Print

Chicken Fajita Rice

Chicken Fajita Rice

Chicken Fajita Rice is a quick, vibrant Tex-Mex inspired one-pot meal that combines tender, spiced chicken with colorful bell peppers, onions, and fluffy long-grain rice. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish offers bold flavors, minimal cleanup, and is easily customizable to suit your taste or dietary needs. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers a balanced, satisfying meal full of protein, veggies, and carbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Grains & Liquids

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Seasonings & Oils

  • 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano)
  • 12 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges
  • Diced avocado (for serving)
  • Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips, mince the garlic cloves, and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Have the fajita seasoning and chicken broth ready.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, sprinkle with half of the fajita seasoning, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside to keep warm.
  3. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add more oil if needed, then add sliced onions and bell peppers. Sprinkle the remaining fajita seasoning and sauté for about 5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and lightly caramelized. Stir in minced garlic during the last minute.
  4. Combine Rice and Broth: Add uncooked rice to the skillet with the vegetables, stirring to coat evenly. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Bring It All Together: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently mix with rice and vegetables. Heat through for a couple of minutes. Finish with fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

  • Use long-grain rice and keep heat low while simmering to ensure even cooking and avoid burning.
  • Sear chicken in batches if necessary to maintain juiciness and good browning.
  • For best flavor, use freshly measured fajita seasoning spices instead of pre-made blends.
  • Let the dish rest covered off the heat for 5 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
  • Adjust chili powder and cayenne to customize spice level to your preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Fajita Rice, Tex-Mex, one-pot meal, quick dinner, easy recipe, fajita seasoning, healthy dinner, gluten free