Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl

Introduction

The Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl is a delicious and vibrant meal that combines fajita-seasoned chicken, colorful vegetables, and hearty rice, all layered into a satisfying bowl. Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this dish brings bold Mexican-inspired flavors to your table with minimal effort.

The tender chicken is marinated in a zesty fajita seasoning blend, then sautéed to perfection with bell peppers and onions, creating a savory, slightly smoky base. Paired with fluffy rice or beans, the bowl is customizable to suit your taste—whether you add fresh toppings like avocado, salsa, sour cream, or cheese, this dish can be tailored to your liking.

Packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant veggies, this bowl is as nutritious as it is delicious. It’s a crowd-pleasing option for busy weeknights, gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead. With its balance of flavors and textures, the Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Perfect for:

A quick and satisfying weeknight dinner
Meal prepping for the week
A healthy and flavorful lunch
Serving at casual gatherings or family dinners
A customizable meal for all dietary preferences

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowls will be a hit:

Packed with Flavor: The fajita-seasoned chicken combined with fresh toppings creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Healthy & Nutritious: Full of lean protein, fiber, and fresh veggies, it’s a well-balanced meal.
Customizable: You can adjust the toppings and ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it all week.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 400-500 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein, fiber, vitamin C, potassium

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

For the Fajita Veggies:

1 large red bell pepper, sliced
1 large green bell pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder

For the Bowls:

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
1/2 cup black beans or pinto beans (optional, for added protein)
1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 avocado, sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)
1/4 cup salsa or pico de gallo
Lime wedges, for serving

Ingredient Highlights

Chicken: A lean source of protein that’s seasoned to perfection for bold flavor.
Fajita Veggies: A colorful mix of bell peppers and onions that bring a sweet and savory crunch to the bowl.
Rice: Serves as the base for the bowl, adding texture and substance.
Beans: Adds a rich source of fiber and protein.
Avocado: Creamy and rich in healthy fats, it adds balance to the dish.
Salsa and Sour Cream: Optional toppings that elevate the flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Slice the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Then slice it into strips.

Cook the Fajita Veggies:

Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder.
Cook: Sauté the veggies for 4-5 minutes, or until they are tender but still slightly crisp. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Bowls:

Prepare the Rice: In each bowl, add a scoop of cooked rice as the base.
Add the Chicken and Veggies: Layer the sliced chicken and fajita veggies over the rice.
Top with Extras: Add black beans, corn, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top and add a spoonful of salsa or pico de gallo. Serve with lime wedges for extra flavor.

Serve:

Enjoy: Serve immediately while everything is warm and flavorful.

How to Serve

This Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl is perfect served as-is, but here are a few ideas for extra toppings and variations:

With Grains: For a grain-free option, skip the rice and serve the chicken and veggies over lettuce for a lighter bowl.
With Cheese: Add shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or crumbled queso fresco for extra flavor.
With Jalapeños: If you like heat, top with fresh or pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.
With Tortillas: You can serve the bowl ingredients with warm tortillas for a more traditional burrito experience.

Additional Tips

Make It Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or jalapeños to the chicken seasoning or veggies if you like extra heat.
Use Leftover Chicken: This is a great recipe for using leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken.
Meal Prep: Store the chicken, rice, and veggies separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Assemble the bowls when ready to eat.
Customize the Toppings: Add guacamole, shredded lettuce, or diced tomatoes for more variety.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for seasoned tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian take on this bowl.
Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb version, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Add Pineapple: For a sweet twist, add some grilled pineapple to the bowl.
Grilled Chicken: Grill the chicken on a BBQ or in a grill pan for a smoky flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Store the cooked chicken, rice, and veggies separately in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove when ready to eat.
Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the toppings (like avocado and sour cream) separate until serving.

Special Equipment

Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and olive oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Use Fresh Veggies: For a vibrant and fresh flavor, use colorful bell peppers, red onions, and corn. Roast or sauté them to bring out their sweetness.
Add a Kick with Jalapeños: For some heat, add thinly sliced jalapeños to your fajita mix or as a garnish.
Customize Your Rice: Instead of plain rice, make cilantro-lime rice for a zesty twist. You can also use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.
Include Avocado or Guacamole: Fresh avocado slices or a scoop of guacamole will add creaminess to your bowl and balance out the spices.
Top with Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa, pico de gallo, or even a homemade roasted tomato salsa can enhance the flavor and add freshness.
Use Black Beans or Pinto Beans: Beans add protein and texture, so feel free to include black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans as a base layer.
Cheese Options: Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija cheese are great choices to sprinkle over the bowl, adding richness and creaminess.
Try a Lime Crema: Mix sour cream with lime juice and a pinch of salt to create a tangy lime crema that will complement the spicy chicken.
Garnish with Fresh Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness and color to the finished bowl, elevating the overall taste.

FAQ Section

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great for this recipe. Just cook them until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the chicken, rice, and veggies can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Assemble the bowls when ready to serve.
Can I make the chicken spicier?
Yes, you can add more chili powder, cumin, or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for extra heat.
Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, you can use any rice you prefer—brown rice, white rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Can I add cheese to this dish?
Absolutely! Shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack is a delicious topping for the bowls.

Conclusion

The Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl is a vibrant, easy-to-make meal that brings the bold, zesty flavors of fajitas into a customizable bowl. With perfectly seasoned chicken, sautéed fajita veggies, and a variety of toppings, this dish is as satisfying as it is delicious. It’s the perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a healthy lunch.

Whether you keep it classic with rice and beans or get creative with your favorite toppings, this bowl offers the perfect balance of savory, fresh, and spicy elements. The juicy chicken, colorful peppers and onions, and all the fixings make each bite a flavor-packed delight.

I can’t wait to hear how your Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl turns out! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you’ve personalized your creation. Enjoy every vibrant bite!