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If you’re looking for a healthy lunch idea that also provides low cost meals, try these sheet pan chicken fajita lettuce wraps. They are easy to make and can be prepared quickly with just a few ingredients.
Why This Recipe Makes Low Cost Meals
Sheet pan chicken fajitas can be a low-cost meal that is great for meal prep for a few reasons:
- Simple budget-friendly ingredients: The ingredients needed for sheet pan chicken fajitas are generally affordable and easy to find. Chicken, bell peppers, onions, and basic spices are all relatively affordable, especially if purchased in bulk or on sale.
- Versatility: Sheet pan chicken fajitas can be customized to fit your budget and taste preferences. You can adjust the amount of chicken and vegetables you use, as well as the types of spices and herbs you like, depending on what you have on hand or what’s on sale at the grocery store.
- Simple cooking equipment: This recipe requires only a sheet pan and an oven, which are common kitchen items that most people already have. There is no need for any special equipment or appliances, which can help keep costs down.
- Leftovers: Sheet pan chicken fajitas also make great leftovers that can be repurposed into other meals such as salads, wraps, rice bowls, or quesadillas, which can help stretch your food budget even further.
Ingredients for You’ll Need
Chicken fajita lettuce wraps can be a healthy lunch idea that provides a balanced mix of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals, and healthy fats. By using fresh, whole ingredients and controlling the amount of added salt and fat, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious, low cost meals that supports overall health and well-being. Here are some ingredients that you’ll need to build this meal:
- Protein: Chicken is a great source of protein, which is important for building and repairing muscles, as well as for overall health.
- Vegetables: Chicken lettuce wraps typically include a variety of vegetables like bell peppers and red onions, which can provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Eating a variety of colorful vegetables can help support a healthy immune system, promote healthy digestion, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Low in carbohydrates: By using lettuce wraps, it can help lower carbohydrates. This can be beneficial for individuals who need to watch their carbohydrate intake due to health concerns like diabetes or insulin resistance.
- Low in saturated fat: By using minimal oil and healthy fats such as olive oil, in the cooking process, chicken fajita lettuce wraps can be low in saturated fat, which is important for heart health.
- Customizable: These lettuce wraps can be easily customized to fit your dietary needs and preferences. You can add or subtract ingredients based on your nutritional goals, and adjust the portion sizes to control calories.
How to Cook Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, seasonings, and olive oil. Toss until everything is well coated.
- Spread the chicken, bell peppers, and red onions, evenly on a large sheet pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Dice, the chicken into small bite-size pieces.
- To assemble the lettuce wraps, spoon the chicken fajita mixture on to of the lettuce wraps
- Top each wrap with the fajita veggies. Feel free to serve these with additional toppings such as avocado, salsa, shredded cheese, or sour cream.
Reference the recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Prep Tips – Low Cost Meals
Following these meal prep tips, you can save time and have a nutritious and delicious meal ready to go throughout the week.
- Prep the vegetables ahead of time: To save time, you can cut the bell peppers and onions ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will make it easier to assemble the sheet pan when you’re ready to cook.
- Make the fajita seasoning in advance: You can make the fajita seasoning in advance or you can purchase a pre-made seasoning mix. This will save time when it comes to assembling the recipe, as you can simply sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken and vegetables and mix them together.
- Use portion control containers: Consider using portion control containers to measure out the chicken and vegetable portions. This will ensure that you have a balanced meal and prevent overeating.
- Add toppings later: If you plan to eat the sheet pan chicken fajitas later during the week, separate the toppings, such as the avocado or salsa, to prevent them from getting soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use different types of lettuce for the wraps?
Yes, you can use any type of lettuce that is sturdy enough to hold the filling, such as romaine or iceberg lettuce. Jicama tortillas are also a good vegetable option for wraps.
Can you make sheet pan chicken fajita lettuce wraps vegan?
Yes, you can make sheet pan fajita lettuce wraps vegan by substituting the chicken with tofu or a plant-based protein and omitting the cheese.
Are sheet pan chicken fajita lettuce wraps healthy?
Yes, sheet pan chicken fajita lettuce wraps are a healthy meal option. They are low in calories, high in protein, and packed with vegetables.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Lettuce Wraps
Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
Fajita Veggies & Seasoning
Optional Sides and Garnish
Instructions