Chicken Fajitas from Uncle Julio's feature tender, marinated grilled chicken strips sizzling with colorful bell peppers and onions, served with warm flour tortillas and fresh guacamole, offering a vibrant and flavorful Tex-Mex experience.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Skillet or cast iron pan (for sizzling)
- Spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving platter
- Tortilla warmer or clean kitchen towel
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
- 1 large yellow onion
- 8-10 small flour tortillas
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 small tomato
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (for guacamole)
- Salt (for guacamole)
- Black pepper (for guacamole)
Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures tenderness while marinating them with lime juice, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce enhances flavor and juiciness. The combination of chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder delivers the signature Tex-Mex taste that defines Uncle Julio's Chicken Fajitas. Fresh bell peppers and onions should be sliced evenly for consistent cooking and vibrant presentation. When preparing guacamole, ripe avocados and a touch of lime juice help maintain the creamy texture and prevent browning. Your Chicken Fajitas from Uncle Julio's copycat menu bring the authentic sizzling experience to your home kitchen, capturing its bold, flavorful essence.
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts into strips.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Add chicken strips to marinade; toss to coat.
- Cover and marinate chicken in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Slice bell peppers and onion into strips.
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill marinated chicken strips until cooked through; set aside.
- Grill or sauté bell peppers and onions until tender and lightly charred.
- For guacamole: Mash avocados in a bowl.
- Add diced tomato, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño, diced red onion, lime juice, salt, and black pepper to avocados; mix well.
- Warm flour tortillas in tortilla warmer or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.
- Serve grilled chicken, peppers, and onions on a platter.
- Garnish with fresh guacamole and serve with warm tortillas.
Substitution
Chicken Fajitas from Uncle Julio's copycat menu are often made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated in a blend of lime juice, soy sauce, and spices to ensure tender and flavorful grilled strips. If chicken breasts are unavailable, you can substitute boneless chicken thighs for juicier meat without losing the dish's authentic Tex-Mex taste. Bell peppers and onions should be sliced evenly for even cooking on a grill pan or cast iron skillet, with tongs used to toss and sizzle the ingredients properly. For guacamole, ripe avocados can be mashed and mixed with lime juice, cilantro, jalapeno, tomato, and red onion, adjusting seasoning to your preference. Warm the flour tortillas in a tortilla warmer or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft and pliable before serving.
Tips
Ensure chicken strips are evenly cut to guarantee uniform cooking and use a meat thermometer to confirm they reach an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC). Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor and tenderness, so avoid rushing this step. Use medium-high heat on your grill or cast iron pan to achieve a nice sear on the chicken and vegetables without burning them. When preparing guacamole, add fresh lime juice directly before serving to prevent browning and maintain vibrant color for your dish.
Nutritions
Chicken Fajitas from Uncle Julio's deliver a balanced combination of protein from boneless, skinless chicken breasts and healthy fats from ripe avocados in the guacamole. The dish is rich in antioxidants and vitamins thanks to colorful bell peppers, onions, and fresh lime juice incorporated in the marinade and sides. Your meal also provides fiber and essential minerals, supporting digestion and overall health. This Tex-Mex favorite offers a nutrient-dense option that fuels your body while delighting your taste buds.
Storage
Store leftover chicken fajitas in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness for up to 3-4 days. Keep guacamole separate in a sealed container with a layer of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to minimize browning. Warm tortillas wrapped in a damp paper towel can be stored in a sealed plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for longer.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation in protein, substitute boneless chicken breasts with skirt steak or shrimp to add a different texture and flavor while maintaining the fajita's Tex-Mex essence. You can swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas to accommodate gluten-free preferences or add a smoky depth by cooking the vegetables and protein over charcoal. Incorporate sliced poblano peppers or add a splash of tequila to the marinade for an extra kick. When preparing guacamole, blend in roasted garlic or chipotle for a smoky, spicy twist that complements your fajitas beautifully.
Allergies
Chicken Fajitas from Uncle Julio's contain soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, which may include allergens such as soy and fish. The flour tortillas contain gluten, a common allergen for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. You should be cautious if you have allergies to soy, gluten, or any ingredients like bell peppers and onions, which can also cause reactions in some individuals.
Why this recipe?
Chicken Fajitas from Uncle Julio's restaurant are popular for their tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection, combined with vibrant sauteed bell peppers and onions, creating a flavorful and authentic Tex-Mex experience. You can enjoy a balanced mix of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors that keep diners coming back for more. Trying to make the copycat version at home allows you to customize ingredients to your taste while recreating the restaurant's signature zest. Replicating this dish offers a delicious way to bring a favorite dining experience into your own kitchen.