Description
Sizzling chicken fajita bowls bring Mexican-inspired flavors to your dinner table with zesty spices and colorful ingredients. Hearty rice, tender chicken, and fresh toppings combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken breast or chicken thighs
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Liquid and Oil:
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Create a zesty marinade by mixing oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Thoroughly coat the chicken and refrigerate for 15-120 minutes to infuse deep flavors.
- Preheat a skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 12-16 minutes total, rotating halfway through, until the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). Allow the chicken to rest briefly, then slice into tender strips.
- Use the same skillet to sauté onions and bell peppers over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring periodically, until vegetables become tender and develop caramelized edges.
- Layer cooked rice as the foundation in serving bowls. Arrange the sliced chicken and sautéed vegetable medley on top of the rice.
- Customize the bowls with vibrant garnishes: creamy guacamole, protein-rich black beans, sweet charred corn, crumbled cotija cheese, fresh salsa, and fragrant cilantro.
- Serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and flavors are at their peak.
Notes
- Customize marinades by swapping lime juice with orange or pineapple juice for tropical flavor variations.
- Choose chicken thighs instead of breasts for more tender and juicier meat that absorbs marinade better.
- Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure perfect golden-brown searing and prevent steaming instead of browning.
- Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding extra cumin for deeper, smokier undertones.
- Create vegetarian version by substituting chicken with firm tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms for protein-rich alternative.
- Use pre-cooked rice or quinoa to dramatically reduce overall meal preparation time.
- Store leftover components separately in airtight containers for easy meal prep and quick lunch assemblies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17-22 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 273 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 383 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg