Orange Chicken Fajitas: A Weight Watchers Delight

There’s a certain magic that happens when familiar flavors get a healthy makeover, and this Orange Chicken Fajita recipe is a perfect example. I remember years ago, poring over Weight Watchers magazines, looking for those gems that delivered big on taste without the calorie count. While I haven’t personally tested this particular recipe from a magazine before, the concept itself speaks volumes about clever, accessible cooking. It’s the kind of dish that promises a quick escape to a more flavorful weeknight, a vibrant splash of citrus and spice that feels both comforting and exciting.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 servings
• Dietary Type: Healthy, Lean Protein

Ingredients

• 4 (6-inch each) medium whole wheat tortillas
• 1/4 cup thawed frozen orange juice concentrate
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 3/4 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced into 3-inch strips
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 pinch salt
• 14 ounces roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup light sour cream

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Large nonstick skillet
• Spatula or spoon for stirring

Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to a very low 200°F (93°C). This gentle warmth is perfect for coaxing tenderness into the tortillas without drying them out. Wrap the tortillas individually or as a stack in aluminum foil. Place them on a baking sheet and bake until they are nicely warmed through, which should take approximately 5 minutes. Keep them wrapped in the foil to retain their warmth until you’re ready to serve.

2. While the tortillas are warming, turn your attention to the vibrant chicken filling. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the thawed frozen orange juice concentrate and olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow this mixture to bubble enticingly, signaling it’s ready for the next step.

3. Carefully add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet. Sprinkle in the ground coriander, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook the chicken, stirring frequently, until it is thoroughly cooked through. This typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes. If you notice the pan becoming dry during this cooking process, don’t hesitate to add a little water to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

4. Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, stir in the drained and chopped roasted red peppers. Allow this delicious mixture to simmer gently until the sauce has thickened slightly, coating the chicken and peppers beautifully.

5. Remove the skillet from the heat and keep the chicken mixture warm while you prepare to assemble the fajitas.

6. To serve, take one of the warm tortillas. Spoon about 3/4 cup of the chicken mixture onto the center of the tortilla. Dollop 1 tablespoon of the light sour cream over the top of the chicken mixture. Fold or roll the tortilla to enjoy your flavorful fajita.

Cook’s Tip: For an even faster and equally effective way to warm tortillas, you can use your microwave. Place two tortillas at a time between layers of damp paper towels. Microwave on HIGH for about 40 seconds, turning the tortillas every 10 seconds until they are soft and pliable. You can then resume the recipe at step 2, having saved precious minutes.

Expert Tips & Tricks

When working with chicken for fajitas, slicing it against the grain is key to ensuring a tender bite. For the roasted red peppers, ensure they are well-drained to prevent your filling from becoming watery. If you find your orange juice concentrate is particularly thick, a tiny splash of water can help it loosen up before adding it to the skillet.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Orange Chicken Fajitas are best served immediately while the tortillas are warm and the chicken filling is hot. They make a fantastic light dinner or even a quick lunch. If you happen to have any leftovers, which is unlikely given how delicious they are, store the chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The warmed tortillas are best made fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can reheat them gently in the microwave or a dry skillet. Reheat the chicken mixture separately in a skillet or microwave before assembling your fajitas.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	172.6
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	4.2 g	6%
Saturated Fat	1.5 g	7%
Cholesterol	54.4 mg	18%
Sodium	1470.1 mg	61%
Total Carbohydrate	12.3 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	1.7 g	6%
Sugars	6.7 g	26%
Protein	21.5 g	43%

(Note: Daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.)

Variations & Substitutions

For a vegetarian twist, you could substitute the chicken breast with firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed, or even a hearty amount of black beans for added fiber and protein. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely diced jalapeño to the chicken mixture during the cooking process. For those watching their sodium intake more closely, look for low-sodium roasted red peppers and be mindful of the salt you add.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the chicken mixture ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and pepper mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving with freshly warmed tortillas.

Q: Are there any gluten-free options for this recipe?
A: To make these fajitas gluten-free, simply substitute the whole wheat tortillas with your favorite gluten-free tortillas. Ensure all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.

Q: What kind of chicken cut works best for this recipe?
A: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal as it cooks quickly and evenly. However, you could also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a slightly richer flavor and more tender texture.

Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: For added heat, you can include a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the chili powder and coriander, or sauté a finely minced jalapeño or serrano pepper with the chicken.

Q: Is the orange juice concentrate essential, or can I use fresh orange juice?
A: Thawed frozen orange juice concentrate is recommended for its intense flavor and syrupy consistency, which helps create a nice glaze. While fresh orange juice can be used, you may need to reduce it slightly by simmering it alone for a few minutes before adding other ingredients to achieve a similar flavor concentration.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Chicken Fajita recipe is a testament to how we can embrace vibrant, exciting flavors while staying mindful of our health goals. It’s a dish that proves quick, easy, and healthy can absolutely go hand-in-hand. I encourage you to give it a try the next time you’re craving something bright, zesty, and utterly satisfying. Imagine serving these alongside a crisp, cool green salad for a complete and balanced meal. I’d love to hear your thoughts and any creative variations you discover as you make this delightful recipe your own!