Name: Chicken Fajita Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 medium red onion, sliced; 2 cups cooked white or brown rice; 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed; ½ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 1 avocado, sliced; ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro; lime wedges for serving

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Chicken Fajita Bowls are the ultimate weeknight win—vibrant, packed with flavor, and bursting with color from tender chicken, crisp-tender bell peppers, and a rainbow of fresh toppings. This dish isn’t just a hearty meal; it’s a cheerful invitation to gather around the table and build your own bowl just the way you like it. With bold Tex-Mex spices, juicy vegetables, and creamy avocado, every bite promises a blend of textures and tastes that will liven up your dinner routine. Whether you’re craving something healthy, gluten-free, or just downright delicious, these Chicken Fajita Bowls are destined to become a regular in your kitchen lineup.

Chicken Fajita Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Fajita Bowls is in their simple yet undeniably essential ingredients. Each component plays its part, from juicy marinated chicken to sweet, colorful peppers and all the irresistible toppings that make every bowl feel custom-made.

Chicken breasts: Sliced thinly for quick-cooking, they soak up the marinade and stay juicy in every bite.
Red, yellow, and green bell peppers: Using all three adds beautiful color and a subtly sweet crunch.
Red onion: Its natural sweetness rounds out the fajita flavor and caramelizes beautifully.
Olive oil: The secret to a flavorful marinade and to achieving that perfect char in the pan.
Lime juice: Adds brightness and zing that wakes up all the other flavors.
Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika: This trio gives the marinade its classic smoky Tex-Mex vibe.
Garlic powder and onion powder: Easy pantry players that deepen the savoriness.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing every note in the marinade.
Cooked rice (white or brown): The fluffy base that soaks up all the spicy juices—use your favorite kind!
Black beans: For a protein and fiber boost plus that signature fajita bowl heartiness.
Corn kernels: Sweet and juicy pops of flavor in every spoonful, whether fresh or frozen.
Avocado: Cool, creamy slices that bring each bowl together—don’t skip this!
Fresh cilantro: A bright herbal finish that makes the dish taste extra fresh.
Lime wedges: The finishing touch for squeezing over everything just before you dig in.

How to Make Chicken Fajita Bowls

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start with the most important step: infusing your chicken with huge flavor. In a large bowl, toss the sliced chicken breasts with olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir or use your hands to ensure every piece is well coated. Marinating for at least 15 minutes allows the flavors to mingle and sets your chicken up for juicy, tender perfection later.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Next, heat a big skillet over medium-high. Lay your marinated chicken strips into the hot pan in a single layer and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll notice the outsides turn golden and a little bit charred—exactly what you want for that signature fajita taste! Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm while you move on to the veggies.

Step 3: Sauté Peppers and Onions

In the same skillet (those pan juices are pure flavor gold), add your colorful trio of bell peppers and the sliced red onion. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, stirring just enough so they soften but still hold a bit of crunch. You’re aiming for those lovely caramelized edges that make fajitas so irresistible.

Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Fajita Bowls

Time for the fun part! Divide your perfectly cooked rice between serving bowls as the bed for all the delicious toppings. Layer on the sautéed veggies, then the sizzling chicken. Top with black beans, sweet corn, creamy avocado slices, and a shower of fresh cilantro. Serve lime wedges alongside for that final squeeze of citrus right before you take your first bite.

How to Serve Chicken Fajita Bowls

Garnishes

Personalizing Chicken Fajita Bowls takes them from great to unforgettable. Finish yours with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a slice or two of fresh jalapeño for extra heat, a dollop of sour cream, or a scattering of shredded cheese if you’re feeling indulgent. Don’t forget a wedge of lime—one quick squeeze over the top will make every flavor pop!

Side Dishes

Although Chicken Fajita Bowls are pretty satisfying on their own, they pair wonderfully with side options like warm tortilla chips and homemade salsa, a tangy Mexican street corn salad, or a simple bowl of sliced jicama and cucumber tossed with a little lime and chili salt. These light, crunchy sides keep the meal energetic and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Want a fun twist? Try serving your bowls “bar-style” and let everyone make their own with their favorite toppings—it’s a hit at family dinners or casual get-togethers. Or, turn the ingredients into lettuce wraps for a lighter spin. Layer them in glass jars for meal prep, so you can enjoy these flavors on the go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Everything will last for up to 3 days, and keeping the rice, chicken, veggies, and toppings apart keeps them freshest for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

Chicken Fajita Bowls are freezer-friendly, especially the chicken and sautéed peppers. Let them cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. Skip freezing the avocado and fresh cilantro, and add those after reheating for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave the chicken, rice, beans, and veggies until steaming hot, or warm everything in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep it moist. Add your cold toppings like avocado and cilantro just before serving for the freshest flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative, offering even more juiciness and rich flavor. Just slice them into strips as you would with breasts, and follow the same marinating and cooking steps.

How spicy are Chicken Fajita Bowls?

They pack a gentle warmth but aren’t overly spicy, thanks to the balanced blend of chili powder and smoked paprika. If you love more spice, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or freshly sliced jalapeños.

What’s the best way to make this low-carb?

It’s super easy to make low-carb Chicken Fajita Bowls! Swap out the rice for sautéed cauliflower rice, and pile on all your favorite toppings without missing out on any flavor or satisfaction.

Can I meal prep these bowls in advance?

Definitely! Prepare all the cooked components and store them separately. Assemble your bowls just before eating, or layer them in containers for grab-and-go lunches all week.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, these Chicken Fajita Bowls are naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check your spices and canned goods. They’re a wholesome option for anyone needing to avoid gluten.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to make Chicken Fajita Bowls and experience how easy, colorful, and downright joyful dinnertime can be! There’s just something about a fresh, customizable bowl loaded with flavor that brings smiles to the table. Give this recipe a try and bring some Tex-Mex cheer to your home!

Chicken Fajita Bowls Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

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

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Description

These Chicken Fajita Bowls are a delicious and healthy meal option that combines tender marinated chicken with colorful bell peppers, black beans, corn, and avocado over a bed of rice. Topped with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, these bowls are bursting with flavor and perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Bowls:

1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 medium red onion, sliced
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 avocado, sliced
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken, olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes until fully cooked and slightly charred. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the bell peppers and onion for 5–7 minutes until tender and caramelized.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide rice among bowls and top with chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, black beans, corn, avocado slices, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.