This Easy One-Pan Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl is a fun and colorful meal! With juicy chicken, bell peppers, and rice, everything cooks together in one pan for a tasty dinner.
I love how simple it is to toss everything in one pan. Less clean-up means more time for eating. Plus, you can add your favorite toppings like avocado or cheese—yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a quick meal. If you want to switch it up, try thighs for juicier pieces, or use firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of red, green, and yellow for color and taste. If you’re short on peppers, you can use just one color or substitute with frozen bell pepper strips.
Rice: Long-grain white rice works great in this dish, but you could also use brown rice. Just remember, brown rice will need more cooking time and some extra liquid.
Spices: The chili powder and smoked paprika give a nice kick. If you like it mild, you can reduce the chili powder or use a mild blend. Cumin is key for that warm flavor, but feel free to add your favorite spices!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Chicken and Vegetables Together?
Cooking chicken and vegetables in one pan can save time and clean-up. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Start by cooking the chicken in a hot pan until it’s browned on the outside but not fully cooked. This adds great flavor.
- Remove the chicken to avoid overcooking while you sauté the vegetables. This keeps the chicken juicy!
- Add the chicken back on top of the rice near the end of cooking. This way, it cooks through without drying out.
This technique keeps everything tender and flavorful. Plus, it’s an easy way to get all your ingredients to mingle nicely!
Easy One-Pan Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced avocado
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious one-pan chicken fajita rice bowl will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend about 35 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and satisfying meal option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced chicken. Season it with the chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes, until it’s nicely browned but not fully cooked. Then, take the chicken out of the pan and set it aside on a plate.
2. Cook the Peppers and Onions:
In the same pan, throw in the sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers along with the onion. Sauté these colorful veggies for about 3 to 4 minutes, until they become slightly soft. This step will make your kitchen smell amazing!
3. Add the Rice:
Now, it’s time to add the uncooked rice to the pan with the veggies. Stir everything together for about 1-2 minutes to ensure the rice gets a flavorful coating from all the spices and veggies.
4. Pour in the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir. Bring the mixture to a boil—this is when the magic begins!
5. Combine and Simmer:
Now, return the chicken to the pan. Nestle it gently on top of the rice and vegetables. Turn the heat down to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. Don’t lift the lid while it’s cooking—this helps the steam do its job!
6. Final Touches:
Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish and fluff the rice gently with a fork to mix everything together.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your chicken fajita rice bowl with chopped cilantro and any optional toppings you love, like sour cream, shredded cheese, or creamy avocado slices. Serve it warm and enjoy your hearty, flavorful meal!
FAQ for Easy One-Pan Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! You can use brown rice, but keep in mind it will require more cooking time and additional liquid. For brown rice, you may need to cook for about 30-35 minutes instead of the 18-20 minutes for white rice. Just ensure you have about 3.5 cups of liquid total to achieve the right texture.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you want a different protein, you can swap out the chicken for turkey, shrimp, or even black beans for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly; shrimp cooks quickly, while beans just need to be heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of broth to keep it from drying out.
What Are Some Good Toppings for This Fajita Rice Bowl?
There are so many delicious options! Consider topping your bowl with sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or even jalapeños. Customize it to your taste!
