Are you in the mood to spice up your kitchen routine with a fast-food favorite but want to keep things on the healthier side? Look no further than the delectably wholesome and flavorful Jack in the Box Chicken Fajita Pita. This recipe promises not just a burst of taste with every bite but also a feel-good, guilt-free dining experience.
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How to make Jack in the Box Chicken Fajita Pita
The Jack in the Box Chicken Fajita Pita is a menu item that features grilled chicken strips, shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce, grilled onions, and tomato; all served inside a warm whole grain pita. It’s typically accompanied by a side of fire-roasted salsa.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium chicken breasts (about 1 lb), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 teaspoons fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 4 whole grain pita breads
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tomato, diced
- 2 cups lettuce, shredded
- Optional garnishes: sour cream, avocado slices, or additional salsa for an extra kick
Homemade Fajita Seasoning (optional if not using store-bought):
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fajita Seasoning: To make your own fajita seasoning, simply mix all the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
- Season the Chicken: Place the sliced chicken breasts in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the fajita seasoning. Toss until the chicken slices are evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chicken slices and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Saute the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
- Warm the Pita Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the pita bread in aluminum foil and warm in the oven for about 5-10 minutes, or you can warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
- Assemble the Fajita Pitas: Open the warmed pita bread and fill each with an even distribution of chicken, sautéed vegetables, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Serve: If desired, add a dollop of sour cream, slices of avocado, or a spoonful of salsa on top for added flavor. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Fajita Pita:
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: For an even deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken slices in the fajita seasoning and olive oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add or swap out ingredients based on your preferences. Black beans, corn, or even slices of lime squeezed over the top can add extra layers of flavor.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or Monterey Jack for a smoother taste.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in your homemade fajita seasoning to control the spiciness of your meal. Remember, the goal is to enjoy each bite!
What to serve with
Serving up your homemade Jack in the Box Chicken Fajita Pita is just the start. Complementing this flavorful entrée with the right sides can elevate your meal from satisfying to truly memorable.
1. Cilantro Lime Rice: Light and fluffy rice seasoned with fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro serves as a perfect base for any Mexican-inspired meal. Its refreshing taste and slight tanginess make it an excellent side dish that won’t overpower the flavors of your Jack in the Box Chicken Fajita Pita.
2. Black Bean and Corn Salad: Combine black beans, sweet corn, diced tomatoes, red onion, and avocado for a hearty and healthy side salad. To enhance its freshness, dress it with a simple lime vinaigrette (lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper). This salad adds a wonderful crunch and a fiber boost to your meal.
3. Grilled Vegetables: A medley of zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and asparagus tossed in olive oil and your favorite seasonings and grilled to perfection can add a smoky flavor to your meal. Grilled vegetables offer a nutritious side, and their charred edges complement the Jack in the Box Chicken Fajita Pita‘s savory profile.
4. Homemade Guacamole and Chips: Guacamole made from ripe avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt, served with crispy tortilla chips, is always a hit. It’s a classic side that provides a creamy, refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the fajitas. Plus, who can resist the combination of guac and chips?
5. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Corn on the cob brushed with a mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and spices, then sprinkled with cotija cheese and cilantro, offers a decadent and vibrant side dish. Its creamy and tangy flavors will be a delightful addition to your Jack in the Box Chicken Fajita Pita meal.
6. Spanish-style Quinoa: For a healthier alternative to traditional rice, try a Spanish-style quinoa cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chili powder. This protein-packed side dish is fluffy, slightly spicy, and packed with flavors that mirror those in your chicken fajita pita.
7. Refreshing Citrus Salad: A light citrus salad made with a mix of orange, grapefruit, and avocado slices, topped with a honey-lime dressing, can cut through the richness of the meal. It’s a refreshing palate cleanser that prepares you for the next delicious bite.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a homemade version of Jack in the Box’s Chicken Fajita Pita allows you to tailor the dish to your preferences or dietary needs. Finding suitable substitutes for certain ingredients can help you either work around what you have in your pantry or adjust the recipe to meet nutritional restrictions.
Main Components:
- Chicken: The central ingredient is usually grilled chicken breast, seasoned with fajita seasoning. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use turkey breast for a lean option, firm tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian take, or even shrimp for a seafood variation. The key is to maintain the fajita seasoning to keep the flavors consistent.
- Pita Bread: Traditionally served in warm pita bread, if you’re looking to lower the carb intake, you can opt for a low-carb or whole wheat pita. For a gluten-free version, there are gluten-free pita bread options available, or you could use large lettuce leaves as a wrap for a fresh and crunchy alternative.
Vegetables:
- Bell Peppers and Onions: These are staple veggies in any fajita dish. However, if you’re out of bell peppers, you could substitute them with thinly sliced carrots or zucchini for a similar crunch. If onions are too strong for your palate or you don’t have them on hand, green onions or shallots can be used as a milder alternative.
Dairy:
- Cheddar Cheese: The original recipe uses cheddar cheese for a creamy and tangy taste. However, for those who are dairy-free or prefer a different taste, nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives can offer a similar texture and a hint of cheese flavor without the dairy.
- Sour Cream: It’s often used as a topping. Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a similar tang with added protein, or you can opt for dairy-free sour cream options to keep the meal vegan.
Seasonings:
- Fajita Seasoning: If you don’t have a pre-made fajita seasoning mix, you can easily make your own by mixing chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and a dash of cayenne pepper. This allows you to control the spice level and avoid any unwanted additives.
Sauce:
- Salsa: Adding salsa provides a juicy, zesty flavor. If you need to substitute, a mix of diced tomatoes, jalapenos, and cilantro seasoned with lime juice and salt can give you a fresh salsa alternative. For a less spicy option, tomato sauce with a pinch of fajita seasoning can also work.
Final Thoughts
Cooking at home allows for customization and ensures you’re serving a meal filled with love and quality ingredients. This Jack in the Box Chicken Fajita Pita recipe brings a fast-food favorite to your table with a personalized touch.
More Jack In The Box Recipes:
- Jack in the Box Fish Sandwich Recipe
- Jack in the Box Cluck Sandwich Recipe
- Jack in the Box Ultimate Cheeseburger Recipe
- Homemade Jack in the Box Fries Recipe
- Jack In The Box Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 medium chicken breasts (about 1 lb), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 teaspoons fajita seasoning
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 4 whole grain pita breads
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tomato, diced
- 2 cups lettuce, shredded
- Optional garnishes: sour cream
Homemade Fajita Seasoning :
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Prepare the Fajita Seasoning: To make your own fajita seasoning, simply mix all the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
- Season the Chicken: Place the sliced chicken breasts in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the fajita seasoning. Toss until the chicken slices are evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chicken slices and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Saute the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
- Warm the Pita Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the pita bread in aluminum foil and warm in the oven for about 5-10 minutes, or you can warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
- Assemble the Fajita Pitas: Open the warmed pita bread and fill each with an even distribution of chicken, sautéed vegetables, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Serve: If desired, add a dollop of sour cream, slices of avocado, or a spoonful of salsa on top for added flavor. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
