Red bell peppers and chili powder are both from the red pepper family, which is known for adding heat and spice to dishes. But they're also powerful antioxidants because of the presence of capsaicin, the ingredient that provides the heat. The stronger the pepper, the more antioxidants you'll receive. Some studies also show that red peppers can boost your metabolism, even in spice form such as chili powder. When the meal also tastes as good as this recipe for chicken fajitas, it's good news all around.
Instructions
1. Mix together 3 tbsp. lime or lemon juice, 3 tbsp. vegetable oil, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. pepper, 2 tsp. chopped jalapenos, 1 tbsp. of snipped fresh cilantro and 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper. Pour the mixture into a zipper-top plastic bag. Put the chicken breasts in the plastic bag. Set in the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours to marinate.
2. Slice your onion into thin slices. Slice your red, yellow and green peppers into thin slices. Chop your tomatoes into large chunks. Chop your green onions into half-inch slices. Snip the bunch of fresh cilantro into small pieces.
3. Mix together the 2 tbsp. mild green chili peppers, 1/4 cup taco or picante sauce, 1 tsp. chili powder and 1 tsp. paprika in a small bowl. Set aside.
4. After your chicken has marinated for at least two hours, cut it into long thin strips.
5. Set all your ingredients out for stir-frying. You will be adding them quickly, so make sure they're all close at hand and ready to slide into your frying pan.
6. Wrap your tortillas in paper towels and set them in the microwave oven, ready to heat.
7. Pour the remaining 2 tbsp. of vegetable oil into a large skillet. Heat it until a drop of water sizzles when dropped into the pan. Cook the red, yellow and green bell peppers for two minutes. Add the sliced brown or yellow onions. Cook for two minutes more. Stir frequently.
8. Add the chili powder and picante sauce mixture. Stir it in. Add the chicken strips. Cook for approximately five minutes, until chicken is cooked thoroughly but still juicy.
9. While the chicken is cooking, heat your tortillas in the microwave for one to two minutes, just until they are warm.
10. Add the green onions and tomatoes. Cook for one minute, just until the new ingredients are heated up. Remove the pan from heat immediately.
11. Fill your warm tortillas with the chicken fajitas. Garnish with sour cream, avocado slices, snipped fresh cilantro, shredded cheese and salsa, as desired. If you want, set out all these condiments for your guests to add what and as much as they choose. Enjoy your chicken fajitas!
Tags: chili powder, chicken fajitas, fresh cilantro, bell peppers, Chop your