Cheese Dip: The Secret To Perfect Fajitas

There are many ways to cook fajitas, and the ingredients you choose to include will depend on your personal preference. While some recipes call for chicken, steak, or shrimp as the main protein, others may opt for a vegetarian option with just veggies. Regardless of the filling, the key to a great fajita is a flavorful marinade or seasoning blend. Some common spices used include chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano. In addition to the protein and veggies, cheese is a popular ingredient in fajitas. Some people choose to sprinkle shredded cheese on top of their fajitas, while others prefer to warm tortillas with melted cheese for a quesadilla-like effect. There are also recipes for fajita dip, such as queso or cream cheese-based dips, that can be served on the side. So, while cheese is not a mandatory ingredient in fajitas, it is a popular choice that can be incorporated in various ways.

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Chicken fajitas with cheese dip

Ingredients

For the fajitas, you will need:

• Chicken breasts
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Peppers (including jalapeño)
• Lime
• Flour tortillas
• Cheese (Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or Manchego are great options)

For the cheese dip, you will need:

• Butter
• Chopped onion
• Bell pepper
• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheese (Colby Jack, Cheddar, or Monterey Jack)
• Cilantro
• Tomato
• Jalapeño

Instructions

Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, whisk together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to a ziplock bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Next, heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until well-browned and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and slice into thin pieces. Set aside.

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, then add the onion and peppers. Cook until softened and browned, stirring frequently. Add the sliced chicken back to the pan and squeeze lime juice over everything. Stir to combine.

To make the cheese dip, melt butter in a separate cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until crisp-tender. Whisk in fajita seasoning and flour, then slowly add in the heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Reduce the heat and add the cream cheese, stirring until melted. Finally, stir in the shredded cheese until well combined.

Warm your flour tortillas in a pan. Sprinkle shredded cheese onto the tortillas and let it melt. Add the chicken and veggie mixture to the tortillas, then top with a generous dollop of the cheese dip.

Serve the fajitas immediately, with the cheese dip on the side for extra cheesiness. Enjoy!

Cheese dip ingredients

There are many cheese dip recipes, and the ingredients you'll need depend on the type of dip you want to make. For example, a Fajita Queso Dip is made with all-natural ingredients and no processed cheese products. This recipe uses cream cheese and hand-shredded Colby Jack cheese, although a good blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack is also an option. For a white queso dip, cubed white American cheese is a common substitute.

To make this dip, you'll need to melt butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender. Whisk in fajita seasoning and flour for 1 minute until the vegetables are coated. Next, slowly add heavy cream, whisking until smooth (about 3-4 minutes). Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the cream cheese one cube at a time, stirring until it's completely melted and combined. Finally, stir in some fresh cilantro, if desired, and add more cream if you want a thinner sauce.

Another option is a Fajita Chicken Cream Cheese Dip, which includes chicken, bell peppers, red onions, and cheese. To make this dip, you'll need to heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers and saute for 5 minutes, then add the onion and saute for a couple of minutes longer. Stir in the chicken, fajita seasoning, and water, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the cream cheese until it's incorporated, then add the Monterey Jack cheese and stir until melted.

For a gluten-free cheese dip, ensure that all ingredients, including the fajita seasoning, are certified gluten-free. You can also add extra ingredients like minced garlic or a pinch of smoked paprika for more flavor. If you're looking for a silky-smooth cheese dip, some recipes suggest using evaporated milk, cornflour/cornstarch, and cheese, or even fake cheese like Velveeta.

Cheese dip recipe

Cheese dip is a delicious and versatile snack, side, or appetizer. It can be made in many different ways and with various ingredients, making it a fun and creative dish to experiment with. Here is a simple and tasty recipe for a cheese dip that can be served as an appetizer at a party or enjoyed as a comforting snack at home.

Ingredients

• Butter
• Onion
• Bell pepper
• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheese (Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• Cilantro
• Milk (optional)
• Diced tomato (for serving)
• Jalapeno (for serving)

Instructions

• Melt butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
• Add chopped onion and bell pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
• Whisk in fajita seasoning and flour, and cook for an additional minute.
• Slowly add in heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low.
• Add cream cheese, one cube at a time, stirring until it is completely melted and combined.
• Stir in the shredded cheese a handful at a time, until the mixture is melted and well combined.
• Add cilantro and stir to combine.
• If a thinner sauce is desired, add milk to adjust the consistency.
• Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and top with diced tomato and jalapeno.
• Serve immediately with tortilla chips or fresh, warm tortillas.

Variations and Tips

• For a heartier dip, add ground meat such as beef or sausage. Cook the meat first, then add butter, onions, and peppers, following the same recipe instructions.
• For a spicier kick, add more jalapenos or use a sharper cheese.
• To make it vegan, use vegan sausage, cheese, and cream cheese or a block of sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor.
• For a quick and easy store-bought option, a block of Velveeta cheese can be melted and combined with a can of Ro-Tel for a classic cheese dip.
• This dip can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove when ready to serve.

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Chicken fajitas recipe

Chicken fajitas are a quick and easy meal that can be made in about 20 minutes. The recipe usually involves quickly searing the meat on a griddle or grill and then slicing and serving with quickly seared peppers and onions. You can also add cheese dip as an appetizer or side dish.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Onions
• Bell peppers
• Spices: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper
• Lime
• Tortillas
• Cheese (optional)
• Salsa (optional)
• Guacamole (optional)
• Lettuce (optional)
• Other desired toppings (optional)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Cut the chicken into strips or thinner pieces to prevent drying out. Season the chicken with a fajita seasoning mix or a marinade. You can make your own seasoning mix by combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning on both sides of the chicken and use your fingers to press it in.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until well-browned and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the vegetables

Add onion and bell peppers to the pan. You can also add jalapeños for a spicier dish. Cook until softened and browned, about 5-8 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the fajitas

Slice the chicken into strips and add it back to the pan with the vegetables. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and toss to combine. Serve with warm tortillas and desired toppings such as cheese, salsa, guacamole, lettuce, and more.

Cheese Dip

If you want to make a cheese dip to go with your fajitas, you can follow this simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Onion
• Bell pepper
• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheese (Colby Jack, cheddar, or Monterey Jack)
• Cilantro
• Milk (optional)
• Tomato (for topping)
• Jalapeno (for topping)

Method:

• Melt butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
• Add chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes.
• Whisk in fajita seasoning and flour for 1 minute.
• Slowly add in heavy cream, whisking until smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
• Reduce the heat and add cubed cream cheese, stirring until melted and combined.
• Stir in shredded cheese a handful at a time until melted and well combined.
• Add cilantro and milk (optional) to adjust the consistency.
• Top with diced tomato and jalapeno and serve immediately.

Chicken fajitas with cheese dip accompaniments

Chicken fajitas are a fun, tasty, and easy meal to make at home. They are a fantastic Mexican-inspired dinner option, packed with flavor and color. While cheese is not a traditional fajita ingredient, it is a delicious addition and can be served as a side or melted on top.

Chicken Fajitas

First, prepare your chicken. Cut chicken breasts into strips and season with a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. You can also add lime juice to your chicken for extra flavor. Next, heat some olive oil in a pan and cook the chicken until browned. Set the chicken aside and add sliced peppers and onions to the pan. Cook until softened and browned. Return the chicken to the pan and combine.

Cheese Dip

For a cheese dip to accompany your fajitas, you will need butter, onion, bell pepper, fajita seasoning, flour, heavy cream, cream cheese, shredded cheese, cilantro, diced tomato, and jalapeno. Melt butter in a skillet and add chopped onion and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, then whisk in the fajita seasoning and flour. Add the heavy cream slowly, whisking until smooth. Reduce the heat and add the cream cheese, stirring until melted. Finally, stir in the shredded cheese and cilantro. Serve with diced tomato and jalapeno.

Assembling the Fajitas

Warm your tortillas in a pan and sprinkle with shredded cheese, allowing it to melt. Add your chicken and veggies, and squeeze lime juice over the top. Serve with your cheese dip on the side and enjoy!

Other Accompaniments

There are many other sides and toppings you can serve with chicken fajitas. These include guacamole, sour cream, salsa, rice, refried beans, and shredded lettuce. You can also add extra vegetables, such as Mexican Street Corn, or serve with a salad, such as Mexican Cucumber Salad with Cilantro and Lime.

Frequently asked questions