Chicken and Mushroom Fajitas

“Make the best Chicken and Mushroom Fajitas with this easy, flavorful recipe! Juicy marinated chicken, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, all topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese and crispy bacon. These homemade fajitas are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a Mexican-inspired feast. Serve with warm tortillas, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for a restaurant-quality meal at home. Healthy, customizable, and absolutely delicious—a must-try fajita recipe for family dinners or gatherings!”

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Marinade:

• 1 1/2 to 2 lbs chicken breast, sliced in half lengthwise
• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lime (about 2 Tbsp)
• 4 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

For the Fajitas:

• 2 large bell peppers, cored and sliced into strips
• 1 medium/large yellow onion, thickly sliced
• 1/2 lb mushrooms, thickly sliced
• 4 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (or use pre-cooked crumbled bacon)

To Serve:

• Small flour tortillas
• Pico de gallo or salsa
• Guacamole or diced avocado
• Sour cream
• Shredded lettuce
• Hot sauce

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the sliced chicken and chopped cilantro. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Cook the sliced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly caramelized (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Combine and Melt the Cheese: Return the sliced chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top and let it melt.
5. Serve: Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Serve the chicken and vegetable mixture with tortillas and your choice of toppings like pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, shredded lettuce, and hot sauce.

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Tips

• Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
• Use a Cast Iron Skillet: This gives the chicken a beautiful sear and enhances flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming the ingredients.
• Customize the Spice Level: Add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Swap: Use shrimp, steak, or tofu instead of chicken.
• Cheese Options: Swap Monterey Jack for cheddar, pepper jack, or Mexican blend.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve over lettuce wraps or in a bowl instead of tortillas.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and bacon, and add more mushrooms or tofu.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Marinate the chicken in advance and prep the veggies. Cook everything when ready to serve.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.

What’s the best way to reheat fajitas?

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep everything crispy. A microwave works but may make the vegetables softer.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Mexican rice or refried beans for a full meal.
• Serve with a side of tortilla chips and salsa.
• Add a refreshing side salad with a lime vinaigrette.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: Quick prep and cooking make this a weeknight favorite.
• Full of flavor: A perfect balance of smoky, savory, and fresh flavors.
• Versatile: Customize with different proteins, toppings, and spice levels.
• Great for meal prep: Leftovers taste just as good the next day!

Enjoy these delicious Chicken and Mushroom Fajitas with family and friends!