Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into an explosive culinary adventure! These Jerk Chicken Fajitas with Papaya Pineapple Salsa aren't just a meal—they're a vibrant journey through Caribbean and Mexican flavor landscapes. Imagine tender, spicy jerk-seasoned chicken nestled in warm tortillas, crowned with a refreshing tropical salsa that bursts with sweet and tangy notes. This recipe promises to transport you from your kitchen to a sun-soaked beach with every single bite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken breast, sliced
- Jerk seasoning
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Onion, sliced
- Tortillas
- Papaya, diced
- Pineapple, diced
- Lime juice
- Cilantro, chopped
- Salt
Instructions
- Marinate sliced chicken breast with jerk seasoning for at least 15 minutes at room temperature to enhance flavor absorption.
- Prepare the papaya pineapple salsa by combining diced papaya, diced pineapple, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix gently and set aside to let flavors meld.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat with a light coating of oil.
- Add marinated chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and fully cooked with internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté sliced bell peppers and onions until they are slightly charred and tender, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Warm tortillas in a separate pan or microwave for 20-30 seconds until soft and pliable.
- Assemble fajitas by placing cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables in tortillas, then top generously with papaya pineapple salsa.
- Serve immediately while ingredients are hot, with additional lime wedges and cilantro for garnish if desired.
Tips
- Marination is Key: Allow chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes, but for maximum flavor, consider marinating for 2-4 hours in the refrigerator.
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding chicken to achieve that perfect golden-brown sear.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook chicken and vegetables in batches if needed to maintain high heat and prevent steaming.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh lime juice and cilantro for the salsa to enhance its bright, zesty flavor profile.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust jerk seasoning intensity based on your spice tolerance—start mild and build up.
- Tortilla Pro Tip: Warm tortillas just before serving to keep them soft and prevent cracking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
