Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl

The Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl is a colorful, flavorful, and nutritious meal that combines seasoned grilled chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, and fluffy rice—all topped with your favorite fajita fixings. It’s a satisfying, build-your-own-style bowl that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced and Wholesome: Packed with lean protein, veggies, and carbs.
• Customizable: Easy to adjust with different toppings, sauces, or grains.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Great for storing and reheating throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: Each bowl can be tailored to individual tastes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 3 cups cooked white or brown rice

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Salsa or pico de gallo
• Shredded cheese
• Avocado or guacamole
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken
   In a bowl, combine chicken slices with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

2. Cook the Chicken
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables
   In the same skillet, add the bell peppers and onion. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and slightly charred.

4. Assemble the Bowls
   Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls. Top with cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables. Add desired toppings like salsa, cheese, avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice.

5. Serve
   Serve warm, or store for later use in meal prep containers.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes

Variations

• Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice or chopped lettuce as a base.
• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, chipotle sauce, or hot sauce.
• Protein Swap: Use steak, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken.
• Grain Alternatives: Serve over quinoa, farro, or black beans for a twist.
• Creamy Sauce: Drizzle with chipotle mayo, cilantro-lime crema, or yogurt-based dressing.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Microwave until heated through, or reheat components separately in a skillet.
• Freezing: You can freeze the chicken and veggie mixture for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before assembling with fresh rice and toppings.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes, pre-cooked or leftover rice works great and saves time.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure all seasonings and toppings are gluten-free.

How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Avoid overcooking. Cook just until no longer pink, and slice evenly for quick cooking.

What kind of rice is best?

Any cooked rice works—white, brown, jasmine, or even cilantro-lime rice.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, cook everything and store in meal prep containers. Add fresh toppings when serving.

Can I bake the chicken and vegetables?

Yes, roast on a sheet pan at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.

Is this a good option for kids?

Definitely—let them customize their own bowls with toppings they enjoy.

How do I add more vegetables?

Add corn, black beans, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, skip cheese and sour cream or use dairy-free alternatives.

What sauce pairs well with this bowl?

Try chipotle ranch, salsa verde, avocado crema, or plain Greek yogurt with lime.

Conclusion

The Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl is a delicious and versatile meal that brings all the flavors of fajitas into a nourishing, customizable bowl. Quick to prepare and easy to adapt, it’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, meal prep, or healthy lunches that never get boring.