If you’re craving a vibrant and comforting meal that comes together effortlessly without a fuss, the Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) Recipe is your new best friend. This dish brilliantly combines tender, spice-kissed chicken with colorful bell peppers and fluffy rice, all cooked in one pan for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. Bursting with bold Mexican-inspired spices and topped with fresh lime and cilantro, it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential to building a dish rich in flavor, texture, and eye-catching color. Each one plays a unique role, from making the chicken juicy and tender to infusing the rice with wonderful smoky and zesty notes.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Diced to cook quickly and absorb spices for tender, flavorful bites.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds healthy fat and helps brown the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- 1 tsp chili powder: Brings that signature fajita warmth without overwhelming heat.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Offers a subtle smoky depth that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 tsp cumin: Earthy and aromatic, cumin perfectly complements the Mexican flavor profile.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Packed with savory punch without the hassle of chopping fresh garlic.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Enhances the richness and layers of flavor.
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a gentle kick if you like things a little spicy.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out the best in every ingredient.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Introduces sweetness and vibrant color for visual appeal.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Adds crisp texture and a fresh peppery bite.
- 1 yellow onion, sliced: Balances the peppers with mild sweetness and aroma.
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice: The hearty base that soaks up all the sumptuous flavors.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Infuses the rice and veggies with savory goodness.
- 1/2 cup salsa (mild, medium, or spicy): Adds tangy zest, moisture, and complexity.
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (optional): Melts over the top for creamy, gooey indulgence.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish: Lends a bright, herbal freshness that ties everything together.
- Lime wedges, for serving: A squeeze of citrus awakens all the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) Recipe
Step 1: Season and Brown the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, toss your diced chicken breasts with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and pepper until every piece is coated in that flavorful spice mix. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook it for 4 to 5 minutes until the outsides are beautifully browned but the chicken is not quite cooked through yet. Remove the chicken and set it aside – this step locks in flavor and begins building delicious layers for your bowl.
Step 2: Sauté the Bell Peppers and Onion
In the same skillet, now shimmering with those cooking juices and spices, add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the yellow onion. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften slightly and release their sweet aromas. This colorful vegetable medley complements the chicken perfectly and starts to make the dish really come alive with texture and taste.
Step 3: Add Rice, Broth, and Salsa
Next, stir in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, and salsa. The rice will soak up the wonderful mixture of savory broth and tangy salsa as it cooks, so be sure to stir everything well to combine. Bring this mixture to a boil to kick off the cooking process for the rice and melding flavors.
Step 4: Return Chicken and Simmer
Place the browned chicken pieces back into the skillet, nestling them into the rice and vegetables. Then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan tightly. Let everything simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. This cozy simmer melds all the spices, chicken, and veggies into one irresistible meal.
Step 5: Melt Cheese (Optional)
If you’re a cheese lover like me, sprinkle a generous cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend over the entire skillet. Cover again for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly gooey and creamy, giving an indulgent finishing touch that takes the dish into ultimate comfort food territory.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle the Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) Recipe with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. The cilantro adds an herbal brightness, and a squeeze of lime on top really lifts all the bold, smoky flavors. Dig in immediately for a satisfying, all-in-one meal that’s packed with warmth and personality.
How to Serve Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing isn’t just about presentation; it adds fresh layers of flavor and texture. For this dish, fresh cilantro brings a lovely pop of green and a burst of herbal brightness. Lime wedges are essential for squeezing over each serving to add lively citrus zing that balances the smoky heat. If you like, add dollops of sour cream or slices of avocado for silky creaminess.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully filling on its own but pairs beautifully with light sides like a crisp green salad, simple black beans, or even a fresh corn salad to keep things bright and fresh on the plate. Pickled jalapeños can also add an exciting kick for spice lovers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, build individual bowls layered with the chicken fajita rice, then top with all your favorite garnishes so everyone can customize. Alternatively, stuff warm tortillas with this mixture for quick fajita wraps or serve alongside crispy tortilla chips for a festive sharing platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
This recipe freezes nicely too. Simply pack cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want a quick meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the rice. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish until heated through. If you included cheese, it might lose a little of its melty charm after reheating but the flavors remain just as vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add nuttier flavor and extra fiber, but remember it takes longer to cook, so adjust your simmering time accordingly — expect around 40-45 minutes for tender rice.
What can I substitute if I don’t have chicken broth?
If you’re out of chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt works fine, though broth delivers more flavor to the rice.
Is this recipe spicy?
The base seasoning is mild and smoky, but the optional cayenne pepper and your choice of salsa can dial up the heat to your liking. Feel free to adjust spices for your perfect level of spice.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace chicken with diced firm tofu or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a tasty vegetarian version.
How do I prevent the rice from burning on the bottom?
Make sure to use a heavy-bottomed skillet to distribute heat evenly and keep the heat low during simmering. Stir gently when you add rice to coat it well before simmering, and cover tightly to trap steam.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) Recipe is an all-around winner for anyone who loves bold flavors with easy preparation. It feels hearty and satisfying but requires minimal effort and cleanup — making it one of my favorite go-to meals. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it, and enjoy that perfect balance of spice, freshness, and comfort in every bite!
Print
Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl is a flavorful one-pan meal combining seasoned chicken, sautéed bell peppers and onions, long-grain white rice, and a zesty salsa-infused chicken broth. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a vibrant Tex-Mex inspired dish perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Rice
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup salsa (mild, medium, or spicy)
Optional and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the diced chicken breasts with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until the pieces are browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the yellow onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add rice and liquid: Stir in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, and salsa. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer with chicken: Return the partially cooked chicken to the skillet. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Melt cheese (optional): If desired, sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese over the dish, cover again, and allow the cheese to melt for 2-3 minutes off heat or over very low heat.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the fajita rice bowl with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount or omit it if you prefer mild spice.
- Use any color bell peppers available or mix them for vibrant presentation.
- Long-grain white rice is recommended for fluffy texture, but you can substitute with brown rice; increase cooking time accordingly.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use a non-dairy cheese alternative.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
