Where Do You Find Recipes That Spark Joy and Save Time?
One of the most common questions I get is: Where do you find recipes that are quick, delicious, and nourishing? One of my go-to resources is Real Food Dietitians. Their recipes are designed with busy families in mind, featuring real, nutritious ingredients that make mealtime stress-free and enjoyable. Who doesn’t want to fast track dinner?! I love how versatile their recipes are—I often find myself adapting them based on what’s already in my pantry.
This week on CTV, I featured Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas inspired by their site, with a little Alberta twist to celebrate local flavours.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas: A Meal That Checks All the Boxes
Why is this recipe a go-to for busy families?
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Nutrition-Packed – With lean chicken, bell peppers, onions, and warming spices, this meal is loaded with protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals to keep everyone feeling their best.
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Time-Saving – Sheet pan meals are a lifesaver for weeknights. Just toss everything onto one pan, season, roast, and serve! Minimal prep and easy clean-up make it a win-win.
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Endless Possibilities – Customize with your family’s favourite toppings like avocado, salsa, Greek yogurt, or crumbled feta. Serve in tortillas, over rice, or on a bed of greens for a fresh take.
If you’re looking for more meal inspiration, I highly recommend Real Food Dietitians. Their site is filled with wholesome, family-friendly recipes that help take the guesswork out of mealtime.
My Alberta-Twist on Chicken Fajitas
For a little extra Alberta flair, I gave my fajitas a regional spin using local honey, roasted root vegetables, and smoky-sweet spices. If you want to switch up your fajitas, try these tips!
1. Swapping Avocado Oil for Alberta Canola Oil
While avocado oil is a great choice for high-heat cooking, we wanted to highlight Alberta’s cold-pressed canola oil—a neutral, heart-healthy option grown right here on the prairies. It has a high smoke point, making it perfect for roasting chicken and veggies to caramelized perfection.
2. A Touch of Alberta Honey
I added a tablespoon of pure Alberta honey to balance out the smokiness of the fajita seasoning with a subtle sweetness. Honey is a staple of Alberta’s agricultural landscape, produced local beekeepers, and it pairs beautifully with the warm spices of this dish.
3. Choosing Fresh, Local Chicken
As usual, I opted for Alberta-raised chicken, supporting local farmers who raise high-quality poultry with care. Whether you prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, using locally sourced meat not only supports the community but also ensures fresh, great-tasting protein on your plate.
Dietitian Tip: Want to Make Sure You’re Buying Local? Look for These Labels:
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“Raised by a Canadian Chicken Farmer”
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Alberta Chicken logo
Both guarantee that your chicken is locally sourced, fresh, and raised with the highest standards of care. Fresh means local, delicious, and never disappoints—helping you create meals that are nutritious, flavourful, and family-approved.
4. Adding a Prairie-Inspired Topping
Aged cheddar may not be a traditional fajita topping, but when it comes from Alberta dairy farms, we couldn’t resist! A sprinkle of sharp, locally produced cheddar adds richness and a little extra hometown flavour to every bite.
5. Serving Suggestions with a Prairie Twist
While fajitas are usually served in tortillas, we love the idea of pairing them with:
- Roasted sweet potatoes – A hearty, naturally sweet base that complements the sweet, smoky chicken.
- Tender barley or pulses – A nod to Alberta’s grain-growing roots, these add texture and fibre to the dish.
With these small tweaks, we transformed a simple fajita recipe into something that truly celebrates the flavours of Alberta and the prairies. It’s still easy, delicious, and perfect for fuelling busy families—just with a little extra local love! Take a look at my CTV Morning Live segment to see these ideas in action! I’ve shared photos, show tags, and a link to the recipe on my Instagram (@GetJoyfull).
Joyfully,
Emily
Emily Mardell is a Registered Dietitian, busy mama of three and proud Alberta foodie. Emily is passionate about quality ingredients and creating delicious, nourishing recipes that bring families together. Emily offers consulting services via Food First Nutrition Consulting and fuels athletes in every sport with personalized nutrition plans and advice as the Lead Sports Dietitian at ZerOne Athleticare. Follow her on social media @GetJoyfull or GetJoyfull.com for nutrition advice and tips to grow food joy and fill up on family time.