Healthy and Low-Carb Chicken, Shrimp, or Fish Fajitas

It’s hard to beat a sizzling platter of fajitas with hearty protein, and as much or little heat as you like. This recipe has the flavors and textures of traditional fajitas, but adds extra vegetables and uses taco-sized whole-grain tortillas instead of oversized refined tortillas like you might get in a restaurant. 

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Use chicken breast or shrimp for a low-calorie source of protein, or choose salmon for heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Choose any colors of bell peppers you love, and make it as spicy as you like with diced jalapeno or red pepper flakes. You can also add zucchini, mushrooms, or other vegetables. 

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Here are some ways to serve your fajitas.

• With a soft taco-sized whole-grain tortilla
• “Naked” on a plate
• With toppings like fresh salsa or storebought salsa, nonfat plain yogurt or nonfat sour cream, chopped cilantro, and chopped tomatoes
• With a side of black beans or low-sodium vegetarian refried beans
• Next to avocado slices or lime wedges

Recipe for Easy Healthy Chicken or Fish Fajitas

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breast, salmon, or shrimp
• 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced into strips
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• ½ teaspoon of onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lime
• 4 small whole-grain tortillas (soft taco-sized) (use whole-grain corn shells for gluten-free)

Instructions: 

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the chicken, salmon, or shrimp and cook for 4-6 minutes or until cooked through. Chicken may take 6-8 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool. Cut the chicken into strips or salmon into chunks.
2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken, shrimp, or salmon with the chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the garlic, bell peppers, and onion to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until tender crisp. 
4. Add the chicken, shrimp, or salmon to the skillet. Cook together for 2-3 minutes, or until hot. 
5. Remove from heat and squeeze lime juice over the top. 
6. Serve with tortillas and any additional toppings or sides.

Nutrition information per serving (using chicken): 270 calories; 6 grams of fat; 1 gram of saturated fat; 70 mg of cholesterol; 330 mg of sodium; 21 grams of carbohydrates; 3 grams of dietary fiber; 25 grams of protein

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