Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
Juicy, seasoned chicken strips tossed with vibrant bell peppers and onions, all served over fluffy cilantro-lime rice. A complete, satisfying Tex-Mex meal in one bowl, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Cilantro-Lime Rice
- b.In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and 0.5 tsp of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- c.Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- d.After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the grains.
- e.Uncover, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Set aside, covered, to keep warm.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Fajita Seasoning and Chicken
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, the remaining 1 tsp of salt, and black pepper.
- c.Place the sliced chicken in a large bowl. Sprinkle about half of the prepared spice mixture over the chicken and toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sear the Chicken
- b.Heat 1.5 tbsp of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- c.Carefully add the seasoned chicken to the hot pan in a single layer. Do not overcrowd; cook in two batches if necessary.
- d.Cook for 3-4 minutes per side without moving the pieces too much, allowing them to develop a nice brown crust. Continue cooking until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- e.Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and transfer to a plate. Set aside.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Sauté the Vegetables
- b.Add the remaining 1.5 tbsp of olive oil to the same skillet. If there are burnt bits, wipe the pan clean first.
- c.Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the hot pan. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp with some charred edges.
- d.Sprinkle the remaining fajita seasoning over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Assemble the Bowls
- b.Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss everything together to combine and heat through for about 1-2 minutes.
- c.To assemble, divide the warm cilantro-lime rice evenly among four bowls.
- d.Top each bowl with a generous portion of the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- e.Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as guacamole, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, or a wedge of lime.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a good char on your chicken and veggies, make sure your pan is very hot before adding them. A cast-iron skillet works best.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure everything sears rather than steams.
- 3Slice the chicken against the grain for the most tender results.
- 4This recipe is great for meal prep. Store the rice, chicken/veggie mix, and toppings in separate containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- 5Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming sticky and ensuring fluffy grains.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the chicken with thinly sliced steak (like flank or skirt steak), shrimp, or firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Low Carb VersionLow-Carb Version
Replace the basmati rice with cauliflower rice or serve the fajita mixture over a bed of crisp lettuce for a lighter, low-carb meal.
Add More VeggiesAdd More Veggies
Incorporate other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or corn. Add them to the pan along with the bell peppers and onions.
Spice it UpSpice it Up
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice mix, or sauté a sliced jalapeño with the onions and peppers for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
The chicken breast provides high-quality lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting immune function, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants
Bell peppers are loaded with Vitamin C, an important antioxidant that supports skin health and immunity. Onions and spices also contribute beneficial plant compounds.
Provides Sustained Energy
The basmati rice offers complex carbohydrates that are digested slowly, providing a steady release of energy to keep you fueled throughout the day.
High in Dietary Fiber
The combination of bell peppers, onions, and rice contributes a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and supports gut health.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl contains approximately 660-700 calories, without additional toppings. The final calorie count will vary based on the toppings you choose, such as cheese, sour cream, or guacamole.