It’s All About the Spice

Growing up, we always used to use seasoning packets for home-cooked fajitas. The problem with this is that there’s almost always added chemicals and/or added sugars in these packets. You might be surprised to realize how common it still is to sneak MSG into foods. Food companies disguise MSG on the ingredient list by using unrecognizable names like glutamic acid.

It’s surprisingly easy to make your own spice mix that tastes even better than the store-bought variety. This is why I love this Fajitas from Scratch recipe.

It’s easy to adjust the recipe for more or less spice by how many jalapeños (or even red pepper flakes) you add to the dish. Sometimes when I’m craving something extra strong, I’ll add 3 jalapenos and 3 serrano peppers.

If you’re not sure how much spice to add, red pepper flakes are a great option that give you flexibility. You can add them during the cooking process, or even later after it’s cooked, so you can taste-test and adjust accordingly.

Spice level is a very subjective and personal thing, and it’s great to experiment with a dish to find the optimal level of spice. As a general rule, start with 3 jalapenos, and if this isn’t spicy enough, experiment with adding serrano peppers (2-4 times spicier than jalapenos).

For those who are trying to reduce their sugar intake, I find that the more spice and flavor I add to my dishes, the less I’m craving sugar and dessert afterwards. It’s a great trick for satiety!

Seasoning Mix

• 2 Tbs Olive Oil
• 3 tsp Chili Powder
• 1.5 tsp Paprika
• 3/4 tsp Cumin
• 1.5 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1.5 tsp Onion Powder
• 1.5 tsp Salt
• 3/4 tsp Pepper

Fajitas

• 1 – 1.5 lbs Chicken Breasts, tenders, or boneless thighs (1 average sized store bought package)
• 3 Large Bell Peppers – different colors if possible
• 3 Jalapeños
• 1 White Onion
• 2 Tbs Olive Oil
• Lettuce Cups

Optional Ingredients

• Avocado (or Guacamole)
• Chopped Tomatoes or Pico de Gallo (salsa)
• Cilantro
• Lime slices
• Corn Tortillas
• Red Pepper Flakes (for added spice)

1. Slice or chop the peppers, and the onion. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Mix together in a large bowl with 2 Tbs Olive oil.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees and set for 16 minutes (or heat large pan at medium-high heat with 1 Tbs olive oil)
3. In a separate, smaller bowl, mis the seasoning ingredients. Slowly mix the seasoning mixture into the large bowl with chicken and veggies, in 2-3 batches.
4. Put half of the ingredients in the air fryer and heat for 16 minutes, opening to stir every 5 minutes. (for pan sautéing, stir occasionally for 10 minutes, or until chicken is done).
5. While the fajitas are cooking, prepare the rest of the ingredients. Chop/slice optional ingredients: avocado, tomatoes, limes, etc. If using tortillas, quickly heat them individually on a pan over medium heat, and cover.
6. When the first batch of fajita mix is done, immediately replace with the second batch for the same cooking time.
7. Serve the fajita mix on lettuce cups or tortillas, with any additional toppings. Enjoy!