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Grilled Chicken Fajitas

Grilled Chicken Fajitas

Juicy grilled chicken and charred vegetables wrapped in warm flour tortillas, finished with fresh coriander and lime.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 2 limes about 60ml
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon chilli powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large bell peppers one red, one yellow, sliced into 1cm strips
  • 1 large red onion sliced into 1cm rounds
  • 8 small flour tortillas
  • Fresh coriander chopped, for garnish
  • Lime wedges to serve

Method
 

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, chilli powder, salt, and pepper until it forms a fragrant, rust-coloured paste. Add the chicken breasts and turn them to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl with cling film and set aside at room temperature for 1 hour—the chicken will take on a deep orange hue and smell warmly spiced.
  2. Prepare the grill: Light your gas grill or heat a grill pan over a medium-high flame. You want the temperature to reach around 200°C (400°F), so the surface is searingly hot but not smoking. Brush the grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill. You should hear a vigorous sizzle immediately. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. The chicken is ready when the internal temperature hits 74°C (165°F) on a meat thermometer, and the exterior is marked with deep brown grill lines. Let the chicken rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes—the juices will redistribute, and the flesh will feel firm yet springy.
  4. Grill the vegetables: While the chicken rests, toss the sliced bell peppers and red onion rounds onto the grill. They should sizzle loudly; cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until they soften and develop blackened, charred edges. The peppers will turn glossy and sweet-smelling, and the onions will become translucent with a smoky sweetness.
  5. Warm the tortillas: Reduce the grill heat to low. Lay the tortillas directly on the grates for about 30 seconds per side. They should puff slightly and show light brown spots, releasing a toasty, earthy aroma. Stack them in a clean tea towel to keep them warm and pliable.
  6. Slice and assemble: Using a sharp knife, slice the rested chicken against the grain into 1cm strips. The inside should be white and juicy, with a faint pinkness only from the paprika marinade. Arrange the sliced chicken and grilled vegetables on a warm platter. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve immediately with lime wedges and the warm tortillas.

Notes

Marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour is essential for flavor. Resting the chicken before slicing keeps it juicy.