Name: Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 small red onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup long grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional); avocado slices, sour cream, and shredded cheese for topping (optional)

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If you love vibrant meals that burst with flavor, color, and comfort (with minimal clean-up), the Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) will completely win your heart! This dish brings together juicy strips of chicken, sweet peppers, savory spices, and fluffy rice, all layered together in a single skillet. It’s a weeknight dream come true—fresh, quick to prepare, and endlessly customizable. Plus, it’s the sort of recipe that instantly brightens up your table with every scoop.

Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about simple, well-chosen ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Each component here not only builds flavor but also adds a pop of color and texture, making this meal as gorgeous as it is delicious.

Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for fast cooking and maximum tenderness in each bite.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the spices bloom while cooking.
Red, green, and yellow bell peppers: Their sweet crunch and dazzling colors scream “fajitas!”
Red onion: Lends a mild sweetness and caramelizes for wonderful depth.
Garlic: Two cloves, minced, deliver a punchy, irresistible aroma.
Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano: This bold blend forms the signature, zesty fajita flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Simple, but absolutely key for rounding out every bite.
Long grain white rice: Soaks up all those savory juices, turning simple grains into something sensational.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with richness and ties the whole dish together.
Lime juice: A bright finish that perks up the bowl and brings all the flavors forward.
Fresh cilantro (optional): For those who love a herby, fresh note to their rice bowls.
Avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese (for topping): These are the finishing touches that take every Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) from tasty to absolutely crave-worthy!

How to Make Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan)

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start by heating up olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, add your thinly sliced chicken. Stir and move the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes, letting it cook until no pink remains. This first quick sauté locks in juiciness and gives your chicken those little golden edges we all love.

Step 2: Add the Peppers, Onion, and Garlic

Time for the vegetable party! Toss the red, green, and yellow bell peppers into the skillet, followed by the onions and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for 3 to 4 minutes. You want the vegetables just starting to soften, keeping a bit of their crisp texture and inviting their bright colors to shine.

Step 3: Season It Up

Now, sprinkle in your chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a big, happy stir to coat both chicken and veggies. Let the aromatics and spices mingle and fill your kitchen with that unmistakable Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) warmth!

Step 4: Add Rice and Broth

Stir in your uncooked long grain white rice directly with the sizzling chicken and veggies. Pour the chicken broth over everything, making sure the rice is mostly submerged. This step sets up that magical transformation where the rice soaks up every drop of flavor in the pan.

Step 5: Let It Simmer

Bring the skillet mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately lower the heat and cover. Let it all simmer, undisturbed, for 18 to 20 minutes. When the timer dings, check that the rice is tender and the liquid has fully absorbed. Fluff the rice gently with a fork—releasing those delicious steamy aromas you’ve been smelling!

Step 6: Finish with Lime and Cilantro

With the heat off, squeeze in fresh lime juice and sprinkle in chopped cilantro if you love that herbal, cooling note. Mix well, letting the citrus brightness wake up all those rich, savory flavors of your Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan).

How to Serve Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan)

Garnishes

The fun really starts when you gather friends or family and let everyone garnish their own bowl. Creamy avocado slices, a dollop of tangy sour cream, shredded cheese, or even a few jalapeño rounds all add exciting new layers to every bite. Fresh cilantro or a squeeze of extra lime juice work wonders too!

Side Dishes

This meal is almost a feast all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with sides like warm tortillas, a simple side salad, or classic tortilla chips for scooping up those last savory grains. A chilled glass of limeade or a light Mexican beer doesn’t hurt either!

Creative Ways to Present

Explore building Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) into something fun and interactive. Try layering it burrito bowl style with lettuce, beans, or street corn. Roll the filling up in tortillas for quick fajita wraps or stuff it into bell pepper halves for a playful, low-carb alternative. The possibilities are endless—let your creativity shine!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep so well, making this a fantastic meal-prep option. Store cooled Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors only deepen as everything melds together overnight.

Freezing

If you want longer-term storage, portion the rice bowl into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to three months. Just don’t forget to label your containers—you’ll be so excited to rediscover them for a future quick lunch or dinner.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave with a sprinkle of water to keep things moist, or warm gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a fresh dash of lime or more cilantro to revive that just-cooked flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a little juicier and will work beautifully here. Just slice them thin like the recipe suggests and keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may take a minute or two longer to cook through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written, this Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) is completely gluten-free! Just double-check that your chicken broth and any additional toppings (like shredded cheese) are certified gluten-free if needed.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for black beans, chickpeas, or extra peppers and onions. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a hearty, satisfying vegetarian version that keeps all the zesty flavors.

How do I make it spicier?

If you like more heat, add sliced fresh jalapeños to the pan with the veggies or stir in a little hot sauce at the end. You can also bump up the chili powder or garnish with spicy salsa for an extra kick.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, brown rice works well for Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan), but remember to increase the cooking time, as it takes longer to become tender. You may need to add a splash more broth during simmering to prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s crowd-pleasing, weekday-friendly, and truly unforgettable, add this Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) to your rotation as soon as you can. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s bursting with life and flavor, and I know you’ll love it as much as I do!

Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl is a delicious one-pan meal that combines tender chicken strips, colorful bell peppers, and fragrant spices with fluffy rice, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish. Topped with creamy avocado, tangy sour cream, and melted cheese, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 small red onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup long grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
avocado slices, sour cream, and shredded cheese for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until no longer pink.
Add the bell peppers, red onion, and garlic to the skillet and cook for another 3–4 minutes until vegetables soften. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Add the rice and stir to combine with the chicken and vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes.
Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and stir in lime juice and cilantro if using. Serve warm with avocado, sour cream, and shredded cheese.