If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and leaves you so satisfied, then this Simple Chicken Fajita Bowls Recipe is your new go-to. Bringing together tender, seasoned chicken with colorful bell peppers and fresh toppings on a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa, it’s like a fiesta in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious, guaranteed to brighten up your table and your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Simple Chicken Fajita Bowls Recipe plays a big role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. They’re straightforward but come together to make every bite exciting and well-balanced.
- Chicken Breast (1 pound): Boneless and skinless, sliced thinly for quick, even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Bell Peppers (2 cups): A mix of colors—red, yellow, green—for a sweet crunch and beautiful presentation.
- Onion (1 medium): Thinly sliced to add a natural sweetness and slightly tangy base note to the dish.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Used for marinating and cooking, adding subtle richness and helping ingredients caramelize nicely.
- Fajita Seasoning (2 tablespoons): You can buy this or whip up your own blend to pack the chicken full of smoky, spicy, aromatic goodness.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors to your liking.
- Rice or Quinoa (2 cups cooked): Your grain base, fluffy and warm, grounding the dish while soaking up the juicy fajita flavors.
- Fresh Cilantro (a handful): Chopped and sprinkled on top, giving a fresh herbaceous punch that lifts the entire bowl.
- Avocado (1): Creamy and cooling, sliced or diced for a lovely contrast to the spiced chicken and veggies.
- Lime (1): A generous squeeze adds brightness and a tiny burst of tangy zest that ties everything together.
How to Make Simple Chicken Fajita Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
The first secret to success with this Simple Chicken Fajita Bowls Recipe is to let your chicken soak up all that marvelous flavor. Toss those thin strips of chicken breast in olive oil and fajita seasoning, then let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This marinade not only infuses the meat with a smoky, spicy vibe but also helps keep it juicy while it cooks.
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables
While the chicken marinates, slice your bell peppers and onion into thin, uniform strips. These bright veggies don’t just add gorgeous color; their slight sweetness and crisp-tender texture perfectly complement the seasoned chicken.
Step 3: Cook Your Base
Whether you prefer rice or quinoa, cooking your grains is a breeze. Follow your package instructions to have this comforting base ready, fluffy, and steaming hot. This will serve as the foundation of your fajita bowls, soaking up all that fajita goodness.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, then add your marinated chicken strips. Cook these for about 5 to 7 minutes until they turn golden brown and develop a slightly caramelized exterior. The quick, high heat locks in moisture and flavor, giving you tender bites in every forkful.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables
Next, toss the sliced bell peppers and onions into the skillet with the chicken. Sauté everything together for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables soften but still retain a bit of their crunch. The mingling aromas that fill your kitchen at this stage are simply irresistible.
Step 6: Assemble the Bowls
Begin by spooning your cooked rice or quinoa into each bowl. Layer on the fragrant chicken and sautéed veggies on top. This way, every forkful gets a little bit of everything, hot and ready to enjoy.
Step 7: Add Fresh Toppings and Serve
Finish your Simple Chicken Fajita Bowls Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, creamy chunks or slices of avocado, and a generous squeeze of lime juice just before serving. These final touches bring freshness, creaminess, and zesty brightness that elevate the whole meal.
How to Serve Simple Chicken Fajita Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this dish is in those simple garnishes: fresh cilantro adds herbaceous freshness, avocado lends a rich, creamy texture, and a squeeze of lime juice adds a wow-factor tang. These make each bowl pop with vibrant flavor and a contrast that keeps your palate happy.
Side Dishes
If you want to extend the fiesta, consider easy side dishes like a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, homemade guacamole with tortilla chips, or a light corn salsa. These sides add fresh crunch and extra layers of texture to accompany your Simple Chicken Fajita Bowls Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these bowls in hollowed-out bell peppers or mini cast-iron skillets to wow guests. You can also layer the ingredients in glass parfait cups for a colorful, picnic-friendly presentation. No matter how you serve it, the colors and flavors will steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken fajita bowls keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the avocado and lime separate, adding them fresh when you’re ready to eat to maintain their best flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, store the cooked chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. The rice or quinoa generally freezes well too, but fresh avocado is best sliced fresh to avoid browning.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add fresh avocado and a squeeze of lime right before serving for that freshly made bright flavor that makes the Simple Chicken Fajita Bowls Recipe so delicious.
FAQs
Can I use different proteins in this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breast is perfect for this recipe, you can easily swap in shrimp, steak strips, or even tofu for a vegetarian alternative—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is fajita seasoning spicy?
Most fajita seasonings have a mild to moderate level of heat, combining spices like chili powder, paprika, cumin, and garlic powder—not too fiery but with a pleasant kick. You can always adjust by adding more or less seasoning to match your taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use certified gluten-free fajita seasoning and choose rice or quinoa as your base, both naturally gluten-free. This Simple Chicken Fajita Bowls Recipe is naturally suited for a gluten-free diet.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken evenly?
Slicing the chicken breast into thin, uniform strips helps it cook quickly and evenly. Marinating also helps tenderize the meat and infuse flavor throughout before it hits the pan.
Can I meal prep these bowls?
Definitely! These bowls store well in the refrigerator and reheat nicely, making them an excellent meal prep choice for busy weekdays. Keep fresh toppings like avocado and lime separate until serving for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Chicken Fajita Bowls Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day — colorful, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. I can’t recommend it enough if you want a hearty, satisfying meal that also packs fresh, bright flavors and vibrant textures. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll quickly become one of your favorite easy dinners!
Print
Simple Chicken Fajita Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Simple Chicken Fajita Bowls are a vibrant and flavorful meal featuring marinated chicken strips sautéed with colorful bell peppers and onions, served over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, garnished with fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, and a refreshing squeeze of lime.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound Chicken Breast (Boneless, skinless, cut into thin strips)
- 2 cups Bell Peppers (Mixed colors, sliced)
- 1 medium Onion (Sliced into thin strips)
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For cooking)
- 2 tablespoons Fajita Seasoning (Store-bought or homemade)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Base and Garnishes
- 2 cups Rice or Quinoa (Cooked, for the base of the bowls)
- 1 handful Fresh Cilantro (Chopped, for garnish)
- 1 Avocado (Sliced or diced)
- 1 Lime (For squeezing over the bowls)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine the chicken strips with olive oil and fajita seasoning in a mixing bowl. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse the meat.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips, ensuring they cook evenly and quickly.
- Cook the Rice or Quinoa: Prepare the rice or quinoa according to the package instructions until fluffy and ready to serve as the base of the bowls.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté together for an additional 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet retain some crunch.
- Assemble the Bowls: Place a serving of cooked rice or quinoa at the bottom of each bowl. Top with the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly.
- Add Garnishes: Finish by topping each bowl with freshly chopped cilantro, sliced or diced avocado, and a generous squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- For a spicy kick, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking.
- Use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier, fiber-rich base.
- Fajita seasoning can be homemade by mixing chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
