Sizzling Chicken Fajita Bowl Recipe – Fiesta in Every Bite

Crafting a delectable chicken fajita bowl transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into a fiesta of flavors.

Vibrant peppers and sizzling chicken dance together in a harmony of southwestern spices.

Each colorful ingredient brings its own zesty personality to the mix.

Marinated protein mingles with fresh vegetables, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Layers of textures and bold seasonings promise a culinary adventure in every forkful.

Quick to prepare and bursting with excitement, this bowl delivers restaurant-quality taste right in your kitchen.

Dive into this mouthwatering creation and let your taste buds celebrate.

Chicken Fajita Bowl Assembly Guide

Step 1: Marinate Chicken

Mix spices and lime in a bowl.

Combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice.

Coat chicken breasts thoroughly and let sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb flavors.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Heat grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.

Allow chicken to rest for 3-4 minutes, then slice into thin strips.

Step 3: Sauté Colorful Vegetables

In the same skillet, drizzle olive oil.

• Bell peppers
• Onions

Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables become tender and develop slight charred edges.

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Build Delicious Bowl

• Fluffy rice
• Sautéed peppers and onions
• Sliced chicken
• Corn kernels
• Black beans
• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh cilantro

Step 5: Finish With Tasty Toppings

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Shredded cheese
• Lime wedges

Serve immediately and enjoy your vibrant fajita bowl.

Chicken Bowl Tips With Fajita Focus

• Let chicken rest in the spice mixture for at least 15 minutes to deeply absorb the seasonings and enhance taste.
• Use high heat when sautéing peppers and onions to create delicious caramelized edges without overcooking.
• Allow cooked chicken to sit for a few minutes so juices redistribute, ensuring tender and moist meat.
• Swap ingredients to suit dietary needs – use cauliflower rice for low-carb, add avocado for extra creaminess, or use plant-based protein for vegetarian version.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder and cumin to match your preferred heat intensity.

Chicken Fajita Bowls Stored for Fast Reheat

• Store chicken fajita bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping ingredients separate if possible to maintain texture.
• Warm sliced chicken in microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water to prevent drying.
• Quickly sauté peppers and onions in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes to restore crispness and prevent soggy texture.
• Add fresh cilantro, cheese, and sour cream after reheating to maintain their original flavor and consistency.

What Matches Fajita Bowls

• Spice Up with Margarita Magic: Pair the zesty chicken fajita bowl with a classic margarita, balancing the dish's bold spices with tequila's bright, citrusy notes and a salt-rimmed glass.
• Craft Beer Companion: Choose a Mexican-style lager or a crisp amber ale to complement the smoky chicken and grilled vegetables, cutting through the richness with refreshing carbonation.
• Cooling Citrus Mocktail: Mix a non-alcoholic agua fresca with fresh lime, orange, and a hint of mint to refresh the palate and echo the bowl's vibrant, tangy flavors.
• Wine Wonderland: Select a chilled, fruit-forward rosé or a light Pinot Noir to harmonize with the fajita's spices and provide a smooth, elegant counterpoint to the robust ingredients.

Fajita Bowl Variants

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Bowl: Replace traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a lower-carb alternative. Maintain the same chicken and vegetable preparation for a nutritious, keto-friendly meal.
• Vegetarian Protein Bowl: Swap chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh. Marinate plant-based protein in the same spice blend for authentic fajita flavors. Add extra black beans for protein boost.
• Gluten-Free Quinoa Version: Use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free grain option. Ensure all seasonings and ingredients are certified gluten-free. Quinoa provides additional protein and nutrients.
• Spicy Southwest Transformation: Increase chili powder and add jalapeños for an extra kick. Include chipotle peppers in the marinade for smoky heat. Top with hot sauce for additional spiciness.

FAQs

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and juices should run clear.

• Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! You can use beef, shrimp, tofu, or plant-based protein alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure proper doneness.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild spice from chili powder and cumin. If you prefer more heat, add extra chili powder or include jalapeños. For less spice, reduce the amount of chili powder.

• What if I don't have all the spices?

No worries! You can use a pre-made fajita seasoning mix as a quick substitute. Most grocery stores carry these in the spice or international food sections.

Chicken Fajita Bowl That’s Colorful And Loaded

• Quick and Easy Meal Prep: Whip up this delicious chicken fajita bowl in under 30 minutes with minimal cooking skills required. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
• Customize Your Flavor Profile: Easily swap ingredients or adjust spices to match your taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully versatile for different dietary needs and palates.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich beans and vegetables, this bowl delivers a balanced meal that keeps you full and energized throughout the day.
• Restaurant-Quality Taste at Home: Recreate the vibrant flavors of a Mexican-inspired dish without the expensive restaurant bill, bringing gourmet-style cooking right to your kitchen.

Everything Tossed in a Chicken Fajita Bowl

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main element of the fajita bowl, best when fresh and boneless.
• Black Beans: Rich protein source that adds texture and nutrition to the bowl.

• Bell Peppers, Onions: Classic fajita vegetables that provide sweet and savory flavor, vibrant colors recommended.
• Corn: Sweet kernel addition that brings a fresh crunch to the bowl.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bright, juicy element that adds freshness and color.
• Cilantro: Herb that provides a bright, fresh flavor accent.

• Rice: Neutral base grain that absorbs other flavors, white or brown rice work well.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Creamy topping that balances spicy flavors.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds richness and melty texture.
• Lime Wedges: Provides a bright, acidic finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and prevents sticking.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides depth of flavor.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika: Spice blend that creates classic fajita taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall flavor.
• Lime Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize chicken.

Chicken Fajita Bowl Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling Mexican-inspired chicken fajita bowl delivers a flavor fiesta with tender spiced chicken, colorful peppers, and zesty rice. Bold seasonings and fresh ingredients combine to create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Base Ingredients:

• 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 medium onion (sliced)
• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
• 1/4 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1/4 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)

Oils and Liquids:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime

Optional Toppings:

• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Marinate chicken pieces with a zesty blend of aromatic spices, combining olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and fresh lime juice. Allow the flavors to infuse for a minimum of 15 minutes.
2. Fire up a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Let the chicken rest briefly before slicing into succulent strips.
3. Using the same skillet, drizzle olive oil and quickly sauté bell peppers and onions until they develop a tender texture with subtle charred edges. Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
4. Create a vibrant base by distributing cooked rice into serving bowls, then artfully layer the meal with sautéed vegetables, sliced chicken, sweet corn kernels, hearty black beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh cilantro.
5. Elevate the bowl’s taste profile by adding a creamy dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, generously sprinkling shredded cheese, and presenting with zesty lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus brightness.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor absorption, ideally 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder for personal heat preference.
• Consider using alternative protein options like tofu, shrimp, or plant-based chicken for diverse dietary needs.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to create a quick weeknight meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg