Easy One-Pan Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: I love using chicken thighs for their extra juiciness, but boneless chicken breasts work too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap chicken for firm tofu or shrimp!

Bell Peppers: The mix of red, yellow, and green peppers adds great color and sweetness. If you have other veggies like zucchini or corn, feel free to use them. They’ll add a nice twist!

Rice: Long grain white rice is typical, but brown rice or quinoa can also work. Just remember that brown rice needs more liquid and a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly!

Spices: The combination of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika creates a rich flavor. If you prefer less spice, use mild paprika instead of smoked. You can also experiment with taco seasoning if you have that on hand.

How Do I Ensure My Rice Cooks Perfectly?

Getting perfectly cooked rice in this dish is all about the right timing and water ratio. Here’s how to do it:

• Rinse your rice to remove excess starch; this helps prevent clumping.
• When you add the chicken broth, make sure it’s the right amount. Too little means crunchy rice; too much leads to sogginess.
• Keep the heat low once you cover the pan. This helps steam the rice evenly.
• Let it rest covered for a few minutes after cooking. This step allows the steam to finish cooking the rice and makes it fluffier.

These steps will guide you in making a delicious one-pan chicken fajita rice bowl! Enjoy every bite!

Easy One-Pan Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook, for a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have a hearty, delicious meal ready to enjoy—perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken. Season it with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for later.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same pan, add the diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté the mixture for about 4 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.

3. Mix in the Rice and Liquids:

Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir well to coat it with the spices and vegetables. Next, pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, and black beans. Mix everything together thoroughly.

4. Cook the Dish:

Return the partially cooked chicken to the pan, spreading it evenly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

5. Final Touches:

Once the cooking time is up, remove the pan from heat and let it rest, still covered, for about 5 minutes. After that, fluff the rice with a fork.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Garnish your chicken fajita rice bowl with fresh chopped cilantro and serve it with lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick. Dig in and enjoy your flavorful, juicy one-pan chicken fajita rice bowl!

FAQ for Easy One-Pan Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl

Can I Use Other Proteins in This Recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with firm tofu for a vegetarian option, or use shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time if using shrimp, as it cooks much faster.

How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and use additional beans (like chickpeas) or sautéed mushrooms for added protein. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What Should I Do with Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist.

Can I Freeze This Dish?

Yes! You can freeze any leftover chicken fajita rice bowl for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in a skillet or microwave until heated through.