Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stirred the vibrant mix of seasoned chicken and colorful bell peppers in the skillet, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. This easy Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls recipe has become my go-to weeknight marvel, not just for its quick prep but also for the joy it brings to my table. Each bowl presents a canvas for creativity, allowing everyone to customize their meals with toppings from creamy Greek yogurt to zesty jalapeños. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or simply craving a healthy takeout alternative, these bowls are a crowd-pleaser that showcases bright flavors without the fuss. Are you ready to dive into a delicious twist on dinner that you can make your own? Why Love Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls? Customization at its Finest: Each bowl is a delightful blank canvas, inviting your family to add their favorite toppings. Quick & Easy: Whip this meal up in just 30 minutes, making weeknight dinners hassle-free. Flavor-Packed: A medley of seasoned chicken and colorful veggies provides a burst of taste in every bite. Healthy Choice: With lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and options for brown rice or quinoa, it’s a nutritious meal solution. Family-Friendly: Perfect for picky eaters, you can cater to everyone’s preferences, whether it’s a dash of hot sauce or a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt. Creative Variations: Try swapping rice for cauliflower rice or adding black beans for a twist that keeps things fresh. Dive into this vibrant dish for a meal that everyone will love! Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls Ingredients For the Chicken and Vegetables • Chicken Breast – Main protein for the dish; substitute with turkey or firm tofu for a vegetarian option. • Bell Peppers – Provide crunch and sweetness; any color works, or swap with zucchini or snap peas. • Onion – Adds depth and sweetness; can be replaced with shallots for a milder flavor. For the Base • Rice – Acts as a base for the bowls; use brown rice for a healthier option or quinoa for extra texture. For Cooking • Olive Oil – For sautéing the ingredients; can substitute with avocado oil or coconut oil. • Fajita Seasoning – Provides spice and flavor; choose a store-bought mix or make your own with chili powder, cumin, and paprika. For Toppings • Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt – Optional for extra flavor; Greek yogurt adds a healthier twist or omit for a dairy-free bowl. • Cheese – An optional addition that enhances the flavor; shredded cheese works well. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls Step 1: Prepare the Rice Start by cooking your rice according to package instructions. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil, add the rice, cover, and reduce to a simmer for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked and fluffy. Once done, fluff with a fork and set aside to keep warm while you prepare the chicken and veggies. Step 2: Sauté the Chicken In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken breast and season lightly with salt. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking, then transfer the chicken to a plate once done. Step 3: Cook the Vegetables In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed, then toss in sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for around 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Keep an eye on their vibrant colors as they cook to gauge their doneness, ensuring they retain their crunch perfect for your Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls. Step 4: Season and Combine Stir the sautéed chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables. Sprinkle in the fajita seasoning and add a splash of water to help coat everything evenly. Stir well and let the mix cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld while the chicken and vegetables get a nice glaze from the seasoning. Step 5: Assemble the Bowls To serve, begin layering your Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls. Place a generous scoop of cooked rice at the bottom of each bowl, then top with the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture. Make sure to add a good amount to showcase the beautiful colors and textures of your work. Step 6: Customize and Serve Finally, invite everyone to customize their Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls with their favorite toppings. Options such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or Greek yogurt can add delightful creaminess. Feel free to also include sliced jalapeños or fresh cilantro for an extra kick, making this meal as interactive and exciting as it is delicious! Make Ahead Options These Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls are a meal prep dream come true! You can prepare the rice and the chicken-vegetable mixture up to 3 days in advance, allowing for quick assembly during your busy week. Simply cook the rice according to package instructions and allow it to cool before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. For the chicken and veggies, sauté as directed, let cool, and refrigerate in a separate container. To ensure they remain just as delicious, reheat both components separately before serving, then simply layer them in bowls with your choice of toppings. This way, you’ll have a wholesome, flavor-packed meal ready in no time! Expert Tips for Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls Even Slices: Ensure chicken and vegetable pieces are sliced evenly for consistent cooking, resulting in perfect texture throughout your Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls. Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on your veggies; overcooking can turn them mushy. You want them tender-crisp for ideal flavor! Spice It Up: For more heat, add sliced jalapeños during cooking or as a topping. Adjust the spice according to your family’s preferences. Protein Swaps: If you want a different flavor, consider using shrimp or steak. This keeps your Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls fresh and exciting! Make-Ahead: Prep your ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. This cuts down on meal prep time during busy weeknights while ensuring freshness. Measure Seasoning: If using homemade fajita seasoning, adjust the spices to your taste. Start with a little and add more as needed to achieve your desired flavor. What to Serve with Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls? Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or looking for a flavor-packed side to elevate your meal, these delicious combinations will enhance your Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls experience. Crispy Tortilla Chips: These provide a delightful crunch that complements the textures in your bowls, perfect for scooping up leftover ingredients. Guacamole: The creamy richness of guacamole balances the spice of fajitas and adds a refreshing twist to each bite. Mixed Green Salad: A light, zesty salad with a vinaigrette dressing refreshes the palate and brings a pop of color to your table. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, charred corn adds a summery freshness that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken and veggies. Black Beans: Rich in protein and fiber, they bring a hearty element to your meal while echoing the flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. Zesty Cilantro-Lime Rice: For those craving more rice, this herb-infused variation brightens your dish and ties in with the Mexican flavors perfectly. Margaritas: A refreshing cocktail will level up your dinner experience, adding a festive touch that beautifully complements the vibrant flavors while bringing everyone together. Churros: End the meal on a sweet note with churros, creating a delightful contrast to the savory elements of your Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls. Storage Tips for Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain freshness and flavor, making meal prep easy for busy weeks. Freezer: If you want to keep your Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls longer, freeze them in individual portions for up to 2 months. Make sure to use freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat in the microwave, covering the bowl to retain moisture. Heat until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even warming. Packaging: If you’re assembling bowls to go, layer rice at the bottom, followed by the chicken and veggies; add toppings like cheese or sour cream when serving to keep them fresh. Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls Variations Feel free to explore these delightful twists on the classic Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls to make the dish truly your own! Cauliflower Rice: Substitute rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb, veggie-packed base that still delivers fantastic flavor. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños during cooking or use a spicy fajita seasoning for an extra layer of heat that will awaken your taste buds. Different Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp or steak! The quick-cooking proteins will still deliver that satisfying punch in every bowl. Veggie Boost: Incorporate black beans or corn for added texture and heartiness; it’s a delicious way to sneak in extra fiber. Dairy Alternatives: Use cashew cream or a dollop of dairy-free yogurt instead of sour cream for a rich, creamy option that keeps things light. Zesty Flavor: Add a squeeze of fresh lime or a sprinkle of cilantro on top for a citrusy brightness that captures the essence of Tex-Mex cuisine. Grain Variety: Switch up the base by using quinoa for a nuttier flavor and a protein boost; it pairs wonderfully with the fajita ingredients. Crispy Topping: Top with crushed tortilla chips for an added crunch that transforms your Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls into a texture-rich meal. Explore these variations to create fun family dinners! If you want more tasty chicken recipes, try out these Garlic Parmesan Chicken or check out our delicious Hawaiian Chicken Sheet for a tropical twist. Enjoy the journey of creativity in the kitchen! Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls Recipe FAQs How do I select ripe bell peppers for this recipe? Absolutely! When choosing bell peppers, look for ones that are firm, shiny, and show no signs of wrinkles or dark spots. Any color (red, yellow, or green) will work beautifully. I often recommend vibrant red or yellow for added sweetness! What is the best way to store leftover Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls? After preparing your Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re cooled completely before sealing to avoid excess moisture that can lead to sogginess. Can I freeze Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls? Very much so! To freeze, let the mixture cool completely and then portion it into freezer-safe containers. You can freeze them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the microwave until warm. What if my vegetables are getting mushy while cooking? Great question! To avoid mushy vegetables, sauté them only until they’re tender-crisp—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Keep the heat on medium-high, and stir frequently for even cooking. You want that colorful crunch to shine through in your Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls! Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of? Sure! If cooking for specific dietary needs, try substituting the chicken with firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Ensure your fajita seasoning is gluten-free if that’s a concern, and use dairy-free alternatives for toppings, like avocado or a dairy-free yogurt. How can I customize the spice level? The more the merrier! If you’d like to heat things up, consider adding sliced jalapeños while cooking or serve with hot sauce on the side. For a milder option, stick to sweet bell peppers and omit any spicy toppings. Adjust to suit your taste and enjoy the journey! Delicious Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls Ready in 30 Minutes These Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls are a quick and customizable dinner option, perfect for families and packed with flavor. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 bowlsCourse: DinnerCuisine: MexicanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken and Vegetables1 pound Chicken Breast Substitute with turkey or firm tofu for a vegetarian option.2 cups Bell Peppers Any color works; can substitute with zucchini or snap peas.1 medium Onion Can be replaced with shallots for a milder flavor.For the Base2 cups Rice Use brown rice or quinoa for healthier options.For Cooking2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with avocado oil or coconut oil.2 tablespoons Fajita Seasoning Store-bought or homemade with chili powder, cumin, and paprika.For Toppings1/2 cup Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt Optional for extra flavor.1 cup Cheese Shredded cheese works well. Equipment Large SkilletMedium Saucepan Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsStart by cooking your rice according to package instructions. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil, add the rice, cover, and reduce to a simmer for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked and fluffy. Once done, fluff with a fork and set aside to keep warm while you prepare the chicken and veggies.In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken breast and season lightly with salt. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking, then transfer the chicken to a plate once done.In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed, then toss in sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for around 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.Stir the sautéed chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables. Sprinkle in the fajita seasoning and add a splash of water to help coat everything evenly. Stir well and let the mix cook for an additional minute.To serve, begin layering your Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls. Place a generous scoop of cooked rice at the bottom of each bowl, then top with the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture.Finally, invite everyone to customize their Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls with their favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or Greek yogurt. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg NotesEnsure chicken and vegetable pieces are sliced evenly for consistent cooking. Overcooking the vegetables can make them mushy, so cook until tender-crisp. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!