Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) Recipe

If you’re searching for a dinner that’s vibrant, hearty, and incredibly easy to pull together, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan). This dish combines sizzling strips of spiced chicken, colorful peppers, and fluffy rice, all cooked together in a single skillet for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, the magic of Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) is that it delivers a hot, wholesome, and deeply satisfying meal in just over half an hour. Get ready to bring the zest of fajitas and the comfort of a rice bowl to your table tonight!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of this Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) is truly in its simplicity—each ingredient shines, contributing its own personality to the dish. From bold spices to fresh veggies, you’ll see how easy it is to create a rainbow on your plate (and in your mouth) with just a handful of kitchen staples.

• Chicken breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips for tender, juicy bites that soak up all the spice.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken and vegetables caramelize perfectly in the pan.
• Red bell pepper: Brings a touch of sweetness and gorgeous color to the bowl.
• Green bell pepper: Adds crunch and contrasts beautifully with the red pepper.
• Red onion: Offers a hint of sharpness and sweet undertones once sautéed.
• Long grain white rice: The base that soaks up all those fajita flavors without turning mushy.
• Chicken broth (low-sodium): Infuses the rice with savory depth while keeping the dish wholesome.
• Fajita seasoning: Use your favorite store-bought blend or mix up your own for bold, zesty undertones.
• Garlic powder: For an extra hit of flavor that rounds out the spices beautifully.
• Salt: Just a touch brings all the other flavors to life.
• Black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
• Lime juice: A bright, tangy finish that lifts all the savory components.
• Optional toppings: Chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, avocado, and sour cream transform each bowl into a customizable feast.

How to Make Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan)

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and season with half of your fajita seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s lightly browned and nearly cooked through. This first step is key to building that signature fajita flavor right from the beginning.

Step 2: Add Bell Peppers and Onion

Toss in your sliced red and green bell peppers along with the red onion. Give everything a good stir and let the veggies cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll notice the peppers start to soften and the onion turns deliciously sweet—the aroma will have everyone peeking into the kitchen, trust me!

Step 3: Add Rice and Broth

Once the veggies are bright and tender, it’s time to pour in the rice and sprinkle in the remaining fajita seasoning. Stir well so every grain is coated in spice, then add the chicken broth. Give the pot one last mix, bringing the whole blend to a cheerful boil. This is where the magic happens—the rice will soak up all that spiced, savory liquid.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and let the Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid so the rice cooks perfectly and all the flavors meld together. When the timer is up, you’ll see the liquid absorbed and the grains fluffy—absolutely irresistible!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat and let it sit, still covered, for about 5 minutes. This short wait makes the rice incredibly tender. Fluff with a fork, squeeze fresh lime juice over everything for a citrusy pop, then dig in! Top your Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) with cilantro, cheese, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream to make it your own.

How to Serve Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan)

Garnishes

Elevate every bowl by showering it with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, creamy avocado, or a swirl of sour cream. Each garnish adds a new layer of texture and flavor, making every bite feel like a mini fiesta. If you like a kick, sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of hot sauce are fantastic extras.

Side Dishes

The Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) is hearty enough to shine all on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, try serving it alongside warm tortillas, a crisp green salad, or roasted corn. Even a bowl of tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole is a perfect match for scooping up those last bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve the Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) in colorful individual bowls for a casual family supper, or make a DIY fajita rice bowl bar with bowls of toppings for guests to customize. You can also spoon the mixture into lettuce cups for a fresh, light twist or stuff it in burritos for a delicious lunch the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) is a meal prep dream! Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep fresh for up to four days. Be sure to let the rice cool to room temperature before sealing to avoid any excess condensation.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze portions for later, transfer fully cooled chicken fajita rice into freezer-safe containers or zip bags. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Grab your leftovers and reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, stirring now and then and adding a splash of broth or water to loosen things up if needed. Top with fresh lime juice or a few extra toppings to reinvigorate that just-made flavor.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice for this Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan)?

Absolutely! Just swap the white rice for long grain brown rice, increase the broth to 2 3/4 cups, and let it simmer for 35 to 40 minutes instead of 18 to 20. You’ll get a slightly nuttier flavor and more fiber—it’s a winner both ways.

How spicy is this recipe, and can I make it milder or hotter?

The base recipe is delightfully flavorful with warming spice but not overwhelming heat. To kick things up, toss in some cayenne or sliced jalapeños. Prefer it mild? Just use less fajita seasoning or choose a blend labeled as mild.

Can I make it dairy-free or gluten-free?

Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) is naturally gluten-free (just double-check your fajita seasoning to be sure). For a dairy-free version, simply skip the cheese and sour cream toppings—there’s still plenty of flavor to love!

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! It’s fantastic for meal prepping. Make a batch ahead of time, portion into containers, and you have a flavorful, balanced lunch or dinner ready to grab-and-go all week. The textures and flavors hold up wonderfully in the fridge.

Can I substitute chicken thighs or other proteins?

Of course! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully for extra juiciness, but you can also try diced pork, shrimp, or tempeh for a creative twist. Just adjust the cook time for whatever protein you pick.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about gathering around a table to enjoy a hot, colorful Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan). It’s comfort food with a kick, and the fact that it all comes together in a single pan will make your heart and your dinner guests equally happy. If you’re craving bold flavors with minimal fuss, give this recipe a try—you just might discover a new weeknight favorite!

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