What To Know
- Chicken fajitas can be cooked on the grill, in a skillet, or in the oven.
- So next time you’re planning a fiesta, don’t forget to factor in the right amount of chicken per person.
- Then, store the chicken and vegetables in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Chicken fajitas are a sizzling, savory dish that’s perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a casual meal. But how much chicken do you need to make sure everyone has enough? The answer depends on a few factors, including the size of your guests’ appetites and whether you’re serving other dishes alongside the fajitas.
Appetites and Servings
As a general rule of thumb, plan for about 1/2 pound of raw chicken per person for fajitas. This will give you plenty of meat to fill the tortillas and provide a satisfying meal.
- Light eaters: 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person
- Average eaters: 1/2 to 3/4 pound per person
- Big eaters: 3/4 to 1 pound per person
Side Dishes
If you’re serving other dishes with your fajitas, such as rice, beans, or guacamole, you can reduce the amount of chicken you need per person. This is because the side dishes will help fill people up.
- With side dishes: 1/4 to 1/2 pound of chicken per person
- Without side dishes: 1/2 to 3/4 pound of chicken per person
Other Factors to Consider
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are the most popular type of chicken for fajitas. They’re easy to cook and slice thinly.
- Chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are a bit more flavorful than chicken breasts, but they can be more difficult to cut into thin strips.
- Marinated chicken: Marinating the chicken before cooking will add flavor and make it more tender.
- Cooking method: Chicken fajitas can be cooked on the grill, in a skillet, or in the oven. The cooking method you choose will affect the cooking time.
How to Cook Chicken Fajitas
1. Preheat your grill, skillet, or oven to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the chicken into thin strips.
3. If desired, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes.
4. Season the chicken with your favorite fajita seasoning.
5. Cook the chicken until it is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Serve the chicken fajitas with your favorite toppings, such as tortillas, onions, peppers, cheese, and sour cream.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Fajitas
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Cut the chicken into thin strips so that it cooks evenly.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to add flavor and tenderness.
- Season the chicken generously with fajita seasoning.
- Cook the chicken over high heat so that it gets a nice char.
- Serve the chicken fajitas immediately with your favorite toppings.
Wrap-Up: Sizzle Your Way to Success
By following these tips, you can make mouthwatering chicken fajitas that will be a hit with your guests. So next time you’re planning a fiesta, don’t forget to factor in the right amount of chicken per person.
What You Need to Know
1. How do I know when my chicken fajitas are done cooking?
The chicken is done cooking when it is cooked through and slightly charred. You can check the doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken. If the juices run clear, the chicken is done.
2. What are some good toppings for chicken fajitas?
Some popular toppings for chicken fajitas include tortillas, onions, peppers, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
3. Can I make chicken fajitas in advance?
Yes, you can make chicken fajitas in advance. Simply cook the chicken and vegetables according to the recipe. Then, store the chicken and vegetables in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and vegetables and assemble the fajitas.
