Description
These Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls are a vibrant Tex-Mex dinner with juicy marinated chicken, colorful sautéed peppers, and fluffy rice, topped with your favorite creamy garnishes. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade:
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into ½-inch strips)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lime juice
1 packet fajita seasoning (or a homemade blend)
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Vegetables:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 bell peppers (assorted colors), thinly sliced
For the Rice:
1.5 cups uncooked long-grain white rice (or brown rice/quinoa)
3 cups chicken broth or water
1 tbsp butter or olive oil (optional)
½ tsp salt (adjust if using broth)
Optional Toppings:
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Guacamole or sliced avocado
Salsa
Shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges
Pickled jalapeños
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken, olive oil, lime juice, fajita seasoning, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss well, cover, and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
Cook the Rice: While chicken marinates, cook the rice with broth or water as per package directions. Let rest for 5–10 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Add chopped cilantro and lime juice if desired.
Sauté the Veggies: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onions and peppers for 7–10 minutes until tender-crisp and lightly charred. Remove from skillet.
Cook the Chicken: Using the same skillet, cook chicken strips for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F). Toss chicken with veggies.
Assemble Bowls: Add rice to bowls, top with chicken and veggies, then finish with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Short on time? Use microwavable rice packs to save time.
Meal prep friendly—store components separately and assemble later.
Spice it up by adding chipotle powder or extra jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg