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Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls Flavorful and Easy Recipe

by on April 16, 2025

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Are you ready to savor a dish that bursts with flavor and is super easy to make? Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls are the ultimate meal for busy days and family dinners alike. This recipe combines juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and zesty spices all on a bed of fluffy rice. With simple steps and familiar ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this tasty bowl. Let’s dive into the recipe!

- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips - 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), sliced - 1 onion, sliced - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 avocado, diced - 1 cup corn (canned or frozen, thawed) - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Lime wedges (for serving) When making Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls, you need fresh and tasty ingredients. First, let's talk about the main ingredients. You want to use good quality chicken breast. Slice it into thin strips. This helps it cook evenly. Next, choose a bell pepper. You can use red, yellow, or green. Each adds a different flavor and color. Don't forget the onion! Slice it thin. Onions add sweetness and depth to your dish. Now, for seasonings and oils. You'll need chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Each spice gives your chicken flavor and warmth. Use olive oil to cook everything. It adds richness. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Rice is the next part of your dish. You can use white or brown rice. Cook it before adding it to your bowls. For toppings, include black beans for protein. Diced avocado adds creaminess. Corn brings sweetness. Fresh cilantro gives a bright touch. Lastly, serve with lime wedges. A squeeze of lime lifts all the flavors. Enjoy your cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} - In a medium bowl, combine the chicken strips with chili powder, cumin, paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper. - Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. This enhances the flavor greatly. - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. - Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. - Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. - In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper and onion. - Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp. - Season with a little salt and pepper for added flavor. - Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sautéed veggies. - Stir in the black beans and corn. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until everything is heated through. - In serving bowls, place a generous scoop of cooked rice as the base. - Top with the chicken and veggie mixture. Add diced avocado on top for creaminess. - Finish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a bright taste. - Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra flavor. - Ensure chicken is marinated for full flavor. - Marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. This time allows spices to soak in. - Adjust cook time based on chicken thickness. Thicker strips need more time to cook. - Layering ingredients for visual appeal makes your bowl eye-catching. - Start with rice, then add chicken and veggies on top. - Use colorful veggies for variety. Red, yellow, and green peppers look great together. - Add additional spices for a kick. Try cayenne or red pepper flakes. - Serve with salsa or yogurt to boost flavor. A fresh salsa adds a nice touch. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, to deepen the flavors. Choose Your Veggies Wisely: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Perfectly Cooked Rice: Use day-old rice or allow freshly cooked rice to cool for a while to prevent it from becoming mushy. Presentation Matters: Layer your ingredients in the bowl for a beautiful presentation, and don't forget to garnish with cilantro and lime! {{image_2}} You can easily swap chicken for tofu. Tofu absorbs flavors well, making it a great choice. Just marinate it like you would the chicken. You can add more veggies for extra crunch and color. Try zucchini, mushrooms, or even sweet potatoes. If you want to change the base, try quinoa or cauliflower rice. Quinoa adds protein and has a nutty taste. Cauliflower rice is low in carbs and very light. You can also use brown rice for more fiber or jasmine rice for a fragrant twist. Feel free to mix and match spices for new flavors. Try adding taco seasoning, or even some smoked paprika for a deeper taste. You can also use different beans, like pinto or kidney beans. They will give your dish a unique twist. Store your Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls in airtight containers. This keeps them fresh. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. Make sure they cool before sealing. Leftovers can last up to three days in the fridge. You can reheat your bowls in a microwave or a skillet. If using the microwave, cover the bowl to keep moisture in. Heat for one to two minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even warming. For the skillet, add a splash of water and heat on low. This helps avoid soggy rice. To freeze an assembled bowl, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. Your bowls can stay fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw the bowl overnight in the fridge. Reheat as described above. Enjoy your meal! Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it before cooking. Thawing helps the chicken cook evenly. You can leave it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave for a quick thaw. Once thawed, season and marinate as usual. Your chicken will turn out just as tasty! To add heat, try using more chili powder or add cayenne pepper. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños or hot sauce into the chicken mix. For a unique twist, grill the peppers with a sprinkle of chipotle powder. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and veggies a day ahead. Cook and store them in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just heat everything in a skillet. This makes a quick meal on busy days. You can also cook the rice in advance for added convenience. There are many delicious toppings to choose from! You can add shredded cheese like cheddar or queso fresco. Sour cream, pico de gallo, or guacamole also work well. Consider adding fresh jalapeños, olives, or even a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for crunch. Mix and match to create your perfect bowl! This post covered how to make tasty fajita rice bowls. We went through the key ingredients, like chicken, bell peppers, and black beans. You learned step-by-step instructions to marinate and cook the chicken, sauté the veggies, and assemble the bowls. I shared tips for flavor and presentation, plus variations to meet different tastes. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating methods for leftovers. Enjoy creating your fajita rice bowls, and feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  2. Flavor Packed: The marinated chicken and sautéed veggies create a deliciously vibrant dish that bursts with flavor.
  3. Customizable: You can easily swap out the veggies or add your favorite toppings to suit your taste.
  4. Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this bowl is both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips

– 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), sliced

– 1 onion, sliced

Seasonings and Oils

– 1 teaspoon chili powder

– 1 teaspoon cumin

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– Salt and pepper, to taste

Rice and Toppings

– 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

– 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

– 1 avocado, diced

– 1 cup corn (canned or frozen, thawed)

– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

– Lime wedges (for serving)

When making Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls, you need fresh and tasty ingredients. First, let’s talk about the main ingredients. You want to use good quality chicken breast. Slice it into thin strips. This helps it cook evenly.

Next, choose a bell pepper. You can use red, yellow, or green. Each adds a different flavor and color. Don’t forget the onion! Slice it thin. Onions add sweetness and depth to your dish.

Now, for seasonings and oils. You’ll need chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Each spice gives your chicken flavor and warmth. Use olive oil to cook everything. It adds richness. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.

Rice is the next part of your dish. You can use white or brown rice. Cook it before adding it to your bowls.

For toppings, include black beans for protein. Diced avocado adds creaminess. Corn brings sweetness. Fresh cilantro gives a bright touch. Lastly, serve with lime wedges. A squeeze of lime lifts all the flavors. Enjoy your cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

– In a medium bowl, combine the chicken strips with chili powder, cumin, paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

– Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. This enhances the flavor greatly.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

– Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

– Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown.

– Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

– In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper and onion.

– Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp.

– Season with a little salt and pepper for added flavor.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

– Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sautéed veggies.

– Stir in the black beans and corn. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

– In serving bowls, place a generous scoop of cooked rice as the base.

– Top with the chicken and veggie mixture. Add diced avocado on top for creaminess.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

– Finish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a bright taste.

– Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra flavor.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

– Ensure chicken is marinated for full flavor.

– Marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. This time allows spices to soak in.

– Adjust cook time based on chicken thickness. Thicker strips need more time to cook.

Presentation Tips

– Layering ingredients for visual appeal makes your bowl eye-catching.

– Start with rice, then add chicken and veggies on top.

– Use colorful veggies for variety. Red, yellow, and green peppers look great together.

Flavor Enhancement

– Add additional spices for a kick. Try cayenne or red pepper flakes.

– Serve with salsa or yogurt to boost flavor. A fresh salsa adds a nice touch.

Pro Tips

  1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, to deepen the flavors.
  2. Choose Your Veggies Wisely: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
  3. Perfectly Cooked Rice: Use day-old rice or allow freshly cooked rice to cool for a while to prevent it from becoming mushy.
  4. Presentation Matters: Layer your ingredients in the bowl for a beautiful presentation, and don’t forget to garnish with cilantro and lime!

Variations

Vegetarian Option

You can easily swap chicken for tofu. Tofu absorbs flavors well, making it a great choice. Just marinate it like you would the chicken. You can add more veggies for extra crunch and color. Try zucchini, mushrooms, or even sweet potatoes.

Grain Alternatives

If you want to change the base, try quinoa or cauliflower rice. Quinoa adds protein and has a nutty taste. Cauliflower rice is low in carbs and very light. You can also use brown rice for more fiber or jasmine rice for a fragrant twist.

Flavor Profile Changes

Feel free to mix and match spices for new flavors. Try adding taco seasoning, or even some smoked paprika for a deeper taste. You can also use different beans, like pinto or kidney beans. They will give your dish a unique twist.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

Store your Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls in airtight containers. This keeps them fresh. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. Make sure they cool before sealing. Leftovers can last up to three days in the fridge.

Reheating Options

You can reheat your bowls in a microwave or a skillet. If using the microwave, cover the bowl to keep moisture in. Heat for one to two minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even warming. For the skillet, add a splash of water and heat on low. This helps avoid soggy rice.

Freezing Guidelines

To freeze an assembled bowl, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. Your bowls can stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the bowl overnight in the fridge. Reheat as described above. Enjoy your meal!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it before cooking. Thawing helps the chicken cook evenly. You can leave it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave for a quick thaw. Once thawed, season and marinate as usual. Your chicken will turn out just as tasty!

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add heat, try using more chili powder or add cayenne pepper. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños or hot sauce into the chicken mix. For a unique twist, grill the peppers with a sprinkle of chipotle powder. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Is it possible to make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and veggies a day ahead. Cook and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just heat everything in a skillet. This makes a quick meal on busy days. You can also cook the rice in advance for added convenience.

What other toppings can I add to my fajita rice bowls?

There are many delicious toppings to choose from! You can add shredded cheese like cheddar or queso fresco. Sour cream, pico de gallo, or guacamole also work well. Consider adding fresh jalapeños, olives, or even a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for crunch. Mix and match to create your perfect bowl!

This post covered how to make tasty fajita rice bowls. We went through the key ingredients, like chicken, bell peppers, and black beans. You learned step-by-step instructions to marinate and cook the chicken, sauté the veggies, and assemble the bowls. I shared tips for flavor and presentation, plus variations to meet different tastes. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating methods for leftovers. Enjoy creating your fajita rice bowls, and feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredient

- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips - 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), sliced - 1 onion, sliced - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 avocado, diced - 1 cup corn (canned or frozen, thawed) - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Lime wedges (for serving) When making Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls, you need fresh and tasty ingredients. First, let's talk about the main ingredients. You want to use good quality chicken breast. Slice it into thin strips. This helps it cook evenly. Next, choose a bell pepper. You can use red, yellow, or green. Each adds a different flavor and color. Don't forget the onion! Slice it thin. Onions add sweetness and depth to your dish. Now, for seasonings and oils. You'll need chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Each spice gives your chicken flavor and warmth. Use olive oil to cook everything. It adds richness. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Rice is the next part of your dish. You can use white or brown rice. Cook it before adding it to your bowls. For toppings, include black beans for protein. Diced avocado adds creaminess. Corn brings sweetness. Fresh cilantro gives a bright touch. Lastly, serve with lime wedges. A squeeze of lime lifts all the flavors. Enjoy your cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} - In a medium bowl, combine the chicken strips with chili powder, cumin, paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper. - Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. This enhances the flavor greatly. - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. - Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. - Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. - In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper and onion. - Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp. - Season with a little salt and pepper for added flavor. - Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sautéed veggies. - Stir in the black beans and corn. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until everything is heated through. - In serving bowls, place a generous scoop of cooked rice as the base. - Top with the chicken and veggie mixture. Add diced avocado on top for creaminess. - Finish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a bright taste. - Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra flavor. - Ensure chicken is marinated for full flavor. - Marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. This time allows spices to soak in. - Adjust cook time based on chicken thickness. Thicker strips need more time to cook. - Layering ingredients for visual appeal makes your bowl eye-catching. - Start with rice, then add chicken and veggies on top. - Use colorful veggies for variety. Red, yellow, and green peppers look great together. - Add additional spices for a kick. Try cayenne or red pepper flakes. - Serve with salsa or yogurt to boost flavor. A fresh salsa adds a nice touch. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, to deepen the flavors. Choose Your Veggies Wisely: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Perfectly Cooked Rice: Use day-old rice or allow freshly cooked rice to cool for a while to prevent it from becoming mushy. Presentation Matters: Layer your ingredients in the bowl for a beautiful presentation, and don't forget to garnish with cilantro and lime! {{image_2}} You can easily swap chicken for tofu. Tofu absorbs flavors well, making it a great choice. Just marinate it like you would the chicken. You can add more veggies for extra crunch and color. Try zucchini, mushrooms, or even sweet potatoes. If you want to change the base, try quinoa or cauliflower rice. Quinoa adds protein and has a nutty taste. Cauliflower rice is low in carbs and very light. You can also use brown rice for more fiber or jasmine rice for a fragrant twist. Feel free to mix and match spices for new flavors. Try adding taco seasoning, or even some smoked paprika for a deeper taste. You can also use different beans, like pinto or kidney beans. They will give your dish a unique twist. Store your Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls in airtight containers. This keeps them fresh. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. Make sure they cool before sealing. Leftovers can last up to three days in the fridge. You can reheat your bowls in a microwave or a skillet. If using the microwave, cover the bowl to keep moisture in. Heat for one to two minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even warming. For the skillet, add a splash of water and heat on low. This helps avoid soggy rice. To freeze an assembled bowl, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. Your bowls can stay fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw the bowl overnight in the fridge. Reheat as described above. Enjoy your meal! Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it before cooking. Thawing helps the chicken cook evenly. You can leave it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave for a quick thaw. Once thawed, season and marinate as usual. Your chicken will turn out just as tasty! To add heat, try using more chili powder or add cayenne pepper. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños or hot sauce into the chicken mix. For a unique twist, grill the peppers with a sprinkle of chipotle powder. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and veggies a day ahead. Cook and store them in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just heat everything in a skillet. This makes a quick meal on busy days. You can also cook the rice in advance for added convenience. There are many delicious toppings to choose from! You can add shredded cheese like cheddar or queso fresco. Sour cream, pico de gallo, or guacamole also work well. Consider adding fresh jalapeños, olives, or even a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for crunch. Mix and match to create your perfect bowl! This post covered how to make tasty fajita rice bowls. We went through the key ingredients, like chicken, bell peppers, and black beans. You learned step-by-step instructions to marinate and cook the chicken, sauté the veggies, and assemble the bowls. I shared tips for flavor and presentation, plus variations to meet different tastes. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating methods for leftovers. Enjoy creating your fajita rice bowls, and feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients!

Sizzling Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls

A delicious and vibrant rice bowl featuring marinated chicken, sautéed vegetables, and toppings like avocado and cilantro.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 piece bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), sliced
  • 1 piece onion, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 piece avocado, diced
  • 1 cup corn (canned or frozen, thawed)
  • for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped
  • for serving lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the chicken strips with chili powder, cumin, paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes for enhanced flavor.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper and onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp. Season with a little salt and pepper.
  • Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sautéed veggies. Stir in the black beans and corn, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
  • In serving bowls, place a generous scoop of cooked rice as the base. Top with the chicken and veggie mixture, then add diced avocado on top.
  • Finish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh taste. Serve with lime wedges on the side for additional flavor.

Notes

Let the chicken marinate for enhanced flavor.
Keyword chicken, easy dinner, fajitas, rice bowls

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