Flavor-Packed Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a well-seasoned, hearty rice bowl, and this Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl is no exception. It’s packed with bold flavors, vibrant colors, and a mix of textures that make every bite exciting. Inspired by classic Tex-Mex fajitas, this dish brings together juicy, spiced chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, fluffy rice, and a medley of fresh toppings for the perfect one-bowl meal.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal-prep-friendly recipe, or a fun twist on fajitas, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s easy to customize, naturally gluten-free, and can be made as mild or as spicy as you like. Plus, everything comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes with simple, everyday ingredients.
• Loaded with Flavor: A delicious mix of smoky, slightly charred fajita chicken and veggies.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Stores well in the fridge, making it great for grab-and-go lunches.
• Customizable: Swap the protein, adjust the spice level, or pile on your favorite toppings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Fajitas:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Juice of 1 lime

For the Fajita Veggies:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Rice Bowl Base:

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Juice of ½ lime
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Toppings (Optional but Recommended!):

• ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ¼ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

How to Make Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Squeeze in the lime juice and toss everything together until the chicken is well coated. Let it sit while you prep the veggies—about 10 minutes is perfect, but if you have extra time, marinating for 30 minutes enhances the flavor even more.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Fajita Veggies

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced bell peppers and red onion, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly softened but still have a little crunch. You want them to get a bit of that classic fajita char!

Step 4: Prepare the Rice

While the chicken and veggies cook, warm up your cooked rice (if needed). Stir in lime juice, salt, and chopped cilantro for a fresh, zesty flavor boost.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Now comes the fun part—building your Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl! Start with a generous scoop of rice, followed by the fajita chicken and sautéed veggies. Then, pile on your favorite toppings like black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for extra flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Dig in while everything is still warm, and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite!

Helpful Tips for the Best Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls

• Get That Char: To get restaurant-style charred edges on your chicken and veggies, avoid stirring too often—let them sit in the pan for a minute or two before flipping.
• Make It Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or a drizzle of hot sauce for more heat.
• Use Leftover Rice: Day-old rice works best because it’s less sticky and absorbs flavors better.
• Swap the Protein: Try this recipe with shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a delicious variation.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Notes

• You can meal prep these bowls by storing the chicken, veggies, and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• If you prefer a lower-carb option, swap the rice for cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
• This dish is great for families—set up a “fajita bowl bar” and let everyone customize their bowl with their favorite toppings!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Approximate values based on standard ingredients and portions.)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 8g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cook everything in advance and store it separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply reheat and assemble your bowl.

What can I use instead of chicken?

You can easily substitute beef, shrimp, or tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—shrimp cooks faster, while tofu should be pressed before seasoning.

How do I store leftovers?

Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm up the chicken and veggies in a skillet for the best texture.

Can I freeze this dish?

You can freeze the cooked chicken and veggies for up to 2 months. However, rice and fresh toppings (like avocado and sour cream) are best added fresh when serving.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl, you’ll definitely enjoy these other Tex-Mex favorites:

• Salmon Rice Bowls – A Flavorful and Satisfying Meal
• Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls
• Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
• Mediterranean Rice Bowl

Conclusion

This Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl is a meal you’ll want to make on repeat. It’s easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Whether you enjoy it for dinner, meal prep, or a casual get-together, it delivers bold Tex-Mex flavors in every bite. Give it a try, and let me know how you like it! Happy cooking!

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