Zesty Creamy Fajita Chicken One-Pot Rice Recipe That Wows

Cooking a delightful fajita chicken one-pot rice can turn an ordinary weeknight into a flavor-packed adventure.

Peppers and onions dance alongside tender chicken in this single-pan marvel.

Spices weave magic through each grain, creating a meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

Minimal cleanup means you spend less time washing dishes and more time savoring every delicious bite.

Southwest-inspired seasonings bring a vibrant punch to this simple yet satisfying dish.

Aromas will drift through your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby with promises of a hearty meal.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience a dinner that’s sure to become a household favorite.

What Makes Creamy Fajita Chicken One-Pot Rice So Flavorful

• Conquer Dinner Quickly: This one-pot wonder saves you from juggling multiple pans and reduces cleanup time, making meal preparation a breeze for busy families and home cooks.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe welcomes creative additions like jalapeños, extra spices, or different protein options, allowing you to personalize the dish to your taste preferences.
• Pack Flavor in Every Bite: Combining aromatic spices like cumin and chili powder with creamy textures creates a restaurant-quality meal that delivers bold, satisfying southwestern-inspired flavors right in your kitchen.
• Master One-Pot Cooking: Perfect for beginner and experienced cooks alike, this single-skillet technique ensures consistent results without complicated cooking techniques or advanced culinary skills.

Ingredients Needed for Creamy Fajita Chicken One-Pot Rice

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish.

• Onion, Bell Peppers, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth and texture to the fajita-style rice.

• Rice: Fluffy grain that serves as the foundation of the one-pot meal.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid that adds rich flavor and helps cook the rice.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a creamy and luxurious texture for the dish.
• Cumin, Chili Powder: Signature spices that bring authentic fajita-style seasoning.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds a bright, citrusy finish to the dish.

How to Prepare Creamy Fajita Chicken One-Pot Rice

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and are completely cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 2: Savor Vegetables

In the same skillet, toss in onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables become tender and release their aromatic flavors, creating a delicious base for the dish.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

• Rice
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together until well combined and the rice is coated with the creamy spice mixture.

Step 4: Simmer and Infuse

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately lower the heat. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. The rice will absorb all the delicious flavors and become perfectly tender.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken

Carefully return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Gently fold the chicken into the creamy rice, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top of the dish. Serve the creamy fajita chicken rice immediately while it’s hot and steaming, ready to delight your taste buds.

Pro Tips for Creamy Fajita Chicken One-Pot Rice

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick and even cooking throughout the dish.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder and cumin according to personal heat preferences.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and nutritional value, just extend cooking time by 10-15 minutes.
• Add extra protein by stirring in black beans or diced shredded cheese during the final mixing stage.
• Prep vegetables in advance to streamline cooking process and reduce overall meal preparation time.

Variations to Try with Creamy Fajita Chicken One-Pot Rice

• Seafood Fiesta Rice: Replace chicken with shrimp or a mix of seafood like scallops and white fish, adding a marine flavor profile with extra paprika and lemon zest.
• Vegetarian Mexican Rice: Swap chicken for black beans, roasted corn, and diced zucchini, maintaining the creamy texture and spicy seasonings.
• Spicy Chorizo Version: Substitute chicken with crumbled Mexican chorizo sausage, increasing the chili powder and adding smoked paprika for an intense, bold taste.
• Southwest Quinoa Remix: Use quinoa instead of rice, incorporate ground turkey, and mix in diced green chiles for a protein-packed alternative with a different grain texture.

Best Pairings for Creamy Fajita Chicken One-Pot Rice

• Enhance Flavor Companions: Bright and zesty margaritas cut through the rich, creamy rice with their tangy lime punch.
• Complementary Side Kick: Fresh Mexican street corn salad adds crisp texture and cool contrast to the warm, spicy one-pot dish.
• Wine Pairing Wonder: Crisp, unoaked chardonnay balances the creamy chicken rice with its light, refreshing profile.
• Refreshing Beverage Boost: Sparkling agua fresca with hints of watermelon or pineapple provides a sweet, cooling accompaniment that elevates the meal's spicy notes.

Storage Tips for Creamy Fajita Chicken One-Pot Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The creamy sauce might thicken, so add a splash of chicken broth when reheating.
• Transfer cooled chicken rice to freezer-safe containers. Wrap securely and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a few tablespoons of chicken broth to restore moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Fajita Chicken One-Pot Rice

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but increase the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice typically needs more broth and about 45-50 minutes to cook properly.

• Is it possible to make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or include some diced jalapeños during the sautéing stage to increase the heat level.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. The texture might slightly change, but the flavor will remain delicious.

• What protein alternatives work well in this recipe?

Shrimp, sliced beef, or plant-based protein like tofu can replace chicken. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure proper doneness.

Creamy Fajita Chicken One-Pot Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mexican-inspired “creamy fajita chicken one-pot rice” delivers bold flavors in a single skillet. Peppers, spices, and tender chicken meld into a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) chicken breast, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

Pantry Ingredients:

• 1 cup long grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat until golden and fully cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions, sliced bell peppers, and minced garlic until vegetables become tender and slightly caramelized, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Introduce rice to the skillet, stirring to coat with vegetable mixture and release aromatic flavors.
4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then sprinkle cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix all ingredients until well combined.
5. Bring liquid to a robust boil, then immediately reduce heat to low. Cover skillet with a tight-fitting lid and allow rice to simmer quietly for 18-20 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and rice reaches a fluffy consistency.
6. Reintroduce cooked chicken to the skillet, gently folding into rice mixture to ensure even distribution and reheat.
7. Remove from heat and let stand for 3-4 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• Opt for long-grain white rice to ensure the perfect texture and prevent mushiness during cooking.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to distribute heat evenly and prevent rice from sticking or burning.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, dairy-free alternatives that maintain creamy consistency.
• Enhance protein variety by substituting chicken with shrimp, beef, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 509 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg