Save Time And Stress: Learn How To Prepare Chicken Fajitas Ahead Of Time
What To Know
- In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, from marinating the chicken to assembling the fajitas.
- You can cook the chicken on the stovetop, in the oven, or on the grill.
- You can reheat chicken fajitas in the microwave or in the oven.
Chicken fajitas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. But who has time to cook a meal from scratch on a busy weeknight? That’s where meal prep comes in. By preparing your chicken fajitas ahead of time, you can save yourself time and stress, and still enjoy a tasty and satisfying meal.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, from marinating the chicken to assembling the fajitas. We’ll also provide tips on how to store and reheat your fajitas so they taste just as good as they did when you first made them.
Marinating the Chicken
The first step in making chicken fajitas is to marinate the chicken. This will help to flavor the chicken and make it more tender. There are many different marinades you can use, but a simple combination of olive oil, lime juice, cumin, and chili powder is always a winner.
To marinate the chicken, simply place it in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Add the marinade ingredients and stir to coat. Cover the bowl or bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
Cooking the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook it. You can cook the chicken on the stovetop, in the oven, or on the grill.
Stovetop: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
Oven: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Slicing the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful fajitas.
To slice the chicken, use a sharp knife to cut it into thin strips against the grain.
Sautéing the Vegetables
While the chicken is resting, sauté the vegetables that will go in your fajitas. This typically includes onions, bell peppers, and jalapeños.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil and the vegetables. Cook until the vegetables are softened and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Assembling the Fajitas
Now it’s time to assemble the fajitas. Place a tortilla on a plate and top with the chicken, vegetables, and any other toppings you desire. Some popular toppings include cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
Roll up the fajitas and enjoy!
Storing and Reheating Chicken Fajitas
Chicken fajitas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the fajitas on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the fajitas in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10-15 minutes.
Tips for Making Chicken Fajitas Ahead of Time
Here are a few tips for making chicken fajitas ahead of time:
- Marinate the chicken overnight. This will give the chicken more time to absorb the flavors of the marinade.
- Cook the chicken ahead of time. You can cook the chicken up to 3 days in advance. Just let it cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator.
- Sauté the vegetables ahead of time. You can sauté the vegetables up to 2 days in advance. Just let them cool completely before storing them in the refrigerator.
- Assemble the fajitas the day of. This will help to prevent the tortillas from getting soggy.
Top Questions Asked
Q: How long can I store chicken fajitas in the refrigerator?
A: Chicken fajitas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze chicken fajitas?
A: Yes, you can freeze chicken fajitas. Just let them cool completely before freezing them in an airtight container. Frozen chicken fajitas can be stored for up to 2 months.
Q: How do I reheat chicken fajitas?
A: You can reheat chicken fajitas in the microwave or in the oven. To reheat in the microwave, place the fajitas on a plate and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat in the oven, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and bake the fajitas for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.