I am thrilled to share my Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl Recipe with you. This dish is not just a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavors that brings warmth and comfort to my dinner table. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and savory spices, it’s my go-to weeknight meal. I love how easy it is to whip up and how it caters to everyone’s taste preferences.
Why I Love Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
Over the years, I have tried many chicken fajita recipes and I keep coming back to this rice bowl version. The combination of seasoned chicken, grilled peppers, and fluffy rice creates a delightful meal. It is quick to prepare, and I enjoy knowing I can modify the recipe according to my pantry’s contents. It’s versatile; you can add your favorite toppings and make it your own.
Ingredients for Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
Here’s a quick rundown of what you will need for this tasty meal. I like to keep my ingredient list simple yet flavorful.
Chicken Fajita Ingredients:
- 2-3 medium chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon cilantro, chopped (optional)
Toppings:
- Chopped cilantro
- Avocado slices
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Sour cream
- Salsa or pico de gallo
How to Make Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
Cooking the rice is the first step in this recipe. I usually opt for jasmine or basmati rice, as they are fragrant and fluffy.
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch.
- In a medium pot, bring chicken broth to a boil.
- Add the rice, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Once cooked, add lime juice and cilantro for a fresh taste. Fluff with a fork.
Seasoning Your Chicken
The key to flavorful chicken fajitas lies in the seasoning. I love making my fajita seasoning at home. It’s easy, and the ingredients are usually in my spice drawer.
Homemade Fajita Seasoning Recipe:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Coat the chicken strips with olive oil and sprinkle the fajita seasoning evenly on top.
Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables
Cooking the chicken and vegetables takes no time at all and makes my kitchen smell incredible.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally until cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and add the sliced onions and bell peppers.
Perfectly Grilling the Peppers
When grilling the peppers, I always keep an eye on them to ensure they soften but still retain some crunch.
- Sauté the vegetables for about 6-8 minutes until they are tender and slightly charred.
- Add the chicken back into the skillet and mix everything well.
Assembling the Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
Now comes the fun part assembling the bowl! Everyone can customize their bowl, which is one of the reasons I love this recipe.
- Start with a base of fluffy rice.
- Top it with the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Add your favorite toppings, such as avocado slices, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa.
Making It Ahead of Time
I often meal prep this dish for the week ahead. Here’s a quick tip.
- Individually pack the rice, chicken, and toppings in airtight containers in the fridge.
- When it is lunch or dinner time, simply heat everything up and assemble your bowls.
Storing Leftovers
Should I have any leftovers (which is rare because everyone loves this dish), I make sure to store them properly.
- Store the rice, chicken, and vegetables in separate airtight containers.
- They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Just reheat and mix together for a delicious repeat meal.
Why Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl are Kid-Friendly
As a mom, I know how challenging it can be to please picky eaters. This recipe is versatile enough to cater to everyone in the family. You can easily adjust the spice level to make it milder or even skip the spice altogether for the kids.
Pairing Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with something refreshing. I often choose:
- A simple garden salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Fresh fruit or a fruit salad
- Homemade chips and guacamole
Nutritional Information
Keeping track of nutrition is essential for me and my family.
Approximate Nutritional Information per serving (without toppings):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35 grams
- Carbohydrates: 55 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
Of course, these values will vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use.
Enjoying Your Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
This Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl Recipe has made its way into my regular meal rotation. The best part is that I can always adapt it based on what I have on hand. It brings joy to my home, and I hope it does the same for yours! Whether you’re cooking for yourself or preparing a family dinner, these bowls offer something for everyone. Happy cooking and enjoy every flavorful bite!