Who doesn’t love a good fajita night at home? The sizzling sound of well-seasoned chicken strips hitting the hot pan, the irresistible aroma wafting through your entire home— it’s enough to make your mouth water. But what if you’re on the ketogenic diet? Does this mean you have to bid farewell to your beloved fajitas? Absolutely not!
Imagine maintaining your keto diet as a well-tuned engine. With the right fuel, you can keep it running smoothly without any hiccups. And this recipe for Keto Chicken Fajitas is just the high-octane fuel you need. It’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and a rainbow of colourful, nutrient-rich veggies—all wrapped up in a low-carb package that won’t derail your diet.
What Makes These Fajitas Keto-Friendly?
Firstly, it’s important to understand what makes these fajitas keto-friendly. The main element that makes a recipe keto-friendly is its low carb content. While traditional fajitas are served with flour tortillas, we’re nixing those in favour of lettuce wraps, which are virtually carb-free but still provide a satisfying crunch.
Secondly, we’re loading up on healthy fats. Remember, on the keto diet, your body is fuelled by fats instead of carbs. So, we’ll be using olive oil for cooking and adding some delicious avocado for that extra dose of healthy fats.
The Role of Protein in Keto Diet
Protein is another star player in keto cuisine. While the primary focus of the keto diet is high-fat, moderate protein intake is still essential. It helps to keep you satiated and supports muscle maintenance and growth.
For this recipe, we’re using lean chicken breast strips as our primary source of protein. They’re low in carbs and high in protein, making them an excellent choice for a keto meal.
The Power of Veggies
Now, let’s not forget the power of veggies. Vegetables, especially colourful ones, are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re also low in carbs and high in fiber, making them a staple in any healthy diet, not just keto.
For these fajitas, we’ll be using bell peppers and onions, full of flavor and nutrition. The beautiful hues of these veggies will also make your meal more visually appealing, because after all, we eat with our eyes first!
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fajita seasoning (see tips for homemade version)
- 8 large lettuce leaves
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: slice your chicken, bell peppers, onion, and avocado.
- Heat up your pan over medium heat and add your olive oil.
- Add your chicken strips to the pan and sprinkle with your fajita seasoning. Cook until no longer pink.
- Add your sliced peppers and onions to the pan and continue to cook until they’re tender and slightly caramelized.
- Once everything is cooked, serve your chicken and veggies in your lettuce wraps, top with avocado slices, and enjoy!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Tips for Keto Chicken Fajitas
Choose large, sturdy lettuce leaves for your wraps – iceberg or romaine work well. For homemade fajita seasoning, combine 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Lastly, experiment with toppings; sour cream, cheese, or a squeeze of lime can add a delicious twist to your fajitas.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
This recipe is a sure winner because it’s not only delicious but also aligns perfectly with your keto diet. Its vibrant colors and flavors will satisfy your craving for Mexican cuisine without breaking your carb bank. The lettuce wrap is a fun and crunchy alternative to traditional tortillas, and the combo of chicken and veggies makes for a nutritionally balanced meal.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Carbohydrate: 10g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 35g