This is not like any other fajita recipe! It is a symphony of tastes and a harmony of textures in a vibrant meal. The Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl changes the ordinary fajita into an unforgettable experience.
It is an amazing creation on a baking sheet that you must try. It starts by marinating succulent chicken, baking it to perfection with a mix of sauteed vegetables, then adding fluffy rice, and a medley of vibrant toppings to make an appealing bowl. A must-try indeed!
A Feast for the Eyes
Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl Ingredients
It is not an ordinary fajitas bowl! Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl is a harmonious nutritious meal that bursts with flavors and textures. Here is the list of ingredients that you need.
For the Fajitas
Boneless chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or a mix of both
Extra virgin oil
Colored bell peppers
Yellow onion
Garlic cloves
For the Fajita Seasoning
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Smoked paprika
Chili powder
Cumin
Dried oregano
Coriander powder
Salt
Black pepper
Cayenne pepper, optional
Check the recipe card for details about ingredients and instructions
Add Your Special Touch!
The sky is the limit for the variations you can try with the Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl. Here are some ideas.
For a heartier experience, replace the chicken with your favorite cut of steak. Marinate it with Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and rosemary. Once ready, add it to your bowl and enjoy the savory goodness of a steakhouse.
Are you a seafood fan? You can swap the chicken for delicious shrimp to prepare a Shrimp Fiesta Rice bowl. Don’t forget to top it off with a cilantro-lime dressing for an extra burst of flavor.
If you are a vegetarian, you do not want to miss this dish. You can elevate your veggie experience by replacing the chicken with hearty portobello mushrooms or tofu marinated in the fajita seasoning. For a satisfying veggie delight, serve it with a side of chipotle yogurt sauce.
Try to grill the marinated chicken. It will add a smoky essence that will enhance the overall depth of flavor.
Diverse Flavors and Textures in One Bowl
How to Meal Prep Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
Chicken Fajita Rice Recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare a large quantity of baked chicken and vegetables. Then, store them in the fridge for 2-3 days or in the freezer for a longer time.
If you are planning for a friends’ gathering or you want to please a crowd, you can prepare the sheet pan with the marinated chicken and vegetables the night before. Then, store it in the fridge. You can also prepare the toppings and separate each in a different airtight container to keep them fresh. Assemble the bowl on the spot.
How to Serve Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
If you crave an extra kick, serve the chicken fajita bowl with a side of your favorite hot sauce.
Add a satisfying crunch to your dinner experience. Serve the chicken fajita and rice bowl with a side of tortilla chips. An extra layer of Mexican-inspired goodness!
Enjoy a refreshing contrast by serving the fajita bowl with sour cream.
A tropical fruit salad adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the fajita flavors. Prepare it by mixing tropical fruits like mango and pineapple with a drizzle of chili-lime dressing.
Enjoy the Perfect Bite with Every Forkful
How to Perfectly Build Your Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
Serving the Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl is an opportunity to create an appealing and enjoyable dining experience.
Make sure you choose a wide bowl to allow easy mixing. You want to ensure that every bite is a perfect combination of flavors.
When you place the rice at the base of the bowl, use a fork to fluff the rice. You want it to be light and airy.
Overlap the chicken slices on top of the rice. This will keep them moist and flavorful.
Spoon the sauteed vegetables over the chicken with an even distribution. It will be aesthetically pleasing and ensures you get all the flavors in every bite.
Garnish your dish with the fresh ingredients. Cherry tomatoes, corn, and black beans add a medley of colors next to the bell pepper. Adding guacamole and sliced jalapenos is an excellent addition to the top of your dish.
For the final touch, don’t forget the lime wedges and the sprinkle of chopped cilantro. They add an aroma and a hint of citrusy freshness to your fajita bowl. Take a moment to admire your creation!
A Five-Star Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
Pro Tips for the Ultimate Fajita Experience
Enhance flavors: If you have enough time, allow the chicken to marinate in the seasoning for an hour before baking so the flavors will infuse deeply into the chicken.
Rice choice: Choose fluffy, long-grain rice or brown rice for a wholesome rice base. You can cook them while waiting for the chicken to be ready.
Zesty Twist: Consider using cilantro-lime rice instead of plain white rice. it will accentuate the rice element with the zesty combination of lime and cilantro that perfectly complements the fajita flavors.
A Satisfying Bowl for an Amazing Dinner
Storage Tips
Before storing the chicken fajita and rice, ensure they come to room temperature then transfer them in containers.
You can refrigerate the chicken fajita rice bowl for up to 3-4 days. For best results, store the main ingredients separately in airtight containers and assemble the bowl before serving to keep the textures.
It is not recommended to freeze the fajita with rice bowl because vegetables may change upon thawing. For a longer storage period, freeze the chicken and rice separately.
Allow the chicken and rice to thaw and then gently reheat them in the microwave or stovetop. Add the fresh vegetables upon serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can. Add the chicken and the seasonings in a pan or a deep skillet with a drizzle of olive oil. Toss them until they are cooked through. Transfer them to a sheet of foil and then sauté the onion and the bell peppers. Continue the rest of the steps as mentioned in the recipe card.
This recipe is completely customizable. Try your favorite seasoning to marinate the chicken. Taco seasoning for instance is a good option for a change.
Yes, of course. You can choose the fajita seasoning that suits your preferences and dietary needs. So, if you want to have gluten-free chicken fajita bowl, choose gluten-free seasoning and enjoy your meal.
Must-Try Recipes:
Easy Greek Style Baked Chicken
Santa Fe Chicken Salad With Creamy Chipotle Dressing
Middle Eastern Restaurant-Style Chicken
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Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
Ingredients
For the Fajita
- 1½ pounds boneless chicken breasts thigh or a mix
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 bell peppers colored
- 1½ medium yellow onions or red onions
- 3 garlic cloves minced
For the Fajita Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ¾ teaspoon cumin
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼-½ teaspoon cayenne optional
Instructions
To Bake Fajita
- If you are using chicken breasts, cut them into 1/2-inch thick strips. You can also cut the whole breasts in half to create 2 long equal pieces, then cut it again to make 4 equal thinner pieces in total. If you are using chicken thighs, trim the excess fat.
- Preheat the oven to 425℉.
- Line and grease a baking sheet.
- Add your cut-up chicken, garlic, and the onions and peppers sliced into strips.
- Sprinkle the seasoning right on top, and drizzle the olive oil over it.
- Mix well by hand until everything is well-coated.
- Bake for 18-25 minutes, uncovered.
- If you cooked the chicken in larger pieces, cut it into strips once out of the oven.
- Finish it off with a drizzle of lime juice.
To Build the Fajita Rice Bowl
- Start with a base of plain white rice or cilantro lime rice.
- Add your fajita chicken and veggies mix.
- Add black beans, corn, and chopped tomatoes.
- Add some guacamole, sour cream, and jalapenos if you wish.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- If you have enough time, allow the chicken to marinate in the seasoning for an hour or more before baking so the flavors will infuse deeply into the chicken.
- Choose fluffy, long-grain rice or brown rice for a wholesome rice base. You can cook them while waiting for the chicken to be ready.
- Consider using cilantro-lime rice instead of plain white rice. It will accentuate the rice element with the zesty combination of lime and cilantro that perfectly complements the fajita flavors.
