Chicken Fajita Bowls
Chicken Fajita Bowls are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner option combining tender chicken, fresh bell peppers and onions, and zesty seasonings served over fluffy rice or quinoa. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-bowl meal offers bold smoky flavors with fresh lime and cilantro, perfect for busy weeknights or customizable for various dietary preferences.
- Author: Sophie
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into thin strips
Vegetables
- 1 each red, green, and yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 medium white or yellow onion, sliced into thin strips
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, sliced jalapeños
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more if needed for sautéing)
- 1 tbsp fajita seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
Herbs
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Base
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the bell peppers and onions into thin strips. Cut the chicken into thin, even strips to ensure quick and even cooking. Gather your fajita seasoning and other fresh ingredients.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips, sprinkle with fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the sliced peppers and onions, seasoning lightly with salt, and cook until tender-crisp and slightly caramelized, about 4-5 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the veggies. Stir to combine and heat through for a minute. Remove from heat, squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide cooked rice or quinoa into bowls. Spoon the chicken and vegetable fajita mixture over the top. Add optional toppings like avocado slices, sour cream, or shredded cheese if you like.
Notes
- Cut chicken evenly to ensure quick, uniform cooking without drying out any pieces.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming instead of searing.
- Use fresh lime juice to brighten all the flavors and add a refreshing finish.
- Rest the chicken briefly to help retain delicious juices and keep the meat tender.
- Toast your rice lightly before cooking to add extra nutty flavor to your bowls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Chicken Fajita Bowls, quick dinner, Mexican, gluten free, healthy, one-bowl meal, fajita seasoning, chicken dinner