Chicken Fajita Bowl

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Fajita Bowl is everything you love about fajitas, but in a simple, bowl-friendly format. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices that give it a smoky, zesty flavor, while the sautéed fajita veggies add color and crunch. Paired with cilantro lime rice and topped with fresh ingredients like guacamole, sour cream, and grilled corn, each bite is packed with vibrant flavors. It’s also incredibly customizable, allowing you to add or adjust toppings according to your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a satisfying weeknight meal, this bowl is a hit every time.

Ingredients

For the Fajita Chicken:

• 3 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika, if available)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (smoked garlic powder, if available)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 3 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1–2 tablespoons lime juice
• 3–4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• (Optional) 1–2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into tenders

For the Fajita Veggies:

• 2–3 tablespoons chicken broth (more if needed)
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1/2 red onion, sliced
• 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
• 3 bell peppers (red, green, orange), sliced
• 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
• Additional kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste

For the Chicken Fajita Bowl:

• Cilantro lime rice (homemade or store-bought)
• Tortillas of your choice, warmed
• Cilantro lime sauce
• Guacamole or avocado chunks
• Grilled corn
• Corn salsa
• Sour cream
• Lime wedges
• Cotija cheese, crumbled
• Fresh cilantro

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, kosher salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, oregano, and black pepper. Mix well.
   • Rub the spice mixture over the chicken tenders, ensuring they are fully coated.
   • Drizzle the lime juice and olive oil over the chicken, and optionally toss in fresh cilantro. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15–20 minutes, or longer for more flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a bit of olive oil, then cook the chicken tenders for 4–6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Fajita Veggies:
   • In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute.
   • Add the sliced red and yellow onions, and bell peppers. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until the veggies are tender but still vibrant.
   • Stir in the fajita seasoning, adding more salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat once the veggies are cooked.
4. Assemble the Fajita Bowl:
   • Start by placing a base of cilantro lime rice in each bowl.
   • Top the rice with the cooked chicken tenders and fajita veggies.
   • Add your favorite toppings, such as guacamole or avocado chunks, grilled corn, corn salsa, sour cream, and cotija cheese.
   • Drizzle with cilantro lime sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve the Chicken Fajita Bowls immediately with warm tortillas on the side for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15–20 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for grilled tofu, black beans, or grilled portobello mushrooms for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Chicken Fajita Bowl: Add more cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the chicken marinade for extra heat.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice or skip the rice altogether and serve the chicken and veggies in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb option.
• Salsa Options: Switch out the corn salsa for a tomato-based salsa or pico de gallo if you prefer a fresher taste.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover chicken and fajita veggies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The rice and toppings should be stored separately for freshness.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken and veggies in a skillet or microwave. If reheating rice, add a little water to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs tend to take a little longer to cook than breasts.

2. Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken in the spice mixture overnight for deeper flavor and cook it the next day. Leftover chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

3. Can I use frozen bell peppers and onions?

While fresh is ideal for texture and flavor, frozen bell peppers and onions will work just fine in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess moisture before sautéing.

4. Can I use store-bought fajita seasoning?

Yes, store-bought fajita seasoning can be used in place of the homemade spice mix. Adjust the amount based on the brand’s flavor strength.

5. What can I use instead of cilantro lime sauce?

If you don’t have cilantro lime sauce, a simple mix of sour cream with lime juice and chopped cilantro works well as a substitute.

6. Can I prepare the fajita bowl without rice?

Yes, you can skip the rice and serve the chicken and veggies on a bed of lettuce, or just pile everything into a tortilla for a fajita wrap.

7. How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like more heat, add more cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade or chop up some jalapeños and add them to the veggies while sautéing.

8. Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it on the stovetop?

Yes, grilling the chicken will add a delicious smoky flavor. Simply grill the marinated chicken tenders over medium heat until fully cooked.

9. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cotija?

Yes, you can substitute cotija with other cheeses like queso fresco, feta, or even shredded cheddar if you prefer.

10. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, simply skip the cotija cheese and sour cream, and opt for dairy-free alternatives like vegan sour cream and cheese.

Conclusion

The Chicken Fajita Bowl is the perfect combination of flavor and freshness, with tender seasoned chicken, vibrant fajita veggies, and delicious toppings like guacamole, cilantro lime rice, and grilled corn. This dish is versatile and easily customizable, making it ideal for everyone in the family. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress your guests, this fajita bowl has everything you need for a delicious, satisfying meal!

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