Southwest Stir-Fry
A vibrant Southwest-inspired stir-fry with tender chicken, colorful peppers, zucchini, and beans, all coated in flavorful fajita seasoning—perfect for quick, satisfying meals.
Ingredients
- 1 envelope fajita seasoning mix ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil ⓘ
- 12 ounces skinless, boneless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 yellow or green pepper ⓘ
- 1 zucchini, bias cut ⓘ
- 1/2 small onion, cut in thin wedges ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 cup frozen corn ⓘ
- 1/2 cup canned black beans
- 2/3 cup salsa ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine fajita seasoning mix, water, and cooking oil to make a marinade.
- Rinse the chicken and add it to the marinade.
- Stir to coat the chicken with the marinade.
- Let the chicken stand at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh lime juice and cilantro in the marinade. If you want a spicier kick, add diced jalapenos or substitute the chili powder with chipotle powder. If you don't have fajita seasoning, a mix of cumin, paprika, and garlic powder can work as a substitute. Use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand for extra color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Southwest Stir-Fry over rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Sadie'S Salsa for extra flavor. Consider adding a side of tortilla chips or a fresh green salad to balance the dish. Garnish with cilantro or sliced avocado for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating without drying out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwest Stir-Fry contains roughly 557 calories, with 12g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 858mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. This will enhance the flavors significantly. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator during the marinating process. When ready to cook, simply follow the remaining instructions for a quick and easy meal.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! This stir-fry works well with shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; shrimp cooks quickly while beef may need a bit longer to ensure it's tender and fully cooked.
What can I serve with this stir-fry?
This dish is versatile and can be paired with various sides. Consider serving it with warm tortillas for making wraps, or pair it with a refreshing cucumber salad. If you enjoy a more filling meal, you can serve it alongside Sweet Potato Burrito Spirals for a delicious and satisfying combination.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).