$25 Dinners: Chicken Fajitas with Guacamole

Fajitas are a summer favorite, and while they aren’t so healthy when you order them from a restaurant, you can greatly reduce the calories by making them at home.

For a more vibrant flavor, you can marinate your chicken overnight; otherwise, the meal can be prepared day-of. Plan on about 10 minutes of prep time to cut up the veggies and then another 10 minutes of cook time.

Ingredients

1 package of whole-wheat tortillas
1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breast
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon cumin
2 teaspoons garlic salt
1 teaspoon chile powder
1 teaspoon dried cilantro
1 teaspoon oregano
Black pepper
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 white onion, sliced
2 avocados
1 lime
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
Salsa
Shredded cheese (optional)

1. Pour 1/4 cup olive oil and 1/4 cup water into a baggie and then add the cumin, chile powder, dried cilantro, oregano, a pinch of black pepper and 1 tsp. garlic salt.
2. Cut the chicken into bite-size slices and add them to the bag. If you plan on marinating overnight, place the bag in the refrigerator; otherwise set it aside while you do the prep work for the rest of the meal.
3. Cook the chicken over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
4. Cut the peppers and the white onion into strips and sauté in a sauce pan with the remaining olive oil until the onions are translucent.
5. Meanwhile, cut the avocados out of their skin and mash them together in a medium bowl. Cut the lime into quarters and squeeze the juice into the bowl. Mix thoroughly.
6. Stir in the tomato and the red onion. Sprinkle with garlic salt and black pepper.
7. Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds.
8. Build your fajitas starting with a spoonful of chicken, the peppers and onion, a scoop of salsa and a scoop of guacamole. If you want, sprinkle with cheese.
9. Enjoy!

*Recipe makes about 4 servings of two fajitas, approximately 455 calories each (about 500 if you add cheese). Cost of meal is about $5.50 per serving ($5.90 if you add cheese).