Name: Chicken Fajita Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 small red onion, sliced; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 3 cups cooked rice (white or brown); 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen); 1 avocado, sliced; 1/2 cup fresh salsa; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; Lime wedges for serving

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Craving a vibrant and wholesome dinner that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat? These Chicken Fajita Bowls truly deliver an explosion of Tex-Mex flavors served up in the most satisfying way. Imagine juicy strips of perfectly spiced chicken, a rainbow of sautéed peppers and onions, buttery avocado, hearty black beans, sweet corn, zesty salsa, and a flourish of fresh cilantro—all nestled on a bed of your favorite rice with a wedge of lime for that irresistible finishing touch. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply want a nourishing, meal prep–friendly option, Chicken Fajita Bowls are the ultimate crowd-pleaser and weeknight dinner hero.

Chicken Fajita Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes these Chicken Fajita Bowls so special is the straightforward lineup of fresh, colorful, and zesty ingredients. Each one plays a key role—whether it’s the pop of the peppers or the creamy touch of avocado—and together, they create a bowl that’s packed with texture and bold flavor.

Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken for lean protein that soaks up all the spices and stays tender after sautéing.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve a beautiful char on both chicken and veggies.
Red, yellow, and green bell peppers: For a color-packed, crunchy trio that brings both natural sweetness and gorgeous presentation.
Red onion: Offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a lovely pop of color when sautéed.
Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper: This spice mix gives the dish its iconic fajita warmth and depth—feel free to adjust for your spice preference.
Cooked rice (white or brown): The perfect base for soaking up all the savory juices and keeping you full.
Black beans: These add satisfying fiber and protein, and their earthy flavor pairs beautifully with the spices.
Corn kernels: Use fresh, canned, or frozen—corn brings a touch of natural sweetness that compliments the savory notes.
Avocado: Sliced fresh for a wonderfully creamy, cooling element in every bite.
Fresh salsa: Choose your favorite—chunky or smooth—for a juicy, tangy boost.
Fresh cilantro: Finely chopped for brightness and that classic Mexican flavor accent.
Lime wedges: Ready to squeeze over the top for a refreshing, citrusy kick that ties everything together.

How to Make Chicken Fajita Bowls

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by combining your thinly sliced chicken with a tablespoon of olive oil and all the spices—chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, a little cayenne if you like heat, salt, and pepper. Toss it all together so every strip of chicken is beautifully coated; this step sets the flavor foundation for your Chicken Fajita Bowls, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned and fully cooked—about 5 to 6 minutes. Once they’re done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. This preserves the juiciness and lets the flavors shine.

Step 3: Cook the Peppers and Onion

In the same skillet, toss in your sliced bell peppers and red onion. Sauté them for 4 to 5 minutes until they’re tender but still a little crisp, with bits that get perfectly charred around the edges. That light char adds depth and a subtle smokiness to your Chicken Fajita Bowls.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls

Now the fun part: assembly! Divide the cooked rice among four bowls, then layer on those golden strips of chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, black beans, corn, cool avocado slices, a spoonful of fresh salsa, and a finishing touch of chopped cilantro. Add a lime wedge to each bowl for squeezing just before digging in.

How to Serve Chicken Fajita Bowls

Garnishes

For maximum flavor and presentation, don’t skimp on the garnishes. A generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a few silky avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime juice lift every bowl. If you like a little extra indulgence, add a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or even a dash of hot sauce to take your Chicken Fajita Bowls over the top.

Side Dishes

Pair your Chicken Fajita Bowls with simple sides to round out the meal. Warm corn tortillas, crispy tortilla chips with homemade guacamole, or a light Mexican street corn salad all complement the rich, zesty main event. For a lighter meal, a crisp green salad with a lime vinaigrette is a fresh, crunchy addition.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings, set up a DIY fajita bowl bar and let everyone customize their bowls with favorite toppings and extras. You can also portion the filling into lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist, or nestle everything into halved bell peppers and roast them for a colorful, edible bowl. However you present them, Chicken Fajita Bowls always look stunning thanks to their bold, natural colors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers from your Chicken Fajita Bowls fresh by storing each component—chicken, veggies, rice, and toppings—in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This way, textures stay distinct and flavors don’t muddle together. Most elements will be at their best for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Both the chicken and sautéed vegetables freeze beautifully. Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers, keeping them separate from the rice and fresh toppings. When stored properly, they’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Fresh toppings like avocado and salsa are best added after reheating for peak flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the chicken, veggies, and rice in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until hot. Assemble your Chicken Fajita Bowls anew with the fresh toppings—like avocado and salsa—added just before serving. This keeps everything tasting bright and vibrant, as if made fresh.

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as delicious—juicier and full of flavor. Just keep an eye on the cook time, as thighs may take a couple of minutes longer to cook through compared to breast meat.

How can I make Chicken Fajita Bowls dairy-free or vegan?

It’s easy! Simply skip any optional cheese or sour cream. For a vegan take, swap in plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, and double up on the black beans for plenty of hearty texture.

Is it possible to use store-bought fajita seasoning?

Of course! While homemade seasoning really lets you control the flavor, a high-quality store-bought fajita spice blend is a great shortcut for busy nights. Just check the label for any added salt or sugar and adjust to taste.

What can I use instead of rice?

For a lighter or grain-free base, use cauliflower rice for a similar texture with fewer carbs, or try serving over quinoa or even shredded lettuce for a fresh, fajita salad vibe.

How do I meal prep Chicken Fajita Bowls?

Prepare and store each component separately in advance. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the chicken, rice, and veggies, and assemble your bowls with fresh avocado, salsa, and cilantro for a speedy, delicious meal any day of the week.

Final Thoughts

If you love big flavor in an easy, one-bowl dinner, you’ll absolutely fall for these Chicken Fajita Bowls. They’re perfect for meal prepping, serve a family with ease, and are endlessly customizable to suit every craving. Give them a try and watch them become a new staple at your table!

Chicken Fajita Bowls Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Chicken Fajita Bowls are a delicious and healthy Tex-Mex meal that’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Packed with flavorful seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, black beans, corn, avocado, and salsa, these bowls are a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 small red onion, sliced
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bowls:

3 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
1 avocado, sliced
1/2 cup fresh salsa
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil and all the spices. Cook the chicken in a skillet until browned and cooked through.
Sauté Peppers and Onions: In the same skillet, sauté the bell peppers and onion until tender.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide rice among 4 bowls, top with chicken, peppers, onions, black beans, corn, avocado, salsa, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.