If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor, look no further than Skillet Creamy Green Chile Chicken Fajitas. This dish brings together tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy sauce that coats every bite, making it an instant favorite for family dinners or casual gatherings. With just one pan, you can create a hearty meal that’s perfect for wrapping in warm tortillas and garnishing with fresh lime juice, cilantro, and creamy avocado. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe!
Why This Recipe Works
The brilliance of Skillet Creamy Green Chile Chicken Fajitas lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor it provides. The combination of spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin gives the chicken a smoky, zesty kick, while the addition of cream cheese and salsa verde creates a luscious, creamy sauce that binds everything together. Not only is this dish incredibly tasty, but it’s also quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
Ingredient Notes
- Extra virgin olive oil: This healthy oil is perfect for sautéing and adds richness to the dish.
- Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Thinly sliced chicken cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Chili powder: Provides a warm, spicy base flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Garlic powder: For a hint of garlicky goodness without the hassle of fresh garlic.
- Ground cumin: Brings an earthy, warm note to the dish.
- Yellow onion: Sweet and aromatic, it caramelizes beautifully in the skillet.
- Bell peppers: A mix of colors adds sweetness and crunch.
- Poblano pepper: Offers a mild heat and rich flavor.
- Fresh or frozen corn: Sweet corn adds a lovely texture and sweetness to the dish.
- Salsa verde: This green salsa brings tanginess and depth, perfectly complementing the chicken.
- Cream cheese: Creates the creamy sauce that binds all the ingredients together.
- Shredded pepper jack cheese: Melts beautifully for a cheesy finish.
- Tortillas: Perfect for wrapping up the delicious filling.
- Lime juice, cilantro, and avocado: Essential garnishes that elevate the dish and add freshness.
Equipment at a Glance
- Large skillet: A heavy-bottomed pan works best for even cooking.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Knife and cutting board: To slice the chicken and vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
The Method for Skillet Creamy Green Chile Chicken Fajitas.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
Begin by thinly slicing the boneless chicken breasts or thighs. This ensures even cooking and quick preparation. Next, wash and slice the yellow onion, bell peppers, and poblano pepper, setting them aside for later.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and ground cumin. Toss to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and starts to brown.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Add the sliced onion, bell peppers, and poblano pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Step 5: Incorporate the Corn and Salsa Verde
Stir in the corn and salsa verde, mixing well to combine. Allow the mixture to cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Step 6: Cream It Up
Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy sauce that envelops the chicken and vegetables.
Step 7: Finish with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded pepper jack cheese over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
Step 8: Serve
Warm your tortillas in a separate pan or microwave. Serve the creamy chicken fajita mixture in the tortillas, garnished with fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and sliced avocado.
Tailor It to Your Diet
- Low-carb option: Serve the fajita mixture over a bed of lettuce or cauliflower rice instead of tortillas.
- Dairy-free: Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese.
- Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Vegetarian version: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a mix of your favorite vegetables.
Behind the Recipe
The inspiration for Skillet Creamy Green Chile Chicken Fajitas comes from the vibrant flavors of traditional fajitas, with a creamy twist that takes it to another level. The use of salsa verde not only adds a delicious tang but also makes the cooking process simpler, allowing you to skip making a separate sauce. The combination of spices brings depth and warmth, making this dish a comforting option for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these fajitas are sure to impress.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
To store leftovers, keep the fajita mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you’d like to freeze the mixture, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the skillet before serving.
Ask & Learn
Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with turkey, beef, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.
What can I serve with Skillet Creamy Green Chile Chicken Fajitas?
These fajitas pair wonderfully with sides like Cheesy Chicken And Rice Stuffed Peppers or a fresh salad topped with avocado and lime dressing.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance, storing them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook and combine as directed.
What if I don’t have salsa verde?
If you don’t have salsa verde, you can substitute it with your favorite green salsa or make your own by blending tomatillos, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños.
In Closing
If you’re searching for a flavorful and creamy dish that’s easy to prepare, Skillet Creamy Green Chile Chicken Fajitas is the answer. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. So gather your ingredients, fire up that skillet, and get ready to savor every delicious bite!
Skillet Creamy Green Chile Chicken Fajitas.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by thinly slicing the boneless chicken breasts or thighs. This ensures even cooking and quick preparation. Next, wash and slice the yellow onion, bell peppers, and poblano pepper, setting them aside for later.
- In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and ground cumin. Toss to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
- In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and starts to brown.
- Add the sliced onion, bell peppers, and poblano pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Stir in the corn and salsa verde, mixing well to combine. Allow the mixture to cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy sauce that envelops the chicken and vegetables.
- Sprinkle the shredded pepper jack cheese over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Warm your tortillas in a separate pan or microwave. Serve the creamy chicken fajita mixture in the tortillas, garnished with fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and sliced avocado.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, serve the fajita mixture over lettuce or cauliflower rice instead of tortillas.
- Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative for a dairy-free version.
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
