Looking for a quick, flavorful meal that comes together in under 30 minutes? This Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl is the perfect weeknight dinner. Juicy strips of chicken breast are tossed in a zesty homemade fajita seasoning, seared to perfection, and paired with colorful bell peppers and onions. Serve it in wraps or layered over rice with guacamole and pickled red onions for a meal everyone will love.
This chicken fajita rice bowl has become one of my go-to meals for busy evenings. It’s simple to prepare, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and tastes like your favorite restaurant fajitas. The combination of seared chicken, sweet peppers, and tangy lime or lemon juice makes it feel fresh and satisfying any time of year. You can serve it family-style with tortillas, or set out a build-your-own rice bowl bar so everyone can customize their dinner.
This was inspired by my Cast Iron Chicken Piccata, and pairs well with this Easy Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato Salad. I would also try this uniquely slightly sweet Homemade Flatbread.
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Ingredients for Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
You can use either homemade fajita seasoning or a store-bought mix for this recipe. I prefer making it from scratch — it takes just a minute and lets you adjust the spice level. Combine the seasoning with oil, lime juice (or lemon if you prefer), and vinegar to marinate your chicken before cooking.
For the Chicken Fajitas:
- Chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- Homemade fajita seasoning (or store-bought)
- Olive oil
- Lime juice (or lemon juice)
- Vinegar
- White onion, sliced
- Red and green bell peppers, sliced
Homemade Fajita Seasoning:
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: a pinch of cayenne for heat
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls
These quick chicken fajita bowls come together fast, especially if you prep the marinade earlier in the day. The key is to use high heat for that perfect sear and a flavorful char on the chicken and veggies.
- Step 1: Slice chicken breasts into thin strips.
- Step 2: Toss with fajita seasoning, oil, lime (or lemon) juice, and vinegar.
- Step 3: Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to all day.
- Step 4: Cook chicken in a hot cast iron pan until browned, then add peppers and onions.
Hint: If you’re serving this as rice bowls, use homemade guacamole and pickled red onions — they take the flavor to the next level and come together in minutes.
Substitutions – Easy Swaps for Every Kitchen
Don’t have all the ingredients? No problem.
- Lime vs. Lemon: Both work — lime adds zest, lemon adds brightness.
- Oil: Use avocado or canola oil if you don’t have olive oil.
- Vinegar: White vinegar or apple cider vinegar both work well.
- Bell Peppers: Any color works; yellow adds a hint of sweetness.
Variations – Make It Your Own Chicken Fajita Bowl
This recipe is endlessly flexible! Here are a few ways to change it up:
- Shrimp Fajita Bowl: Swap chicken for shrimp and reduce cooking time to 3–4 minutes per side.
- Vegetarian Fajita Bowl: Use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice and serve over lettuce or cauliflower rice.
- Extra Spice: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
Equipment
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Cast iron skillet (or heavy-bottom pan)
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
Storage Information
Store leftover chicken fajitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave. Keep rice, guacamole, and pickled onions separate for best freshness.
Top Tip
Marinate the chicken early in the day! Even 30 minutes makes a big difference, but several hours lets the flavors soak in and tenderizes the meat beautifully.
FAQs About Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls
Yes! Chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful — just adjust cooking time slightly.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.
Absolutely. Grilling adds amazing smoky flavor — just cook the peppers and onions in a grill basket or foil packet.
One Pot Recipes
Looking for other One Pot Recipes like this? Try these:
Chicken Recipes
These are a few of my other favorite chicken dishes:
Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
Equipment
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- mixing bowl
- Cast iron skillet (or heavy-bottom pan)
- Tongs
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
For the Fajitas
- 3-4 chicken breasts cut into strips
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 Juice of 1 lime or lemon
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 medium white onion sliced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
Homemade fajita seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of cayenne
Instructions
- Slice chicken and place in a large bowl.
- Add olive oil, lime juice, vinegar, and fajita seasoning. Toss well to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to all day.
- Heat cast iron pan on high heat. Cook chicken until browned, about 4–5 minutes per side.
- Add onions and peppers; sauté until softened and slightly charred.
- Serve over rice with guacamole, pickled red onions, and a drizzle of hot sauce.
Notes
- Marinating time: Even 30 minutes adds flavor, but letting the chicken sit in the marinade all day deepens the taste and keeps it juicy.
- Cooking tip: Use a cast iron skillet for that perfect fajita-style char on the chicken and peppers.
- Meal prep: These chicken fajitas reheat beautifully — perfect for lunches or quick weeknight dinners.
- Serving idea: Layer over cilantro-lime rice or brown rice, and top with guacamole, pickled red onions, and a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
- Customize it: You can easily make this recipe your own with shrimp, steak, or tofu using the same fajita seasoning and cooking method.
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