Oven Baked Fajitas

Sizzling hot fajitas right off of the grill are amazing, but there are times when you just don't care to be standing outside grilling them (Hello - this is February!).  I also hear from a lot of you who either:  Don't own a grill, aren't comfortable with the grill, or are just super busy and need something you can throw in the oven while you are tending to other things - helping kids with homework, etc.  So for times like those, a dish like this may totally be up your alley!  You could even have the whole thing prepped and ready to go in the fridge so that you can pop it into the oven when you get home.  How's that for a busy mom/dad recipe?!

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Ingredients:

• 2# chicken strips
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• or 1/4 cup water + 1/4 tsp chicken broth "granules"
• 1 (4oz) can diced green chilies 
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomtoes (with chipotle, optional)
• 1 medium onion, sliced into strips
• 1 cup mixed sliced bell pepper strips 
• I used green, red, orange, yellow
• flour tortillas
• your favorite fajita "fixings"
• grated cheese, sour cream, guacamole, etc.

Step-by-Step:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Prepare a 9x13 casserole dish with nonstick spray.  Add the trimmed chicken strips, or cut chicken breasts into strips.   I only used 1.15 pounds of chicken, but this recipe is for 2 pounds.  I was just missing some of my 'regulars' on this particular night.

Top the chicken with the sliced onions and pepper strips.  If you want the veggies tender 'crisp,' use fresh onions and peppers.  If you want them softer, use frozen onions and peppers as they break down faster.

Start on the 'sauce' for the fajitas-  

Combine 2 Tbsp vegetable oil, 2 tsp chili powder, 2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt.

I wanted to ensure that my chicken would be juicy, so I decided to add 1/4 cup of chicken broth.  I didn't want to open a new container of broth, however, so I used 1/4 tsp chicken bouillon 'granules' to 1/4 cup hot water to make my broth.  Then add the broth to the sauce mix.

FYI - this sauce is well 'seasoned,' but NOT hot.  If you WANT more of a kick, perhaps add some cayenne.

Pour the diced chilies over the vegetables.

Add a can of diced tomatoes over the vegetables.  You can use plain, or seasoned tomatoes.  I used the tomatoes that are flavored with chipotle chilies. 

Pour your lovely sauce over everything.  Give it a good stir and throw it in the 400 degree F oven for about 35 minutes.

Every 10 minutes or so, give it a stir.

When you are ready to serve, heat your tortillas.  You can microwave them with a damp paper towel over them, or if you have a gas stove, blister them a little with tongs.

Now put it all together with your favorite toppings... avocado, a fresh squeeze of lime, cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro... the list is endless!

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Looking for more great recipes like this?  Please visit my Recipe Index for more 'busy mom' favorites and definitely more Tex-Mex dishes!  Here are a few to pique your curiosity:

Fire Roasted Corn Guacamole

Skinny Mexican Pizza

 Chicken Tamale Casserole

and many more....

Written Method: 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Prepare a 9x13 casserole dish with nonstick spray, then add the trimmed chicken strips.  Top the chicken with the sliced onions and pepper strips. 

For the sauce, combine:  2 Tbsp vegetable oil, 2 tsp chili powder, 2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp  dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt.  Add 1/4 cup of chicken broth. Pour the diced chilies over the vegetables. Add a can of diced tomatoes over the vegetables.  Pour your lovely sauce over everything.  Give it a good stir and throw it in the 400 degree F oven for about 35 minutes. 

When you are ready to serve, heat your tortillas.  You can microwave them with a damp paper towel over them, or if you have gas, blister them a little with tongs.  Now put it all together with your favorite toppings... avocado, a fresh squeeze of lime, cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro... the list is endless!