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Mexican-Style Leftover Chicken Fajitas

Mexican-Style Leftover Chicken Fajitas

justbelieveyoucan
Transform leftover chicken breast into vibrant, flavorful Mexican-style fajitas. This easy recipe with bold spices and fresh veggies makes a perfect weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course chicken, vegetables
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 2
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 saucepan

Ingredients
  

For the fajita filling

  • 2 leftover cooked chicken breast julienne
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper julienne
  • 1 yellow bell pepper julienne
  • 1 red onion thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lime Juice
  • Fresh cilantro chopped

Spice mix

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

To serve

  • Warm flour or corn tortillas
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Avocado or guacamole
  • Salsa or hot sauce
  • Shredded cheese (optional)
  • Lime wedges

Instructions
 

Prep the veggies

  • Slice bell peppers and onions thinly. Set aside.

Sauté the veggies

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers and onions. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and char slightly.

Add garlic & spices

  • Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Toss in the chicken

  • Add the shredded leftover chicken breast to the skillet. Stir well to coat in the spices. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until heated through.

Finish with lime

  • Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and sprinkle chopped cilantro if using. Give everything a final toss.

Assemble the fajitas

  • Warm your tortillas. Fill each one with the chicken and veggie mixture, then top with your favorite toppings: avocado, sour cream, salsa, cheese — go wild!

Notes

1. Shred the Chicken for Better Texture

Shredding your leftover chicken allows it to absorb more of the spices and juices when reheated. This gives the fajitas a more flavorful and tender texture, especially when mixed with the veggies.

2. Sauté Veggies for Extra Flavor

Instead of just adding the bell peppers and onions raw, sauté them in a hot pan with a bit of olive oil. This adds caramelization, which enhances the flavor. You can even throw in some extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for a variety of textures.

3. Add a Kick with Spices

If your leftover chicken wasn’t originally seasoned for fajitas, make sure to amp up the flavor with spices like cumin, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder. Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.

4. Use Fresh Lime for Zing

A fresh squeeze of lime juice adds brightness to the fajitas and balances out the richness of the chicken and any added cheese or sour cream. Don’t skip this step!

5. Warm Tortillas Properly

For the best experience, warm your tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds on each side. This helps them stay soft, and slightly charred edges add a delicious smoky flavor.

6. Experiment with Tortilla Options

While flour tortillas are classic, you can mix it up by using corn tortillas, lettuce wraps (for a low-carb option), or even a whole grain version for a healthier take. This will help personalize your fajita experience.

7. Toppings Are Key

The toppings make a huge difference! Try adding fresh cilantro, avocado, salsa, jalapeños, or even a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. This will balance the savory flavors with freshness and creaminess.

8. Turn Them into Fajita Bowls

If you’re craving a grain-free or lower-carb option, serve the chicken and veggies over a bed of rice or quinoa for a satisfying fajita bowl. You can top it with guacamole and salsa for extra flavor.

9. Make a Double Batch

Since fajitas are such a quick and easy meal, consider making extra filling. You can use the leftovers for tacos, wraps, or even a quick fajita salad the next day.

10. Add Cheese for Extra Richness

A little shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even queso fresco) goes a long way in making your fajitas feel indulgent. Sprinkle some on top of your fajita filling before wrapping it up in your tortilla for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Keyword chicken, leftover