Why I Love This Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
There’s something about sizzling peppers, juicy chicken, and fragrant rice that fills my kitchen with cozy energy. This Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl is one of those healthy Mexican recipes that feels like comfort food but keeps me on track during busy weeks.
The first time I made it, the smell of smoky paprika and lime hit the air, and everyone gathered around before I even called them to dinner. It’s quick, colorful, and perfect for meal prep recipes that actually make you look forward to lunch the next day.
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Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A healthy, flavorful Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl made with juicy seasoned chicken, sautéed peppers, and fluffy rice. Great for meal prep or easy dinners.
Ingredients
1 ½ lb chicken breasts (sliced)
2 tbsp olive oil; 1 lime (juiced)
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp garlic powder
salt & pepper
3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
1 red onion
2 cups cooked brown rice
½ cup corn
½ cup black beans
2 tbsp cilantro
optional toppings: avocado, yogurt, cheese, jalapeños, lime wedges.
Instructions
Marinate chicken with olive oil, lime juice, and spices (15 min).
Cook chicken in a skillet until golden.
Sauté peppers and onions.
Combine chicken and veggies.
Mix rice with corn, beans, and cilantro.
Assemble bowls and top as desired.
Notes
Marinate longer for deeper flavor.
Use cauliflower rice for low-carb.
Keeps 4 days in fridge; reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Why This Bowl Has a Permanent Spot in My Kitchen
This recipe hits all my favorite notes: it’s bold, balanced, and ridiculously easy. The chicken soaks up all the fajita seasoning, turning golden and juicy. The peppers and onions bring color and crunch, while the rice ties it all together.
It’s one of my go-to healthy meal prep ideas because it stores so well and tastes even better after a night in the fridge. I portion it into containers, and just like that, I’ve got several healthy lunch ideas waiting in the fridge. Cleanup is minimal too it all comes together in one pan.
If you enjoy comforting one-pan meals, try my creamy chicken and potato soup next. Or, for a smoky dinner twist, my southwest baked chicken tenderloins make a perfect pair.
What You’ll Need to Make It
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Fajita Veggies:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
For the Rice Base:
- 2 cups cooked brown rice (or white rice if preferred)
- ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Optional Add-Ins:
- Sliced avocado or guacamole for creaminess
- A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Shredded cheese for extra comfort
- Diced jalapeños for heat
- Fresh lime wedges for brightness
Each ingredient layers on flavor, texture, and color. The beans add heartiness, the lime cuts through richness, and the cilantro brings that finishing freshness I can’t skip.
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How I Make This Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
I start by whisking together olive oil, lime juice, and spices. The chicken goes right in, getting coated in all that flavor. I let it marinate for at least 15 minutes longer if I can to make the meat extra tender.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a big skillet, I heat a drizzle of oil and cook the chicken for about 6–8 minutes. It turns golden and fragrant, with little crispy edges that taste amazing. Then I take it out and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Veggies
Using the same pan, I toss in the peppers and onions. They cook quickly just enough to get slightly charred and sweet but still crisp. The bits left behind from the chicken give them a smoky flavor.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
I add the chicken back in, tossing it all together so the flavors meld. Meanwhile, I stir the corn, black beans, and cilantro into my warm rice.
Step 5: Build the Bowls
Each bowl gets a scoop of rice topped with that colorful chicken and pepper mix. I finish with a spoon of Greek yogurt or avocado and a squeeze of lime. It’s a meal that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 6: Store for the Week
If I’m meal prepping, I portion everything into containers. These meal prep lunch ideas keep perfectly for days and make weekday lunches so simple.
If you love sheet pan meals, you’ll want to try my sheet pan chicken teriyaki and veggies it’s another weeknight favorite around here.
How I Like to Change It Up
- One Pan Chicken and Rice: Cook everything together with uncooked rice and chicken broth for a saucier one pot chicken and rice version.
- Creamy Chicken and Rice: Stir in a couple of spoonfuls of Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a light and creamy twist.
- Chicken Rice Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly it turns into a cozy chicken rice bake.
- Lazy Dinner Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken to skip the marinating and cooking still flavorful, but faster.
- Low-Carb Version: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or even shredded cabbage for a lighter take.
And if you’re hosting friends, pair this bowl with something fun like my mini caprese skewers or artichoke dip.
Wrapping It Up from My Kitchen
This Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl has earned its place in my weekly lineup. It’s vibrant, hearty, and endlessly customizable just what I want from my healthy meal prep ideas. It brings together smoky spice, tender chicken, and colorful veggies in one simple bowl.
If you make it, I’d love to hear how you put your own spin on it! Don’t forget to check out my cozy favorites like prosciutto pasta and creamy chicken and potato soup next time you’re craving comfort.
