Looking for a quick and tasty dinner option? These Easy Chicken Mushroom Fajitas are perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and vibrant bell peppers, this dish packs a punch of flavor in every bite. Plus, it’s all ready in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to recipe when time is tight but taste is a must.
Steps
- Mix together the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 1/2-inch thick cutlets, which allows for quicker marinating. Coat the chicken in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 45 minutes to an hour, stirring halfway through.
- For grilling, heat the grill and lower to medium/low (350°F). Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, turning halfway to achieve grill marks.
- For sautéing, warm a large, oven-safe non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken with 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a single layer, browning each side and ensuring it’s cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.
- Using the same skillet, sauté the mushrooms in 1-2 tablespoons of oil until they are browned, then set aside.
- Sauté the onion and bell pepper in the same pan with additional oil, stirring every 2 minutes for a total of 8 minutes to brown the edges. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cut the cooked chicken into 1/4-inch strips and arrange over the sautéed vegetables. Layer with the cooked mushrooms, shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon, then broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and heat in the microwave on high for 45 seconds to 1 minute until warm. Keep them covered until use.
- To assemble the fajitas, add sour cream and guacamole to the center of a warm tortilla, followed by lettuce. Add the chicken, vegetables, mushrooms, and cheese mixture, then finish with a drizzle of salsa or hot sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of chicken breast, sliced in half lengthwise
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lime (approximately 2 tablespoons)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2 large bell peppers, cored and sliced into strips
- 1 medium to large yellow onion, thickly sliced
- 1/2 pound mushrooms, thickly sliced
- 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled (or pre-cooked crumbled bacon)
- Small flour tortillas
- Pico de gallo or roasted tomato salsa
- Guacamole or diced avocado
- Sour cream
- Finely chopped lettuce
- Hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
FAQ
- How long should I marinate the chicken for the fajitas?
- Marinate the chicken for 45 minutes to 1 hour in the refrigerator, stirring midway to ensure even coating.
- What is the best way to cook the chicken for these fajitas?
- The most authentic method is grilling the chicken at medium/low heat (350°F) for 6-8 minutes per side. Alternatively, you can sauté it in a non-stick skillet until browned and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.
- Can I prepare the vegetables on the grill instead of a pan?
- Yes, if you have a grilling basket, you can grill the onions and bell peppers directly on the BBQ for a smoky flavor.
- How do I serve the mushroom jack fajitas?
- Serve the fajitas by wrapping them in warm flour tortillas, adding toppings like sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, and your choice of salsa or hot sauce.
- Is this recipe similar to the one at Chilis Restaurant?
- This recipe is a close imitation of the Mushroom Jack Chicken Fajitas from Chilis, but with less salt for a healthier option.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Slice the chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets, which allows the marinade to penetrate more deeply and enhances the flavor. Let the chicken marinate for at least 45 minutes to one hour, stirring halfway for even coating.
- Achieve Perfect Grill Marks: When grilling the chicken, rotate each piece midway through cooking to achieve those desirable grill marks, which add an authentic touch to the fajitas.
- Saute Vegetables for Depth: Sauté the mushrooms until browned before setting them aside. When cooking the onions and bell peppers, stir them every couple of minutes to ensure they sear and brown on the edges, which enhances their flavor.
- Warm Tortillas for Best Texture: To ensure your tortillas are soft and pliable, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 45 seconds to one minute. Keep them covered until you are ready to serve to maintain their warmth.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet (oven safe)
- Grilling Basket (for grilling veggies on the BBQ)
- Grill (for the most authentic cooking method)
