Description
A quick, one-pan healthy chicken fajita bowl with cilantro lime rice that comes together in 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal is kid-approved, meal-prep friendly, and packed with fresh flavors without the heavy creams or deep frying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 3 medium bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced into strips
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced into half-moons
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, zested
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, salsa, 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
Instructions
- Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice and broth in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes. Do not lift the lid. Once done, fluff with a fork and stir in butter, lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro. Cover and set aside.
- While rice cooks, slice chicken breasts into thin strips and season with salt and pepper. Slice bell peppers and onion into strips. Mix fajita seasoning in a small bowl.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (do not crowd the pan) and sear for 3-4 minutes without moving until browned. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Add onions and peppers and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp and slightly charred.
- Return chicken to the pan with the veggies. Sprinkle fajita seasoning over everything and toss to coat. Pour in lime juice and toss again. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Assemble bowls by spooning cilantro lime rice into bowls, topping with the chicken and veggie mixture, and adding desired toppings like cheese, sour cream, salsa, or beans. Serve immediately.
Notes
Slice chicken against the grain for juiciness. Rinse rice to prevent clumping. Use room temperature limes for more juice. Add cilantro to rice at the end to keep it bright green. For leftovers, add a splash of water when reheating rice to keep it moist. This recipe is naturally gluten-free if using certified gluten-free seasoning.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl per serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 35
Keywords: healthy chicken fajita bowl, 5pm dinner, one pan meal, quick weeknight dinner, cilantro lime rice, meal prep, gluten-free option