Healthy Chicken Fajitas: A High Protein Dinner Option
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious dinner that also packs a hefty protein punch, look no further than chicken fajitas. This Mexican favorite can easily be customized to fit your nutritional needs.
By choosing high protein ingredients and smart cooking methods, you can make chicken fajitas that keep you feeling full and satisfied all evening. In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to maximize the protein content in traditional chicken fajitas for a hearty, healthy dinner.
Benefits of High Protein Chicken Fajitas
What makes chicken fajitas an excellent high protein meal choice?
For starters, chicken breast provides a whopping 27g of protein per 3oz serving. That alone gives you an incredible protein base for this dish.
Beyond that, using supplemental ingredients like Greek yogurt, beans, cheese, and avocado adds even more muscle-building amino acids per serving.
The combo of lean protein and fiber-rich veggies also helps regulate blood sugar. This prevents energy crashes later and curbs cravings for sugary treats after dinner.
High protein meals may even give your metabolism a little boost thanks to the thermic effect of food. Your body burns extra calories by breaking down all that protein.
Finally, the flavorful mix of spices and texture contrasts make chicken fajitas a meal the whole family will devour. You’ll look forward to these satisfying fajitas every time!
Now let’s get into the step-by-step method for making perfectly protein-packed fajitas at home.
Ingredients for High Protein Chicken Fajitas:
To make 4 servings, you’ll need:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 red bell pepper
1 green bell pepper
1 yellow onion
2 cloves garlic
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp smoked paprika
Juice from 1 lime
8 small whole wheat tortillas
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup crumbled feta or shredded cheddar cheese
1 avocado, sliced or diced
Feel free to add any other favorite veggies like mushrooms or zucchini too!
Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for amazing chicken fajitas:
Slice the chicken breasts into 1-inch strips. Set aside in a bowl.
Thinly slice the bell peppers and onion. Mince the garlic.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Once hot, add the sliced peppers and onions. Cook for 3–4 minutes until starting to soften.
Push veggies to the side. Add chicken strips to the skillet and sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika.
Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
Add the minced garlic and cook another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Squeeze fresh lime juice over everything. Combine all ingredients in a skillet.
Warm the tortillas in a separate skillet or microwave.
Serve the chicken and veggie mix on warmed tortillas. Top with Greek yogurt, cheese, and avocado.
And just like that, you have hearty high protein chicken fajitas ready in 30 minutes!
Cooking Tips
Use a grill pan or outdoor grill for delicious charred flavor.
Swap feta for cotija cheese, a Mexican crumble.
Replace tortillas with lettuce wraps for lower carb.
Make extras for lunches or meal prep. Reheats excellently!
Buy pre-sliced veggies at the store to save chopping time.
Cook in a cast iron skillet for deeper flavor.
Play with different spice combos like taco seasoning or cajun rub.
Add beans, rice or roasted veggies for extra protein and nutrition.
With these simple high protein fajitas, you can feel good fueling your body and appetites. Now you have an easy go-to dinner idea that packs about 40g of protein per serving!