If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that checks every box — flavor, color, simplicity, and comfort — look no further than the Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan). This vibrant dish bundles juicy strips of chicken, tender-crisp peppers, zesty spices, and aromatic rice into a hearty skillet meal that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for a busy week, this one-pan wonder is guaranteed to become a standout in your regular recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part of the Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) is how each ingredient works its magic to create a harmonious blend of flavors while keeping things fuss-free. From crisp bell peppers to fragrant cilantro, every item brings something special to the table.
- Chicken breasts: Sliced into strips, they soak up all the fajita spices and stay juicy.
- Olive oil: For browning the chicken and sautéing the veggies — adds richness and keeps things from sticking.
- Fajita seasoning: A ready-made packet ensures punchy Tex-Mex flavor in every bite.
- Red bell pepper: Brings sweetness and a pop of color.
- Yellow bell pepper: Adds sunshine-yellow color and mild, fruity notes.
- Green bell pepper: Offers a more savory, grassy flavor that balances the sweeter peppers.
- Red onion: Its mild sharpness mellows and sweetens as it cooks, adding depth.
- Long-grain white rice: The perfect fluffy base that soaks up all those delicious juices.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory flavor and keeps it moist.
- Lime juice: A bright, zesty finish that ties everything together.
- Fresh cilantro: For a fresh, herbal lift at the end.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for fine-tuning the seasoning to your taste.
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, avocado, shredded cheese, salsa — customize to make your bowl truly your own!
How to Make Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan)
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced chicken breasts and sprinkle in half the fajita seasoning. Brown the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring so it cooks evenly. The goal is juicy centers and a slightly caramelized crust. Once done, scoop the chicken onto a plate and set it aside — it will finish its journey later.
Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
In the same pan (no need to rinse — those brown bits equal flavor), pour in the remaining olive oil. Add the rainbow of bell peppers and the red onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies begin to soften but still have a bit of bite. This step infuses the oil with all their sweet, peppery aromas.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
Add the uncooked white rice to the vegetables, then sprinkle on the rest of your fajita seasoning. Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a gentle stir. Bring it all to a lively boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell incredible as the rice absorbs all the flavors.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Once the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed, return the chicken (along with any juices on the plate) to the pan. Stir to combine and let everything mingle for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the chicken is warmed through and everything is coated in those savory juices.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the pan from the heat, squeeze in the lime juice, and shower the whole skillet with chopped fresh cilantro. Don’t forget your favorite toppings — creamy avocado, a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, or a spoonful of salsa. The Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) is ready to wow your taste buds!
How to Serve Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan)
Garnishes
This is your chance to let your creativity shine! Classic fajita toppings like tangy sour cream, creamy avocado, sharp cheddar, and zesty salsa take the Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) from comforting to craveable. A squeeze of extra lime and sprigs of cilantro add a fresh finishing touch that makes every bite pop.
Side Dishes
While this dish is a meal-in-a-bowl, you can make it a true Tex-Mex feast with simple sides. Try crunchy tortilla chips, a fresh green salad, or warm corn tortillas on the side. For a cooling twist, serve with a quick cucumber salad or a fruity pico de gallo.
Creative Ways to Present
Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) is endlessly versatile. Spoon it into colorful bowls for family-style dining, stuff leftovers into tortillas for fajita burritos, or portion it out in jars as a fun lunch option. For parties, set out a fajita bowl bar with a variety of toppings and let everyone build their own masterpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Everything about this dish lends itself to meal prep. Simply cool the leftovers to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, so tomorrow’s lunch might taste even better than dinner did!
Freezing
If you find yourself with extra Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan), it’s a great candidate for freezing. Divide cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your bowl on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout, adding a splash of chicken broth if the rice seems dry. Give it a fresh sprinkle of lime and cilantro before enjoying — it revives all the flavors beautifully!
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely! Keep in mind that brown rice takes a bit longer to cook and will require more liquid, so add about 1/2 cup extra broth and simmer until tender.
Is the Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) spicy?
The dish has a gentle, family-friendly kick thanks to the fajita seasoning. Want more heat? Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne when sautéing the veggies!
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
The core bowl is already dairy-free. Just skip the cheese and sour cream toppings, or swap for dairy-free alternatives. Avocado and salsa add creaminess and zing without any dairy.
Can I prep this for meal prep lunches?
This is one of the best recipes for meal prep! Portion the finished Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) into meal containers, add your toppings separately, and refrigerate for easy grab-and-go lunches all week.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Definitely! Just shred your rotisserie chicken and toss it in after the rice has finished cooking. Sprinkle with fajita seasoning to keep those big flavors front and center.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s as reliable as it is crowd-pleasing, the Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) is it. It’s the kind of meal that invites everyone to gather around, customize to their tastes, and swipe up every last grain of rice. Give it a try — you’re only one pan away from a Tex-Mex celebration at home!
Print
Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl is a delicious one-pan meal that combines tender chicken strips, colorful bell peppers, and flavorful fajita seasoning with rice, all cooked together for a flavorful and satisfying dish. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep option.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) fajita seasoning
For the Rice and Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 small red onion (sliced)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, shredded cheese, salsa
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and half of the fajita seasoning. Cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables and Rice: In the same pan, add remaining olive oil, bell peppers, and onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes. Add rice, fajita seasoning, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is cooked.
- Combine and Serve: Return cooked chicken to the pan, stir to combine, and heat through. Remove from heat, drizzle with lime juice, sprinkle with cilantro. Add toppings as desired and serve warm.
Notes
- To make it spicier, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
- Brown rice can be used but requires more cooking time and liquid.
- This dish stores well and is great for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
