“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
- Slow Cooker / Crockpot
- 1 gallon freezer bag
- 2-3 lb chicken breast or chicken thighs
- 12 oz bag frozen peppers and onions bag
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes can
- 1 jalapeño diced (seeds removed)
- 1 tsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp lime zest
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 packet taco seasoning (optional homemade taco seasoning)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 8 tortillas
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
- Add all ingredients, except for serving, to the freezer bag.
- Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
- Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
- Add freezer bag contents into slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Remove chicken and slice or shred. Mix back into slow cooker and serve in tortillas. Optional: Top with your favorite taco toppings.
- Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, add 1/2 cup water.
- Set to High Pressure for 20 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release.
- Remove chicken and slice or shred. Mix back into slow cooker and serve in tortillas. Optional: Top with your favorite taco toppings.
- Ensure your taco seasoning is gluten-free.
- This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Notes
- May top with favorite taco toppings! (cheese, guacamole, salsa, etc…)
- Make it pretty: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge.
- Don’t discard the extra liquid after cooking and use it to make rice
Nutrition
Equipment Needed To Make Make ahead Chicken Fajitas
- Crockpot
Ingredients For Your Chicken Fajitas Freezer Meal
- 2 lb chicken breast or chicken thighs
- 3 bell peppers sliced in 1.5-inch pieces
- 1 large onion chopped
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes liquid included
- 1 jalapeno diced (seeds removed)
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice juice of one lime
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 packet taco seasoning (optional homemade taco seasoning)
Homemade Taco Seasoning:
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
How To Make A Chicken Fajitas Freezer Meal
Freezer Directions:
- Label Freezer bag with recipe name, cooking from frozen directions and expiration date (today’s date plus three months).
- Add all ingredients to a labeled gallon freezer bag.
- Store in the freezer for up to three months.
Cooking Directions:
- Thaw overnight in the fridge or in the morning in some warm water (meal may not be 100% thawed but that is ok).
- Add freezer bag contents into the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4 hours, 4-5 hours if frozen.
- Remove chicken breasts and slice with a sharp knife. Remove peppers and onions and serve!
- Serve in tortillas, over rice, cauliflower rice or on top of chips! Garnish with your favorite taco toppings!
Notes
- May top with favorite taco toppings! (cheese, guacamole, salsa, etc…)
- Make it pretty: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge.
- Don’t discard the extra liquid after cooking and use it to make rice
What to Serve/Pair with Your Make ahead Chicken Fajita Freezer Meal
Sides
- Mexican Street Corn
- Spanish Rice ( Mexican Rice)
- Black Bean and Corn Salad
Desserts
- Churros
- Tres Leches Cake
- Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips
Mocktails
- Virgin Mojito
- Virgin Pina Colada
- Agua Fresca
Popular Substitutions & Additions
Additions:
- 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
Other Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
- Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas
- Chicken Caprasa Pasta
- Orange Chicken Freezer Meal
- Honey Dijon Chicken Marinade
- Roasted tomato pasta with whole Chicken
Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later!
Don’t Forget To Come Back And Let Me Know How Your Chicken Fajitas Turned Out!
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