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Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This vibrant chicken fajita rice bowl brings together perfectly seasoned chicken tenderloins and colorful bell peppers cooked on a single sheet pan. The dish features fluffy cilantro lime rice as the base, topped with tender fajita-style chicken and vegetables. Complete with creamy smashed avocado and cool sour cream, this nutritious meal delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures. The entire dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something both healthy and delicious.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Wed, 13 Aug 2025 16:25:21 GMT
A bowl of food with chicken, rice, and peppers. Bookmark
A bowl of food with chicken, rice, and peppers. | ioanacooks.com

This Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl brings together juicy, seasoned chicken with colorful bell peppers and onions over fluffy cilantro lime rice. Topped with creamy avocado and a dollop of sour cream, it is a convenient and flavorful dinner for any weeknight.

I first made this during a busy weeknight and loved how quickly it came together. Now it is a staple for both meal prep and easy dinners.

Ingredients

  • Bell peppers sliced: add sweetness and crunch choose fresh and firm peppers
  • Onion sliced: provides flavor and texture choose a mild onion for balanced taste
  • Olive oil: helps cook and coat the vegetables choose extra virgin for flavor
  • Salt: enhances the flavors use fine sea salt for even seasoning
  • Chicken tenderloins: cook quickly and remain juicy can substitute with chicken breasts sliced thin
  • Chicken fajita seasoning: combines chili powder paprika cumin oregano and other spices creates signature fajita flavor
  • White rice: cooked with lime juice and cilantro adds freshness and fluffiness any long grain rice works
  • Lime juice: adds brightness and zest choose fresh for best flavor
  • Cilantro chopped: gives an herbal note use tender leaves
  • Lettuce shredded: adds texture and freshness any crisp lettuce or cabbage works
  • Sour cream: adds creaminess and tang opt for full fat for richness
  • Avocado smashed: adds healthy fats and smooth texture ripe and soft for best taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables:
Slice bell peppers and onions place on a sheet pan drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt toss to coat evenly
Season the Chicken:
Combine chicken tenderloins with fajita seasoning and remaining olive oil mix well ensuring each piece is coated
Bake the Chicken and Vegetables:
Lay chicken on top of the vegetables bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 24 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked shred lightly if desired
Cook the Cilantro Lime Rice:
Prepare rice according to package instructions once cooked fluff with a fork and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro
Assemble the Bowl:
Divide rice lettuce and baked vegetables among bowls top with chicken then add sour cream and smashed avocado add any additional toppings as desired
A bowl of chicken fajita rice. Bookmark
A bowl of chicken fajita rice. | ioanacooks.com

I love the creamy texture of avocado in this bowl it balances the spices beautifully. Preparing this on a sheet pan makes it one of my favorite weeknight dinners for its simplicity and minimal cleanup.

Storage Tips

Store chicken rice and vegetables separately from fresh toppings in airtight containers in the refrigerator up to four days. Assemble just before eating to maintain freshness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap chicken tenderloins with chicken breasts slice thin or try shrimp or beef for variety. Rice can be substituted with quinoa cauliflower rice or brown rice for different flavors and textures.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a wedge of lime or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor. Pair with a simple side salad or black beans to make it a full meal.

A bowl of chicken fajita rice. Bookmark
A bowl of chicken fajita rice. | ioanacooks.com

Cultural Context

Fajita flavors originate from Tex-Mex cuisine blending grilled meats with peppers onions and spices. The rice bowl adaptation brings convenience and balance suitable for modern weeknight dinners.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts cut into 1.5-inch strips. Cook them a few minutes longer to ensure they're thoroughly cooked through.

→ How long does this bowl keep in the refrigerator?

The assembled bowls will stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Keep toppings like avocado separate until serving.

→ What other vegetables work well in this dish?

Try adding zucchini, mushrooms, or colorful bell peppers. Any vegetables that roast well at 400°F will work perfectly in this bowl.

→ Can I make this dish spicier?

Replace 1 teaspoon of chili powder with chipotle chili powder in the seasoning blend, or add hot sauce and jalapeños as toppings.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

Microwave the rice, chicken, and vegetables for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Add fresh lettuce and cold toppings after reheating.

→ Can I meal prep these bowls?

Absolutely! Prepare all components and store in separate containers. Keep perishable toppings separate and assemble just before eating.

Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl

Seasoned chicken and vegetables served over cilantro lime rice with creamy avocado and sour cream toppings.

Time Needed to Prep
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
30 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Easy to Make

Type of Cuisine: Mexican-American

Number of Portions: 5 How Many It Serves (5 generous bowls)

Dietary Preferences: No Gluten

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Vegetables and Base

Ingredient 01 2 bell peppers, sliced
Ingredient 02 1 large onion, sliced
Ingredient 03 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Ingredient 04 1/2 teaspoon salt
Ingredient 05 6 cups lettuce, shredded

→ Protein

Ingredient 06 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins

→ Rice

Ingredient 07 1 cup uncooked white rice (yields 3 cups cooked)
Ingredient 08 juice from 1/2 lime
Ingredient 09 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Fajita Seasoning Blend

Ingredient 10 2 teaspoons chili powder
Ingredient 11 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Ingredient 12 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Ingredient 13 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Ingredient 14 1 teaspoon table salt
Ingredient 15 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Ingredient 16 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

→ Toppings

Ingredient 17 2 ripe avocados, mashed
Ingredient 18 sour cream, to taste

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Preheat oven to 400°F. Add sliced bell peppers and onion to a sheet pan and toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil and salt.

Step 02

In a bowl, combine all fajita seasoning ingredients. Toss chicken tenderloins with seasoning blend and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil until evenly coated.

Step 03

Place seasoned chicken on top of vegetables on the sheet pan. Bake for 20-24 minutes until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and vegetables are tender. Shred chicken with two forks.

Step 04

Cook rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro.

Step 05

Divide lettuce among 5 serving bowls. Top with cilantro lime rice, shredded chicken, and roasted vegetables. Add dollops of mashed avocado and sour cream to each bowl.

Extra Tips

  1. Chicken tenderloins cook more evenly than breasts, but you can substitute with chicken breasts cut into 1.5-inch strips - just cook 2-3 minutes longer
  2. For meal prep, store rice, chicken, and vegetables together, but keep lettuce, avocado, and sour cream separate until serving
  3. Substitute white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for different nutritional profiles

Tools You'll Need

  • Large sheet pan
  • Medium saucepan with lid
  • Two forks for shredding
  • Mixing bowl