Chicken fajita meal prep done in 40 minutes

Chicken fajita meal prep done in 40 minutes is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 5. 560 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Jack Ovens on YouTube.

Prep: 55 min | Cook: 18 min | Total: 1 hr 28 min

Cost: $17.12 total, $3.42 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp Paprika (for fajita spice mix)
  • 2 tsp Onion Powder (for fajita spice mix)
  • 2 tsp Garlic Powder (for fajita spice mix)
  • 2 tsp Ground Cumin (for fajita spice mix)
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder (for fajita spice mix)
  • 2 tsp Cornstarch (helps coat chicken and veggies)
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt Flakes (for fajita spice mix and seasoning)
  • 2 medium Yellow or Brown Onion (peeled, tip and root removed, thinly sliced)
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (seeded, sliced into strips)
  • 1 medium Yellow Bell Pepper (seeded, sliced into strips)
  • 1 kg Chicken Breast (butterflied and sliced into strips across the grain)
  • 5 g Fresh Oregano (can substitute 1.5 tsp dried oregano)
  • 0.25 large Red Onion (thinly sliced then diced for guacamole)
  • 1 large Large Tomato (sliced then diced for guacamole)
  • 1 whole Jalapeno (half used in guacamole, half in bean mix)
  • 10 g Cilantro (Coriander) (roughly chopped; 5 g for guacamole, 5 g for bean mix)
  • 1 large Lime (juice divided between guacamole and bean mix)
  • 1 large Ripe Avocado (mashed chunky, pinch of sea salt added)
  • 2 whole Garlic Cloves (grated into a paste for bean mix)
  • 4 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin; 1 tbsp for beans, 1 tbsp for chicken/veg, 0.5 tsp for topping)
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin (for bean mix)
  • 800 g Black Beans (canned, drained, rinsed (≈2 cans))
  • 180 ml Chicken or Vegetable Stock (low‑sodium, adds depth to bean mix)
  • 2.5 ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil (0.5 tsp per container to prevent guacamole oxidation)

Instructions

  1. Make Fajita Spice Mix

    In a small bowl combine paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, chili powder, cornstarch, and sea salt flakes. Stir until evenly blended.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Slice Onions and Bell Peppers

    Peel the onions, cut off tip and root, then slice each onion in half and thinly slice into half‑moon strips. Core and seed the bell peppers, then slice into even strips.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Season Vegetables

    Place the sliced onions and peppers in a large bowl, add half of the fajita spice mix, and toss with clean hands until evenly coated. Cover and let rest for at least 10 minutes (or up to 24 h).

    Time: PT5M

  4. Prepare and Season Chicken

    Butterfly the chicken breasts, slice them across the grain into thin strips. Place in a separate bowl, add the remaining fajita spice mix, fresh (or dried) oregano, and toss until fully coated. Cover and let rest for at least 10 minutes (or up to 24 h).

    Time: PT10M

  5. Make Chunky Guacamole (Optional)

    Dice the red onion, tomato, and half of the jalapeño. Roughly chop cilantro. Juice half of the lime. In a bowl, mash the avocado with a pinch of sea salt, then fold in the diced vegetables, cilantro, remaining jalapeño, and lime juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.

    Time: PT15M

  6. Prep Black Bean Mix Ingredients

    Grate the garlic cloves on a microplane to form a paste. Roughly chop the remaining cilantro. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Cook Black Bean & Cilantro‑Lime Mix

    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium‑high heat. Add garlic paste, the remaining half of the jalapeño, 1 tsp ground cumin, and a pinch of sea salt; sauté 45 seconds. Add the drained black beans and stock, stir, bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer 3 minutes. Lightly mash the beans with a potato masher, cook another minute, then stir in the remaining lime juice and chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning and remove from heat.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  8. Sauté Vegetables and Cook Chicken

    In a large skillet over medium‑high heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Add the marinated onion‑pepper mix and sauté 3 minutes until onions become translucent. Add the seasoned chicken strips, breaking them up as they cook. Continue to stir‑fry for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.

    Time: PT13M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  9. Portion and Finish

    Divide the chicken‑vegetable fajita mix and the black bean cilantro‑lime mix into five 1‑liter containers, placing each component on opposite sides. Add a wedge of lime and a drizzle of 0.5 tsp extra‑virgin olive oil to the guacamole side. Seal containers tightly.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Store

    Refrigerate containers for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
560
Protein
59 g
Carbohydrates
48 g
Fat
14 g
Fiber
13 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Chicken fajita meal prep done in 40 minutes

Recipe by Chef Jack Ovens

A Mexican‑style chicken fajita meal‑prep recipe that includes seasoned chicken, sautéed onions and peppers, a cilantro‑lime black bean side, and a fresh chunky guacamole. Portion into five 1‑liter containers for a week of ready‑to‑heat lunches or dinners.

MediumMexicanServes 5

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
55m
Prep
18m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 23m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$17.12
Total cost
$3.42
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Mixing the fajita spice blend evenly
  • Marinating the vegetables and chicken for flavor development
  • Sautéing the vegetables just until translucent to retain crunch
  • Cooking chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
  • Mashing the black beans lightly to achieve a creamy yet textured side
  • Drizzling olive oil on guacamole to prevent oxidation

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with separate cutting board and wash hands thoroughly to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Use caution when slicing onions and peppers; keep fingertips curled and knife tip on the board.
  • Hot oil can splatter – keep a lid nearby and never leave the pan unattended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of chicken fajitas in Mexican cuisine?

A

Fajitas originated in the ranch lands of South Texas in the 1930s, where Mexican‑American cowboys would grill skirt steak over open flames and serve it with tortillas. Over time, chicken and other proteins became popular, turning fajitas into a beloved Tex‑Mex staple served at family gatherings and celebrations.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of fajitas in Mexican and Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

Traditional Mexican fajitas use skirt or flank steak, simple salt and lime seasoning, and are served with fresh cilantro, onions, and corn tortillas. Tex‑Mex versions often include a richer spice blend, bell peppers, onions, and are served with flour tortillas, guacamole, and sour cream.

cultural
Q

How is chicken fajita traditionally served in Tex‑Mex restaurants?

A

In Tex‑Mex restaurants, chicken fajitas are usually presented sizzling on a hot cast‑iron platter with sautéed onions and bell peppers, accompanied by warm flour tortillas, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and lime wedges for squeezing at the table.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is chicken fajita traditionally associated with in Mexican‑American culture?

A

Fajitas are popular for weekend family meals, backyard barbecues, and holiday gatherings such as Cinco de Mayo or Independence Day, where the interactive, build‑your‑own style encourages communal dining.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a classic chicken fajita versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include chicken breast or thigh, fresh lime juice, cumin, chili powder, and bell peppers. Acceptable substitutes are using dried oregano instead of fresh, swapping corn tortillas for flour, or using a different hot pepper for heat.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with this chicken fajita meal‑prep recipe?

A

Pair the chicken fajita meal‑prep with Mexican rice, a simple pico de gallo, refried beans, or a side of grilled corn (elote) for a complete Tex‑Mex lunch or dinner.

cultural
Q

How has the chicken fajita evolved in modern meal‑prep culture?

A

Modern meal‑prep versions, like Chef Jack Ovens' recipe, emphasize portion control, longer marination for deeper flavor, and the addition of nutrient‑dense sides such as black‑bean cilantro‑lime mix and avocado guacamole to make the dish balanced for weekly consumption.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chicken fajitas at home?

A

Common mistakes include overcooking the chicken, overcrowding the pan which steams instead of sears, and using too much cornstarch which can make the coating gummy. Follow the timing guidelines and keep the pan hot for a quick sear.

technical
Q

Why does this chicken fajita recipe use cornstarch in the spice mix instead of flour?

A

Cornstarch creates a light, crisp coating that helps the spices adhere without adding extra gluten or heaviness. It also releases moisture during cooking, giving the chicken a glossy finish.

technical
Q

Can I make the chicken fajita meal‑prep ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and vegetables up to 24 hours, then cook and portion. Store the cooked components in airtight 1‑liter containers; refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating in the microwave.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef Jack Ovens specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Chef Jack Ovens specializes in approachable, high‑protein home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on meal‑prep, quick weeknight dinners, and technique‑driven recipes that are easy for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chef Jack Ovens' approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?

A

Chef Jack Ovens emphasizes meal‑prep efficiency and nutritional balance, often adding protein‑rich sides like black‑bean mixes and guacamole, whereas many Mexican cooking channels focus more on traditional restaurant‑style presentations without the long‑term storage focus.

channel

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