Chicken Fajitas

Although in Mexico the word “fajitas” refers to a specific cut of beef, the term has come to describe a combination of sizzling chicken with pepper and onion, wrapped in a tortilla. The dish has very little fat, but lots of fresh flavours.

Preparation Time: 30 mins
Cooking Time: 20 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients

400 g chicken breasts, cut into strips
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon mild chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
Grated rind and juice of ½ orange
Juice of ½ lemon
2 tablespoons sunflower oil
1 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped
2 green peppers, seeded and thinly sliced lengthwise
2 onions, thinly sliced lengthwise
8 flour tortillas
Sprigs fresh coriander to garnish
½ cup extra-light sour cream
Tomato salsa
4 green onions, thinly sliced
120 g ripe tomatoes, diced
1 medium-hot green chili, seeded and chopped, or to taste
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 garlic cloves, chopped
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste
Pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a bowl combine the chicken with the garlic, cumin, chili, paprika, oregano, orange rind and juice, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon oil and 4 tablespoons coriander. Mix well so that all the chicken strips are coated, then leave to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or while you prepare the rest of the dish.
2. For the salsa, combine all the ingredients. Add the remaining chopped coriander and mix.
3. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Heat a heavy-based frying pan until very hot. Brush with the remaining oil. Add the green peppers and onions and cook for 6–8 minutes or until tender and lightly charred (do this in batches, if necessary). Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Wrap the tortillas, stacked up, in foil to keep warm. Meanwhile, preheat the broiler. Spread out the chicken in a shallow layer in the broiler pan. Broil close to the heat, turning once or twice, until thoroughly cooked.
5. To serve, divide the chicken, onions and pepper among the warm tortillas and roll up. Garnish with sprigs of coriander and serve with the salsa and sour cream. Or serve the ingredients separately, with the tortillas wrapped in a cloth to keep them warm, and let your guests make their own fajitas.

If you've got a craving for a spicy dish, try out this recipe for Spicy Chicken Tostadas or Hot and Spicy Black Bean Dip.

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