There’s nothing quite like a “nothing planned” weekend. Those cherished days when you wake up without the usual rush, free from the pressure of a packed schedule. While true, uninterrupted relaxation might be a rare luxury with little ones around, these weekends offer a wonderful opportunity to slow down, connect with family, and enjoy the simple pleasures of home. For us, that often means gathering in the kitchen to create a delicious, comforting meal that brings everyone together.

This past weekend was exactly that—a perfect blend of impromptu activities and a delightful home-cooked feast. When the craving for vibrant, flavorful Tex-Mex hits, especially on a laid-back Saturday night, homemade fajitas are an absolute winner. They are not only incredibly tasty but also offer a fun, interactive dining experience that’s perfect for casual entertaining or a cozy family dinner.

Recently, I was thrilled to receive a cast iron Fajita Set from Katom Restaurant Supply. Having always enjoyed the sizzling presentation of fajitas at restaurants, the idea of replicating that experience at home was incredibly appealing. This high-quality set proved to be the perfect addition to our kitchen, transforming our Saturday night dinner into a truly special occasion. As luck would have it, my brother and a friend dropped by, turning our planned family meal into an impromptu get-together. The fajitas were an ideal, fuss-free option for the guys to enjoy while catching the Orlando Magic game, proving just how versatile and crowd-pleasing this dish can be.

The Katom Fajita Set is a fantastic piece of equipment, truly designed for both functionality and aesthetic appeal. It includes a sturdy 10×7 oval griddle, which is perfectly sized for individual or shared servings, ensuring your fajitas stay piping hot from the oven to the table. Complementing the griddle is a vibrant chili red wooden underliner, protecting your surfaces while adding a festive touch. And for safety and convenience, it comes with a charming chili pepper handle mitt, making it easy to transfer the scorching hot griddle. Beyond the hardware, the set also provides user-friendly instructions and a selection of recipes, encouraging culinary experimentation. It’s everything you need to serve hot, truly sizzling fajitas, making every meal feel like a restaurant experience right in your own kitchen!

The beauty of a cast iron griddle for fajitas lies in its exceptional heat retention. Once heated, it stays hot, allowing the chicken and vegetables to continue sizzling at the table, releasing those irresistible aromas and flavors. This isn’t just about showmanship; it’s about delivering an authentic fajita experience where every bite is as warm and delicious as the first. The robust nature of cast iron also means it’s incredibly durable and, with proper care, will last a lifetime, becoming a beloved part of your kitchen arsenal.

For those passionate about cooking and entertaining, Katom Restaurant Supply’s website is an absolute treasure trove. They offer an extensive selection of restaurant-grade and home kitchen equipment, from specialized cookware like this fajita set to larger appliances. If you love to host gatherings and impress your guests, you’ll find an array of high-quality serving items and innovative tools that can elevate any party or family meal. Their commitment to durability and professional-grade performance means that whatever you choose, it’s an investment in your culinary adventures.

Now, let’s dive into the star of the show: these incredibly flavorful chicken fajitas. The secret to truly spectacular fajitas lies in the marinade, which infuses the chicken with a deep, aromatic flavor profile and helps tenderize it. My recipe uses a blend of classic Tex-Mex spices, but feel free to adjust them to your personal preference for heat and smokiness.

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It’s Fajita Night!

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  Author: Aggie’s Kitchen
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  Category: Chicken
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  Method: Oven/Grill/Stovetop

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These homemade chicken fajitas are packed with flavor thanks to a robust spice marinade and perfectly cooked bell peppers and onions. Served hot and sizzling, they’re perfect for a fun family dinner or casual entertaining. Adjust the spice levels to your preference and enjoy assembling your own delicious wraps!

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Ingredients

For Marinade:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 – 2 lbs total)
1 TB chili powder (for a warm, earthy base)
1 TB smoked paprika (adds depth and a beautiful color)
1 TB pasilla chili powder (for a milder, slightly sweet heat; can substitute with more regular chili powder or ancho chili powder)
1 TB garlic powder
3 TB diced fire-roasted green chiles (I use these, they add a fantastic smoky tang)
Pinch of salt and pepper, to taste
2–3 TB olive oil

For Fajitas:
2 large red or green bell peppers, sliced into thin strips (or a mix for color)
1 large onion, sliced
Fresh limes, for serving

Serving Suggestions:
Warm flour or whole wheat tortillas
Guacamole, optional (but highly recommended!)
Pico de Gallo, optional
Salsa, optional
Sour Cream or Greek yogurt, optional
Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack), optional
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Pickled jalapeños, optional (for an extra kick)

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Instructions

• Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts with chili powders (regular, smoked paprika, and pasilla for layered flavor), garlic powder, chopped fire-roasted green chilies, and olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Using tongs or your hands, toss the chicken breasts until they are thoroughly coated in the marinade. For best results and maximum flavor penetration, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least an hour. Ideally, allow it to marinate for 2-4 hours, or even overnight for a deeper flavor profile.
• Preheat Fajita Skillet: About 20-30 minutes before you plan to serve, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Place your cast iron fajita skillet (without the wooden underliner) directly onto a rack on the lowest setting in the hot oven. This will ensure it gets exceptionally hot, ready to create that signature sizzle when your ingredients are added. Keep it in the hot oven until just before serving the fajitas.
• Cook the Chicken: While the fajita skillet is heating in the oven, cook your marinated chicken. Heat a grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on their thickness, until they are thoroughly cooked through and have nice char marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and allow it to rest for at least 5-10 minutes. Resting the chicken is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
• Sauté the Vegetables: In a large, hot nonstick skillet (separate from your cast iron fajita griddle), add about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened but still retain a slight crispness. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You want them to have a little color and be tender-crisp for the best texture in your fajitas.
• Assemble and Serve Sizzling Fajitas: Once the chicken has rested, slice it into long, thin strips, perfect for wrapping in tortillas. When you are ready to serve, carefully remove the preheated fajita griddle from the oven using the hot handle holder. Immediately place it onto its wooden underliner to protect your table. Add a few drops of olive oil to the extremely hot skillet – this will help create that signature sizzle! Quickly add the sliced chicken, sautéed peppers, and onions to the hot griddle. Toss them briefly to combine and heat through. Finally, squeeze the juice of half a fresh lime over the chicken and veggies for a burst of bright, tangy flavor. Serve immediately with warm tortillas and your choice of delicious toppings. Enjoy the irresistible aroma and sizzle!

Serving fajitas is all about customization and personal preference. Beyond the classic toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa, sour cream, and shredded cheese, consider adding fresh chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of queso fresco, or even some thinly sliced radishes for an extra crunch. For those who love a bit more heat, a dash of your favorite hot sauce or some pickled jalapeños can really elevate the experience. Warm tortillas are key, whether you prefer flour or whole wheat; simply heat them in a dry skillet, microwave, or wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven for a few minutes.