Let’s be honest—when dinnertime rolls around after a long, chaotic day, you’re not exactly itching to spend an hour in the kitchen dodging dirty dishes and picky eaters. That’s exactly why these Loaded Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls with Smoky Chipotle Cream are here to save your sanity.
Packed with colorful veggies, tender chicken, and smoky, creamy chipotle goodness, this recipe brings restaurant-style flair to your dinner table in under 40 minutes. It’s everything we crave—easy, satisfying, and (dare I say it?) a little bit fancy. And yes, it does taste as good as it looks.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Loaded Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls
Let me count the ways…
✅ One skillet, one sauce bowl—hello, minimal cleanup.
✅ Bright, bold flavors that even the “I don’t like peppers” crowd will devour.
✅ Customizable for picky eaters, carb-watchers, and spice-lovers alike.
✅ That chipotle cream? You’ll want to put it on everything (trust me).
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just want something that isn’t pasta again (no shame), this dish ticks every box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Fajitas:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Smoky Chipotle Cream:
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1–2 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce (start slow, spice lovers can add more)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup corn (fresh or thawed from frozen)
- 1 avocado, diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
Let’s Make It: Step-by-Step
1. Spice & Sizzle
Toss your sliced chicken, bell peppers, and onion in a large bowl with the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Let it marinate for a few minutes while your skillet heats up—just enough time to throw on your favorite playlist.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken and veggie mix and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are slightly charred but still crisp-tender. It’s that fajita sizzle magic you know and love.
2. Mix the Smoky Chipotle Cream
In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream, chipotle in adobo, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust the spice level (don’t be shy—it mellows out beautifully over the fajitas). Set aside and try not to eat it all with a spoon. No judgment if you do.
3. Build Your Bowls
Start with a cozy bed of rice. Then layer on black beans, corn, that sizzling chicken fajita mixture, and avocado chunks. Drizzle with the smoky chipotle cream like you’re on a cooking show. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime. Take a deep breath… and dig in.
Quick Tips for Maximum Yum
- Chicken too thick to slice? Pop it in the freezer for 15 minutes. It’ll slice like a dream.
- Want to go low-carb? Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or a bed of greens.
- Leftovers? Store components separately so nothing gets soggy. Reheat and reassemble like a pro.
- Chipotle caution: Start with 1 tbsp and taste-test. You can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away (unless you have a time machine).
A Little Backstory
This recipe quickly became a regular at our dinner table after one too many nights of staring into the fridge like it owed me answers. I needed something colorful, filling, and quick—and chicken (as always) came to the rescue. Add a few pantry staples and a little zip from chipotle, and suddenly it’s a meal everyone’s asking for again next week. Even my “do we have to eat vegetables?” kid was sold.

FAQs About Loaded Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls
Can I make these fajita bowls ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook everything, store it in separate containers, and assemble when ready to serve. The chipotle cream keeps for up to 4 days in the fridge.
What can I use instead of chipotle in adobo?
Try smoked paprika and a dash of hot sauce for a smoky kick without the chipotle. Or leave it out entirely and go for a classic lime Crema.
Can I grill the chicken instead of using a skillet?
Yes! Grill for that smoky charred flavor. Just keep the veggies from falling through the grates (foil packets work great).
Conclusion
So the next time you’re caught in a dinner rut, remember: Loaded Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls are your spicy, satisfying escape. With vibrant colors, bold flavor, and a dreamy chipotle drizzle, it’s a bowl full of joy you’ll want on repeat. It’s the kind of dish that turns a “what’s for dinner?” crisis into a “can we have this again tomorrow?” win.
Whether you’re juggling soccer practice, back-to-back Zoom calls, or just trying to feed a table full of different tastes, this recipe is your weeknight MVP. It’s flexible, fun to assemble, and downright crave-worthy—plus, it doubles as a fridge-clean-out miracle when you’ve got leftover rice and random veggies to use up.
And hey, if your kitchen ends up smelling like a sizzling Tex-Mex fiesta? Even better. Light a candle, cue up your favorite playlist, and serve up a dinner that tastes like a mini celebration in every bite. You’ve got this—and dinner just got way more delicious.
Keep the Flavor Going: More Chicken Bowl & Tex-Mex-Inspired Favorites
If you loved these Loaded Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls, there’s a whole world of bold, comforting flavors waiting for you right here on Chicken Magic Recipes. Whether you’re craving more chipotle flair, Tex-Mex vibes, or easy-to-assemble meals that hit the spot every time, these dishes are perfect next stops on your chicken adventure.
Here are a few reader favorites to explore next:
- Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans and Corn with Creamy Sauce – If smoky chipotle is your thing (and let’s be honest, it should be), this one is a must-try. It’s like your fajita bowl’s spicy cousin, perfect for meal preppers or weekday lunches.
- Easy Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl – Take your bowl game to the next level with sweet corn, creamy sauce, and a dash of lime. It’s a zesty twist on a classic that your tastebuds won’t forget.
- Chicken Fajita Tortilla Bowls – Craving a little crunch with your fajita fix? These tortilla bowls bring the same sizzling goodness in a handheld, crispy form.
- Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls – Packed with bold spices and hearty ingredients, this bowl is a dinner go-to that checks all the boxes—especially when you want a filling, no-fuss meal.
Each of these recipes pairs perfectly with busy schedules, hungry families, and anyone who believes chicken bowls are the answer to weeknight dinner dilemmas. So go ahead—click around, get inspired, and keep the Chicken Magic going!
Print
Loaded Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls with Smoky Chipotle Cream
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Loaded Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls are the perfect blend of bold, smoky flavors and vibrant, fresh ingredients. With juicy grilled chicken, colorful bell peppers, creamy chipotle sauce, and classic fajita toppings layered over rice, this easy weeknight meal is satisfying, healthy-ish, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Fajitas:
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 medium red onion, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Juice of 1 lime
For the Smoky Chipotle Cream:
½ cup sour cream
1–2 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp lime juice
Salt to taste
For Serving:
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
½ cup corn (fresh or thawed frozen)
1 avocado, diced
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges
Instructions
In a large bowl, toss sliced chicken, bell peppers, and red onion with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and lime juice until evenly coated.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and veggies and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
While the chicken cooks, mix sour cream, chipotle in adobo, lime juice, and salt in a small bowl to make the chipotle cream sauce.
Assemble bowls with a base of rice, followed by black beans, fajita chicken mix, corn, diced avocado, and a generous drizzle of chipotle cream.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges before serving.
Notes
Adjust chipotle for heat level—1 tbsp is mild, 2 tbsp gives a nice kick.
Want it low-carb? Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or greens.
These bowls are great for meal prep—store components separately and assemble when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg