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Angled view of sizzling chicken fajitas in a cast iron pan with golden sear marks.
Lindsay Lehrer

Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl

Juicy marinated chicken cooked with colorful peppers and onions, served over rice or in wraps for a simple, flavorful weeknight meal. An easy and versatile chicken fajita rice bowl made with a zesty homemade fajita seasoning, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinate Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired, Tex-Mex
Calories: 340

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

Equipment

  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • mixing bowl
  • Cast iron skillet (or heavy-bottom pan)
  • Tongs
  • measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Slice chicken and place in a large bowl.
  2. Add olive oil, lime juice, vinegar, and fajita seasoning. Toss well to coat.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to all day.
  4. Heat cast iron pan on high heat. Cook chicken until browned, about 4–5 minutes per side.
  5. Add onions and peppers; sauté until softened and slightly charred.
  6. Serve over rice with guacamole, pickled red onions, and a drizzle of hot sauce.

Video

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.