Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls | High Protein (Print Version)
Chicken fajita rice bowls packed with protein and bold flavors. Ready in 30 minutes and ideal for weekly meal prep.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mexican
Dietary: Dairy-Free, Halal
# Ingredients:
→ Smoky Fajita Chicken
01 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
02 -
2 tbsp olive oil
03 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
04 -
1 tsp cumin
05 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 -
1/2 tsp onion powder
07 -
1/4 tsp chili powder
08 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Sizzling Pepper Medley
09 -
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
10 -
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
11 -
1 medium white onion, thinly sliced
12 -
1 tbsp olive oil
→ Cilantro Lime Rice Base
13 -
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
14 -
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
15 -
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
16 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
→ Fresh Bowl Toppings
17 -
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
18 -
1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
19 -
1/2 cup sour cream
20 -
1 medium avocado, sliced
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 lbs sliced chicken breast strips with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss until every strip is evenly coated.
02 -
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice with 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed and rice is tender.
03 -
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F internally. For the best Quick Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls | High Protein & Meal Prep Ready, avoid overcrowding the pan. Transfer to a plate and rest.
04 -
In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and white onion. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened with slightly charred edges for that signature fajita flavor.
05 -
Once the rice is cooked and the heat is off, fluff it with a fork and stir in 3 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Season with salt to taste. This bright, zesty cilantro lime rice base is what makes these Quick Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls | High Protein & Meal Prep Ready so satisfying.
06 -
Add 1 cup rinsed and drained canned black beans directly to the skillet with the sautéed peppers and onions. Stir over medium heat for 1-2 minutes just until the beans are warmed through. This saves on dishes and lets the beans absorb those smoky fajita flavors from the pan.
07 -
Divide the cilantro lime rice evenly among 4 bowls. Top each with the smoky fajita chicken strips, the sizzling pepper and bean mixture, and fresh avocado slices. These Quick Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls | High Protein & Meal Prep Ready come together beautifully with vibrant colors and bold flavors in every layer.
08 -
Finish each bowl with 2 tbsp shredded Mexican cheese blend and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side. For meal prep, store toppings like avocado, sour cream, and cheese separately to keep everything fresh throughout the week.
# Notes:
01 -
🥡 Meal Prep Storage: Store the chicken, rice, peppers, and beans together in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep avocado, sour cream, and cheese in separate small containers and add fresh at serving time to prevent sogginess.
02 -
🔄 Protein Substitution: Swap chicken breasts for boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more forgiving result — thighs are harder to overcook and work especially well for meal prep since they reheat beautifully without drying out.
03 -
🌶️ Heat Level Tip: Want more kick in your Quick Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls | High Protein & Meal Prep Ready? Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to the chicken spice blend, or top your finished bowl with pickled jalapeños and a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
04 -
🍚 Rice Swap: For a lower-carb version, substitute the long-grain white rice with cauliflower rice. Simply sauté riced cauliflower in a little olive oil for 5 minutes, then stir in the lime juice and cilantro the same way — it cuts carbs significantly while keeping all the flavor.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
large skillet or cast iron pan
02 -
medium saucepan with lid
03 -
cutting board
04 -
chef's knife
05 -
measuring cups and spoons
06 -
citrus juicer
07 -
mixing bowls
08 -
serving spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 680 kcal
Total Fat: 24 g
Total Carbohydrate: 68 g
Protein: 48 g