If you’re a fan of Mexican food and have been to a Chipotle restaurant, then you’re probably a lover of Chipotle Fajita Veggies. The thing is, you’re not always going to have a Chipotle in your backyard. The good news is that these sautéed pepper and onion veggies are super easy to make at home.
As everyone knows, veggies are always a great addition to any meal. These delicious sautéed peppers and onions can be used in various dishes, from simple snacks to hearty main courses. These fajita vegetables are a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your meals.
What Seasoning Do You Need for These Sautéed Veggies?
The fajita seasoning you use for these veggies or any sautéed veggies is really up to you. But if you want to make authentic Copycat Chipotle Fajita Veggies, you definitely need salt, garlic powder, pepper, and cumin.Â
Some people add dried oregano. I’ve made it with and without oregano. Honestly, I think they taste just like the real thing, whether or not you do. But it’s totally up to you!
Are fajita veggies from Chipotle spicy?
These veggies and the originals from the chain restaurant are not spicy so they are appropriate for everyone. If you are looking to add some heat to your veggies, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper. But add it slowly so you don’t make them too spicy. You can always add spice, remember, but not take it away 😉
How to Make Chipotle Fajita Veggies
The best way to make Chipotle Fajita Veggies is to sauté them in a cast iron skillet. This cooking method brings out their natural sweetness and makes them extra tender.
These veggies are delicious on their own, but they also make a great addition to salads, wraps, and grain bowls. You can use any color of bell pepper you want for this easy recipe: green, red, yellow, or orange. I’m not a huge fan of green peppers, so I tend to lean heavily into the other colors.
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 large red onion
- 2 tbsp olive oil (You can also use avocado oil.)
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Fresh ground black pepper
- Salt
Instructions
- Slice your bell peppers into long thin strips. Remember, the thinner you slice your peppers, the faster they will cook. (Same with the onion.) So don’t slice them too thin, you want them to cook in the cast iron skillet for long enough that part of them gets a good char and develops a savory and sweet flavor.
- Slice up your red onion. The same note applies to the onion as the peppers.
- Heat a heavy cast iron skillet on medium-high heat. Add your two tablespoons of olive oil and wait until the oil is good and hot. When it starts to glisten, you know it’s ready.
- Throw into your large skillet your sliced bell peppers and onions. Let them cook for 5 minutes without stirring. This will allow your veggies to get a nice char and color.
- Add your garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste and stir.
- Cook for another five minutes, then stir. Continue cooking this way until your veggies are soft and tender. Depending on how hot your stove is, this will take about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Serve as a side dish or in another recipe of your choosing. Enjoy!
Chipotle Fajita Veggies
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 1 red onion
- 4 bell peppers
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- salt to taste
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- Fresh ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice your bell peppers into long thin strips. Remember, the thinner you slice your peppers, the faster they will cook. (Same with the onion.) So don’t slice them too thin, you want them to cook in the cast iron skillet for long enough that part of them gets a good char and develops a savory and sweet flavor.
- Slice up your red onion. The same note applies to the onion as the peppers.
- Heat a heavy cast iron skillet on medium-high heat. Add your two tablespoons of olive oil and wait until the oil is good and hot. When it starts to glisten, you know it’s ready.
- Throw into your large skillet your sliced bell peppers and onions. Let them cook for 5 minutes without stirring. This will allow your veggies to get a nice char and color.
- Add your garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste and stir.
- Cook for another five minutes, then stir. Continue cooking this way until your veggies are soft and tender. Depending on how hot your stove is, this will take about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Serve as a side dish or in another recipe of your choosing. Enjoy!
Nutrition
How to Use Copycat Chipotle Fajita Veggies
If you’re looking for a slightly heartier dish, try sautéing Chipotle Fajita Veggies with some protein. This combination makes an excellent filling for tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. You can also add them to rice and beans for a tasty and filling vegan meal.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to cooking this recipe. They are super versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some examples of dishes you can make with Chipotle Fajita Veggies:
Fajitas: This is the obvious choice, and for good reason. Fajitas are delicious and easy to make. All you need is some tortillas, Chipotle Fajita Veggies, chicken or beef, and your favorite toppings. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can substitute tofu or tempeh for the meat.
Tacos: Tacos are another great option. They are quick and easy to make, and you can customize them however you like. Just add the Chipotle Fajita Veggies to some taco shells or tortillas, and top with your favorite toppings.
Burrito bowls: Chipotle Fajita Veggies are great in burritos. Just add them to some cooked cilantro lime rice, black beans, and/or meat, and wrap it all up in a tortilla. You can also add some shredded cheese, salsa, or guacamole for extra flavor.
Quinoa bowls: Chipotle Fajita Veggies are also great in quinoa bowls. Just cook the quinoa according to package directions, and then mix in the Chipotle Fajita Veggies and your favorite toppings. Some good options include avocado, tomato, sharp cheddar cheese, or sour cream.
Taco salads: If you’re watching your carbs, load up your taco salad with a hearty helping of these veggies. You may not even miss the carbs!
Loaded quesadillas: Add these Chipotle Fajita Veggies into your quesadilla before throwing it to cook on your skillet. It’ll beef up your meal and make it a heartier version of your traditional cheese quesadilla.
Chipotle fajita veggie chicken and pasta: Make your veggies, cook up some chicken and toss in your Chipotle Fajita Veggies. Check out my pic below. It got a double thumbs up from my wife 🙂
Where did fajitas originate?
Fajitas are a delicious and popular Tex-Mex dish that typically consists of grilled meat, onions, and peppers served on a warm tortilla.
While the exact origins of fajitas are unclear, it is believed that the fajitas originated in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas in the early 20th century. The word “fajita” is derived from the Spanish word for “skirt steak,” which was one of the most common types of meat used in early fajitas.
Today, fajitas are typically made with chicken or shrimp, but you can also find vegetarian versions made with Chipotle Fajita Veggies.
What’s the difference between different colored bell peppers?
So what the heck is the difference between the different colors of bell peppers? The answer is pretty simple. Green bell peppers are simply unripe red peppers. As the pepper matures, it begins to turn red, orange, or yellow, depending on the variety of plant.
To add to that, bell peppers are actually fruits, not vegetables. They are classified as fruits because they contain seeds. In fact, all peppers, whether they be sweet bell peppers or hot chili peppers, belong to the same plant family as tomatoes and potatoes. The more you know, right?
This recipe is easy and uses such simple ingredients that you’ll want to add these Chipotle Fajita Veggies to all your Tex- Mex.
Are you looking for more recipes from popular restaurants? We’ve got just that! Here’s our roundup of favorite copycat restaurants, from places like Texas Roadhouse to the Olive Garden.
Looking for more Mexican and Tex-Mex inspired recipes? Here are a few of our favorites.
Easy Mexican Rice with Chicken
Taco Bell Loaded Potato Grillers
Chipotle Lime Shredded Beef Tacos
Have questions or suggestions? Leave them in the comments below. Until next time: Stay salty, and sweet 😉
