If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying dinner, this Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl is the perfect choice. Made in just one pan, this flavorful meal combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, black beans, tomatoes, and seasoned rice into a delicious family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Everything cooks in one pan for easy cleanup.
- Ready in about 35 minutes.
- Loaded with bold Tex-Mex flavors.
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
- Packed with lean protein, vegetables, and fiber.
- Easily customizable with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- 1¼ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 3 cups chopped bell peppers
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1⅔ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2½ teaspoons chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 cups instant brown rice
- 1½ tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ¾ cup shredded Mexican cheese
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced chicken. Season with 1½ teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet.
- Cook the onion for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the bell peppers and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, and black beans.
- Add the remaining chili powder and cumin. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring everything to a steady boil.
- Stir in the brown rice, ensuring it’s evenly coated and submerged in the liquid.
- Reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 6–7 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Stir the cooked chicken back into the Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl along with the lime juice, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Tips & Tricks
- Dice the chicken evenly for consistent cooking.
- Use red, yellow, and green peppers for extra color.
- Add sliced jalapeños for more heat.
- Substitute brown rice with instant white rice if preferred.
- Top with avocado, sour cream, or fresh salsa before serving.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice provides the best flavor.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pan / Skillet
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: High-protein, family-friendly, and made with wholesome ingredients. This recipe can also be customized with your favorite toppings and vegetables.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken can be used to save time.
- Pepper Jack cheese adds extra spice.
- Fresh corn makes a delicious addition.
- Serve with tortilla chips or a simple green salad.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 470
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 6g
FAQ
Can I make this Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl ahead of time?
Yes. It stores well and is ideal for meal prep throughout the week.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
What toppings go well with this recipe?
Avocado, sour cream, pico de gallo, jalapeños, shredded lettuce, and extra cilantro are all excellent choices.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless skinless chicken thighs remain juicy and work beautifully in this recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has mild to medium heat. Increase the chili powder or add cayenne pepper if you prefer it spicier.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Microwave in 1-minute intervals or warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth.
Similar Recipes
Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl (One Pan)
Ingredients
- 1¼ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts diced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 3 cups chopped bell peppers
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1⅔ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 15 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2½ teaspoons chili powder
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 cups instant brown rice
- 1½ tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ¾ cup shredded Mexican cheese
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced chicken. Season with 1½ teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet.
- Cook the onion for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the bell peppers and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, and black beans.
- Add the remaining chili powder and cumin. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring everything to a steady boil.
- Stir in the brown rice, ensuring it’s evenly coated and submerged in the liquid.
- Reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 6–7 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Stir the cooked chicken back into the Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl along with the lime juice, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken can be used to save time.
- Pepper Jack cheese adds extra spice.
- Fresh corn makes a delicious addition.
- Serve with tortilla chips or a simple green salad.
Conclusion
This Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—easy, flavorful, and satisfying. With simple ingredients, one-pan convenience, and bold Tex-Mex flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite.