques, allowing the meal to cool completely before putting it in the fridge, and using airtight containers, you should be able to store it in the fridge for 3-5 days. If you are looking to store your leftovers for longer periods of time, consider freezing your leftovers, however you need to keep in mind that cooking, freezing, and thawing out meals can change the texture and consistency of a meal. Once cooked, you can freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Can I Freeze Fajita Recipes?
Absolutely. If you are looking to freeze this recipe raw, simply add all the ingredients into a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag. Seal and freeze for 3-6 months. If you have already cooked your meal, and you are looking to freeze your leftovers, you can absolutely do that as well. Simply put your leftovers in an airtight container, and freeze for 2-3 months.
How To Reheat Family Friendly Chicken Fajitas?
When you are ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them in a microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees to ensure they are safe to eat. If you are including toppings on your recipe, add them separately from the chicken fajitas to prevent them from becoming soggy. Remember the quality of leftovers can degrade over time, so it is best practice to consume during the recommended storage periods for the best taste and texture. Always use your judgment of taste and smell to assess the safety and freshness of any leftovers.
FAQs
Where did the recipe for fajitas come from?
The recipe Chicken Fajitas, like many chicken recipes, has its origins in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. Fajitas in general are thought to have originated from the Rio Grande Valley of Texas in the 1930’s and 40’s, with Mexican ranch workers who were given the less desirable cuts of meat, including skirt steaks. These workers would marinate and grill the meat, then serve it on tortillas with grilled veggies, creating the foundation for the fajita.
Why is it called a Fajita?
The term “fajita” comes from the Spanish word “faja” which means “belt” or “sash”. This name was given because of the long, thin strips of meat used in the dish.
What part of the chicken are fajitas made from?
Traditionally, fajitas were made with skirt steak, but today, they can be made with a variety of proteins, including chicken, steak, shrimp, tofo, and so forth. Chicken fajitas are a popular choice because they are leaner meat cuts and a healthier alternative to red meat.
How long does fajita chicken last?
When properly stored, cooked fajita chicken can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Make sure that the food is stored in an airtight container that contains the food properly. For longer storage, you can freeze leftover fajita chicken for 2-3 months in the freezer.
What is the most common meat used for fajitas?
The most common meat used for fajitas is still beef, particularly skirt steak beef, but chicken fajitas have gained a lot of popularity for the lighter flavor and lower fat content. With the world moving towards healthier food options, this meal is one that can be made super easily at home, and taste delicious, with a lower fat content using chicken.
Who made fajitas famous?
While the exact individual who made fajitas famous is not very clear, the popularity of the chicken fajitas surged in the 1980’s and 90’s when the tex-mex cuisine gained widespread recognition in the United States.
What are the ingredients for a fajita?
The main ingredients for chicken fajitas typically include chicken breast or chicken strips, bell peppers of different colors, onions, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, and tortillas. Optional toppings include sour cream, cheese, guacamole, and salsa can be added to enhance the flavor of the recipe.
Why are chicken fajitas considered healthy?
Chicken fajitas can be considered healthy because they are rich in the lean protein, which is the chicken, and when prepared with plenty of vegetables and whole grain tortillas, they can provide a very balanced meal. Chicken fajitas are lower in saturated fat compared to traditional beef fajitas.
How do you cut chicken for fajitas?
To cut chicken for fajitas, it’s best to slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into thin, evenly cut strips. This ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly, making it much easier to achieve the desired tenderness and juiciness texture in your fajitas.
Don’t Forget To Come Back And Let Me Know How Your Chicken Fajitas Turned Out!
Comments
Muddysays:
Hi! Thanks for the recipe, but I have a question. I live alone, and I’d prefer to separate rate this recipe into three batches rather than prepare it all at once. If I prep all three parts at once, and just divide the spices into three parts, that’s no problem. But will it change the Instant Pot cooking time?
Also, how much of the taco seasoning mix do I use if I use homemade instead of a prepared packet?
Thanks in advance for your response. 11 August, 2021
Muddy
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!
Muddy says:
Hi! Thanks for the recipe, but I have a question. I live alone, and I’d prefer to separate rate this recipe into three batches rather than prepare it all at once. If I prep all three parts at once, and just divide the spices into three parts, that’s no problem. But will it change the Instant Pot cooking time?
Also, how much of the taco seasoning mix do I use if I use homemade instead of a prepared packet?
Thanks in advance for your response. 11 August, 2021
Muddy