Grilled Chicken Fajitas from El Torito feature tender, marinated chicken strips sizzling with colorful bell peppers and onions, served with warm tortillas and fresh guacamole, delivering a vibrant and flavorful Tex-Mex experience.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Skillet or cast iron pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving platter
- Tortilla warmer or cloth
- Guacamole masher or fork
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 large onion
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 small tomato
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 small jalapeño (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped red onion
- 1 lime (for guacamole)
- Salt (for guacamole)
Fresh chicken breasts should be used for the best texture and flavor, while the blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, onion powder, and paprika creates the essential Tex-Mex marinade base. Using a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers ensures vibrant color and a balanced sweetness in the dish. When preparing your guacamole, overripe avocados can affect the taste, so choose firm but ripe ones and use fresh lime juice to prevent browning. Consider adding a small jalapeno to the guacamole if you prefer a mild kick of heat. Your grilled chicken fajitas from El Torito copycat menu will capture the authentic taste and vibrant presentation of the original when you follow these ingredient guidelines.
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts into strips.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add chicken strips to the marinade and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Slice red, yellow, and green bell peppers into strips.
- Slice onion into strips.
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill marinated chicken strips until cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from grill and set aside.
- In a skillet or cast iron pan, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced peppers and onions; sauté until slightly softened and charred, about 5–6 minutes.
- Slice grilled chicken into bite-sized strips if needed.
- Prepare guacamole: Mash avocado in a bowl, mix in chopped tomato, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), red onion, juice of 1 lime, and salt to taste.
- Warm tortillas in a tortilla warmer or wrapped in a cloth.
- Arrange grilled chicken, sautéed peppers and onions on a serving platter.
- Serve with warm tortillas and fresh guacamole.
Substitution
Grilled Chicken Fajitas from El Torito copycat menu rely on fresh bell peppers and marinated chicken to create their signature, smoky flavor. You can substitute chicken breasts with thigh meat for juicier results or use firm tofu as a vegetarian alternative. If a grill or grill pan is unavailable, a hot skillet works well to achieve a similar sear on the chicken and vegetables. For guacamole, ripe avocado can be mashed with lime juice, diced tomato, and cilantro, while jalapeno is optional for extra heat. Warm tortillas can be softened using a microwave wrapped in a damp cloth or on a dry skillet before serving.
Tips
Ensure the chicken strips are evenly coated in the marinade to maximize flavor absorption during the 30-minute marinating time. Use a grill or grill pan preheated to medium-high to achieve proper searing and retain juiciness without drying out the chicken. When sauteing the peppers and onions, cook just until softened and slightly charred to preserve their vibrant colors and crunchy texture. Your guacamole's freshness depends on immediately mashing the avocado and mixing in lime juice to prevent browning.
Nutritions
Grilled Chicken Fajitas provide a balanced mix of lean protein from boneless, skinless chicken breasts and essential vitamins and antioxidants from colorful bell peppers and onions. The olive oil and avocado contribute heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while lime juice adds vitamin C to enhance nutrient absorption. Your meal also offers dietary fiber from the fresh vegetables and guacamole, supporting digestive health. This Tex-Mex dish is both flavorful and nutrient-dense, making it a satisfying option for maintaining a healthy diet.
Storage
Store leftover grilled chicken fajitas in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. Keep the guacamole separate in a sealed container with a layer of plastic wrap pressed directly on its surface to prevent browning. Your tortillas can be wrapped in foil and stored at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for longer storage.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap boneless chicken breasts for thighs to enhance juiciness and flavor in your fajitas. If a grill isn't available, use a cast iron skillet to achieve similar charred textures on chicken and vegetables. Substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas or whole wheat wraps for a different taste and added nutrition. Replace fresh jalapeno in guacamole with a pinch of cayenne pepper to control heat and simplify preparation.
Allergies
The Grilled Chicken Fajitas from El Torito may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to ingredients such as chicken, bell peppers, onions, or gluten found in flour tortillas. The presence of avocado in the guacamole can also trigger an allergy in people with latex-fruit syndrome. You should always check ingredient labels carefully and consult with a healthcare professional if you have known food allergies.
Why this recipe?
Grilled Chicken Fajitas from El Torito restaurant captivate diners with their perfectly marinated chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and fresh onions, all sizzling together to create a mouthwatering aroma and flavor. The combination of smoky char and tender, juicy chicken offers an authentic Tex-Mex experience that stands out on the menu. Your taste buds will appreciate the balance of spices, freshness, and presentation that make this dish a favorite among El Torito patrons. Trying a copycat recipe gives you the chance to enjoy this flavorful classic at home, customizing ingredients to suit your preferences while replicating the restaurant-quality taste.