These Chicken Fajita Bowls are a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines seasoned chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, a fresh tomato corn salsa, and hearty rice with black beans. It’s a healthy and satisfying meal that works perfectly for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Packed with protein, vegetables, and bold flavors, this dish is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a Mexican-inspired meal any day of the week!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Fajita Bowls are the perfect blend of savory, fresh, and tangy ingredients, making them a delicious and well-rounded meal. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful mix of spices, while the sautéed peppers and onions bring sweetness and texture. The refreshing tomato corn salsa adds a burst of brightness, and the rice and black beans provide a filling base. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, this dish is perfect for meal prep, a family dinner, or serving guests.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Fajitas:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
For the Tomato Corn Salsa:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Coat the chicken in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
- Make the Salsa: In a separate bowl, mix together the cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the bell peppers and onions for 5-7 minutes until they are soft and slightly charred.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice and black beans among serving bowls. Top with sliced chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a scoop of tomato corn salsa. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful and satisfying Chicken Fajita Bowls!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a vegetarian fajita bowl.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños to the salsa or sprinkle chili flakes over the chicken for extra heat.
- Rice Alternatives: You can swap the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice to make the dish lighter or lower in carbs.
- Add Guacamole: For an extra creamy topping, add a scoop of guacamole on top of each bowl.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. You can also microwave the rice and beans to warm them up before assembling the bowls again.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great option for this recipe and will add a bit more flavor and juiciness to the bowls.
2. Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight will allow the flavors to fully absorb, resulting in even more flavorful chicken.
3. Can I use frozen corn for the salsa?
Yes, frozen corn works just as well. Just thaw and drain it before using it in the salsa.
4. Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, you can use any type of rice, such as jasmine rice, brown rice, or even quinoa, depending on your preference.
5. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check this using a meat thermometer.
6. Can I add more vegetables to the fajita bowls?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or corn, to the sautéed mix for added flavor and nutrition.
7. How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, you can incorporate chopped jalapeños in the salsa or sprinkle cayenne pepper on the chicken.
8. Can I make the salsa ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salsa a few hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
9. Can I prepare the bowls in advance for meal prep?
Yes, these fajita bowls are perfect for meal prep! Simply store the rice, beans, chicken, vegetables, and salsa in separate containers in the fridge and assemble them when you’re ready to eat.
10. What can I serve with these fajita bowls?
These fajita bowls are complete on their own, but you can pair them with a side of tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, or some extra guacamole.
Conclusion
Chicken Fajita Bowls are a flavorful, well-balanced meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. With tender, seasoned chicken, sautéed veggies, and a zesty tomato corn salsa, these bowls are full of flavor and nutrition. Simple to prepare and easily customizable, they’re sure to become a go-to dish in your kitchen!
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Chicken Fajita Bowls
These Chicken Fajita Bowls are a vibrant and healthy meal packed with seasoned chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, black beans, rice, and a zesty tomato corn salsa. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, these bowls are quick, satisfying, and full of bold flavors. Customize to your liking for an easy Mexican-inspired dish!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Chicken Fajitas:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
For the Tomato Corn Salsa:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and lime juice.
- Coat the chicken in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
Step 2: Make the Salsa
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, sauté the bell peppers and onions for 5-7 minutes until they are soft and slightly charred.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
- Divide the cooked rice and black beans among serving bowls.
- Top with sliced chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a scoop of tomato corn salsa.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful and satisfying Chicken Fajita Bowls!
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños to the salsa or sprinkle chili flakes over the chicken for extra heat.
- Rice Alternatives: Swap the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice to make the dish lighter or lower in carbs.
- Add Guacamole: For an extra creamy topping, add a scoop of guacamole on top of each bowl.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéed
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
