Spicy Alton Brown Fajitas Recipe with Sizzling Flavors

Alton Brown’s fajitas ignite a flavor fiesta that transforms mundane meals into culinary concerts.

His southwestern wizardry turns ordinary ingredients into sizzling sensations that tantalize taste buds.

Brown crafts each recipe with meticulous attention, blending spices and techniques like a gastronomic artist.

The magic happens through precise temperature control and strategic ingredient layering that unlock intense flavor profiles.

Marinades infuse proteins with vibrant southwestern charm, creating depth beyond basic seasoning.

Every component harmonizes to produce a symphony of taste that dances across your palate.

These fajitas aren’t just a meal; they’re a delectable journey through southwestern cuisine that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Unleash restaurant-quality magic in your own kitchen and impress everyone at the table.

Serving Suggestions for Alton Brown’s Fajitas

• Serve Alongside Fresh Companions: Pair your sizzling fajitas with Mexican-style rice or black beans for a complete, hearty meal that brings vibrant flavors to the table.
• Create Customizable Toppings Bar: Lay out small bowls filled with fresh salsa, diced onions, shredded cheese, and sliced jalapeños, allowing everyone to personalize their fajita experience with their favorite toppings.
• Roll and Wrap with Warm Tortillas: Use soft flour or corn tortillas, warmed on a skillet for added flexibility and authentic texture, making it easy to fold and enjoy each delicious bite of chicken and vegetables.
• Elevate with Zesty Drink Pairings: Complement the spicy fajitas with refreshing margaritas, Mexican beer, or a crisp agua fresca to balance the meal's bold and sizzling flavors.

Proper Storage for Leftover Fajitas

• Maximize Meal Prep: Slice chicken and chop vegetables in advance, storing separately in airtight containers for quick weeknight cooking. Refrigerate prepped ingredients up to 3 days for maximum freshness.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover fajitas in sealed containers, keeping chicken and vegetables together. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety.
• Freezing Techniques: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Fajita mixtures maintain quality for 2-3 months when properly sealed, allowing convenient future meals.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated or thawed fajitas in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. Alternatively, use microwave with 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle to distribute heat evenly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes

Total Time: 26 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 4

What’s in Alton Brown’s Fajitas

• Paprika: Choose vibrant, rich-colored paprika for deeper flavor complexity.
• Salt: Opt for kosher or sea salt to enhance natural meat taste.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides more intense, aromatic notes.
• Garlic Powder: Select high-quality, fragrant powder for robust seasoning.
• Onion Powder: Look for finely ground powder without clumps.
• Dried Oregano: Seek bright green, aromatic herbs for maximum taste.

• Chicken Breasts: Select fresh, plump cuts with minimal visible fat.
• Onion: Pick firm, glossy onions without soft spots.
• Bell Peppers: Choose crisp, brightly colored peppers with smooth skin.

• Lime: Select juicy, heavy fruits with vibrant green color.
• Tortillas: Opt for soft, fresh tortillas without cracks.
• Sour Cream: Choose thick, creamy variety.
• Pico de Gallo: Use ripe, colorful fresh ingredients.
• Guacamole: Select perfectly ripe avocados.
• Cilantro: Pick bright green, fragrant leaves without wilting.

Equipment You’ll Need for Fajitas

• Skillet (large, heavy-bottomed): Perfect for searing chicken and sautéing veggies.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for slicing chicken and vegetables.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
• Small mixing bowl: Space for blending spices thoroughly.
• Measuring spoons: Helps create consistent seasoning mix.
• Tongs: Great for flipping chicken and handling hot ingredients.
• Plate: Resting spot for cooked chicken.
• Lime squeezer (optional): Helps extract fresh juice easily.
• Serving platter: Presents delicious fajitas beautifully.

Cooking Directions for Alton Brown’s Fajitas

• Create Zesty Spice Blend

Mix paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano in a small bowl until perfectly combined, releasing a mouthwatering aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come.

• Massage and Season Chicken

Generously rub the spice mixture into chicken breasts, using fingertips to work the seasoning deep into every crevice, ensuring maximum flavor absorption and a tantalizing coating.

• Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken breasts until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender, about 7-8 minutes per side.

• Prepare Vibrant Vegetable Companions

Slice onions and colorful bell peppers into thin strips while the chicken cooks, ready to add a burst of color and fresh flavor to the dish.

• Create Fajita Magic

Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and slice into elegant diagonal strips. In the same skillet, quickly sauté the vegetables until they’re slightly caramelized and fragrant.

• Bring It All Together

Return chicken strips to the skillet, splash with fresh lime juice, and give everything a final toss to meld the flavors. Warm soft tortillas and prepare to assemble your mouthwatering fajitas.

• Serve with Flair

Pile the sizzling chicken and peppers into warm tortillas. Top with fresh pico de gallo, a dollop of creamy sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and a generous scoop of guacamole. Serve immediately while the flavors are at their peak.

Tips for Making Fajitas Flavorful

• Spice Up Your Cooking: Fajita Flavor Boosters
• Experiment with different spice blends by adding cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika to create a unique flavor profile that makes your fajitas stand out from the crowd.
• Master the Meat Technique
• Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning to ensure uniform cooking and maximum tenderness, preventing dry or tough spots in your final dish.
• Veggie Swap Magic
• Replace bell peppers with zucchini, mushrooms, or summer squash for a surprising twist that adds extra nutrition and keeps your meal exciting and fresh.
• Quick-Prep Shortcut
• Marinate chicken in the spice mixture for 30 minutes before cooking to intensify flavors and guarantee a more deeply seasoned result that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Sizzling Alton Brown Fajitas Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 26 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s fajitas blend zesty Tex-Mex flavors with perfect grilling technique. Sizzling skirt steak, peppers, and onions create a memorable meal that will satisfy hungry diners at any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (1.5 lbs or 680 g)
• ½ tbsp (7.5 ml) olive oil
• 3 bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• ½ lime
• ½ tbsp (7.5 g) chili powder
• ½ tbsp (7.5 g) ground cumin
• 1 tsp (5 g) garlic powder
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) paprika
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) oregano
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
• ¼ tsp (1.25 g) pepper
• tortillas
• sour cream
• pico de gallo
• avocado

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Combine dry spices thoroughly in a mixing container to create a vibrant fajita seasoning blend.
2. Chicken Preparation: Massage seasoning mixture comprehensively into chicken breasts, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
3. Chicken Cooking: Heat vegetable oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, then sear chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Vegetable Preparation: While chicken cooks, slice bell peppers and onions into uniform strips for consistent cooking.
5. Chicken Resting: Transfer seared chicken to a cutting board, allowing it to rest for 3-4 minutes to preserve moisture and tenderness.
6. Vegetable Sautéing: Utilize remaining chicken drippings to sauté pepper and onion strips for 4-5 minutes until slightly caramelized and tender.
7. Final Assembly: Slice chicken diagonally into thin strips, return to skillet with sautéed vegetables, splash with fresh lime juice, and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
8. Serving: Warm tortillas and plate fajitas immediately, accompanied by fresh cilantro, sour cream, pico de gallo, and guacamole for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Spice Massage Technique: Thoroughly rub seasoning into chicken to maximize flavor penetration and ensure even coating.
• Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat for perfect golden-brown crust without burning the chicken or spices.
• Resting Meat Matters: Allow chicken to rest 3-4 minutes after cooking to lock in juices and prevent dry, tough texture.
• Vegetable Cutting Trick: Slice peppers and onions in uniform strips for consistent cooking and professional-looking presentation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg