Description
Chipotle Chicken Fajita Bowls are a vibrant, smoky, and nutritious meal featuring tender chipotle-seasoned grilled chicken, sautéed colorful bell peppers and onions, and fluffy rice. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this dish combines bold flavors with fresh ingredients for a satisfying one-bowl meal that’s easy to customize and fast to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, skinless, sliced into thin strips
- 1–2 tsp chipotle powder or 1–2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium sweet or yellow onion, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Carbohydrates
- 1 cup long grain rice or cilantro lime rice (cooked)
Oils & Fats
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
Additional Ingredients
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts or thighs into thin strips to ensure fast cooking and better absorption of flavors. Toss the chicken with olive oil, chipotle powder, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the Rice: While the chicken marinates, cook your choice of rice according to package instructions. For added flavor, stir fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro into the cooked rice to make cilantro lime rice.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are just tender and slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Chicken: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet or remove them temporarily. Add the seasoned chicken strips to the pan in a single layer, cooking for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- Assemble the Bowls: Place a base layer of cooked rice at the bottom of your bowls. Top with the chipotle chicken and sautéed vegetables. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for brightness and freshness.
Notes
- Marinate for More Flavor: Allow the chicken to sit in the chipotle seasoning for at least 15 minutes to enhance smokiness and tenderness.
- High Heat Sauté: Use a hot pan to achieve a perfect sear and avoid soggy vegetables.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to maintain moisture and get an even brown color.
- Use Fresh Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish better than bottled varieties.
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: Slice vegetables and prepare the marinade in advance to speed up meal assembly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: chipotle chicken, fajita bowls, Mexican chicken bowl, spicy chicken, chicken fajitas, quick dinner, healthy meal