Combination Fajitas from Pappasito's Cantina feature a sizzling mix of tender grilled chicken, juicy beef, and sauteed bell peppers and onions, served with warm flour tortillas, fresh guacamole, and zesty salsa for a vibrant and flavorful Tex-Mex experience.
Equipments
- Grill
- Grill tongs
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Saute pan or cast iron skillet
- Spatula
- Mixing bowls
- Serving platters
- Tortilla warmer or towel
- Small bowls (for guacamole and salsa)
- Citrus juicer (optional, for garnishes)
- Spoons (for serving guacamole and salsa)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 lb (450g) skirt steak or flank steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 large yellow onion
- 8–10 flour tortillas
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 small tomato
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 small jalapeno
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1–2 limes
- Salt (for guacamole and salsa)
- 1 cup prepared salsa
- Optional: sour cream
- Optional: shredded cheese
- Optional: fresh cilantro (garnish)
When preparing Combination Fajitas, select fresh, high-quality chicken breast and skirt or flank steak to ensure tenderness and flavor. Use ripe avocados for creamy guacamole and choose colorful bell peppers to enhance the visual appeal and taste. Adjust chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to suit your preferred spice level and flavor intensity. Fresh lime juice brightens both the meat marinade and salsa, so use freshly squeezed juice whenever possible. Your dish will closely replicate the vibrant and flavorful Combination Fajitas from Pappasito's Cantina copycat menu when these ingredient tips are followed carefully.
Instructions
- Trim and slice chicken breast and steak into thin strips.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt to make marinade.
- Marinate chicken and steak strips for at least 30 minutes.
- Slice bell peppers and onion into thin strips.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken and steak strips until cooked through and slightly charred, turning with grill tongs.
- Remove grilled meat and let rest, then slice if needed.
- In a sauté pan or cast iron skillet, heat olive oil and sauté sliced bell peppers and onions until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Warm flour tortillas in a tortilla warmer or wrapped in a towel.
- Mash avocados in a mixing bowl; mix with diced tomato, chopped cilantro, finely diced red onion, lime juice, salt, and diced jalapeño for guacamole.
- Transfer guacamole and salsa into small bowls for serving.
- Arrange grilled meats, sautéed peppers & onions on serving platters.
- Serve with warm tortillas, guacamole, salsa, and optional sides (sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro).
- Enjoy immediately while sizzling hot.
Substitution
Combination Fajitas from Pappasito's Cantina bring together grilled chicken, beef, and sauteed peppers with classic Tex-Mex accompaniments. If skirt steak or flank steak is unavailable, substitute with sirloin or ribeye for similar flavor and tenderness. You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts to add moisture and a richer taste. Fresh bell peppers can be replaced with poblano peppers or a mix of colorful sweet peppers to vary heat and texture. Warm corn tortillas are a great alternative to flour for a gluten-free option or to add authentic regional flair.
Tips
Make sure to marinate the chicken and steak strips for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor and tenderness. When grilling, maintain medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the grill to ensure even cooking and proper charring. Allow the grilled meat to rest briefly before slicing to retain juiciness and prevent dryness. Warm your tortillas just before serving to keep them soft and pliable for wrapping your fajitas.
Nutritions
Your Combination Fajitas from Pappasito's Cantina offer a balanced meal rich in protein from the grilled chicken breast and skirt steak, essential for muscle repair and growth. The sauteed bell peppers and onions provide dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that support immune health. Healthy fats and potassium are plentiful in the fresh guacamole made from ripe avocados, promoting heart health and electrolyte balance. Flour tortillas add carbohydrates for energy, making this vibrant Tex-Mex dish both nutritious and satisfying.
Storage
Store leftover grilled chicken, steak, and sauteed vegetables in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Keep guacamole stored in a sealed container with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly on its surface to prevent browning and refrigerate for up to 1-2 days. Warm tortillas separately in a low-temperature oven or microwave before serving to retain softness and prevent drying out.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute skirt steak with skirt steak alternatives like ribeye or sirloin for a richer flavor profile in your fajitas. Instead of grilling, try cooking the chicken and beef in a hot cast iron skillet to achieve a delicious sear when a grill is unavailable. For a twist on your guacamole, add diced mango or pineapple for a subtle sweetness that complements the spices. Using corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas offers a gluten-free option while enhancing the authentic Tex-Mex experience.
Allergies
Your Combination Fajitas from Pappasito's Cantina contain common allergens such as wheat found in the flour tortillas, dairy if sour cream or shredded cheese is added, and potentially avocado which can cause reactions in sensitive individuals. The use of bell peppers, onions, and jalapeno may also trigger allergies or sensitivities for some people. Be cautious if you have known food allergies and confirm ingredient specifics with the restaurant to avoid adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
The Combination Fajitas menu from Pappasito's Cantina offers a flavorful blend of sizzling grilled meats like steak, chicken, and shrimp, paired with fresh vegetables and warm tortillas. Its distinctive Tex-Mex spices and sizzling presentation create an authentic dining experience that appeals to fans of bold and vibrant flavors. You can recreate this dish at home to enjoy the same satisfying taste while customizing spice levels and ingredients to your preference. Making a copycat version is worth it for the opportunity to savor restaurant-quality fajitas tailored exactly to your liking.