Sometimes, you just crave a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and loaded with satisfying ingredients. Enter the Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl—a hearty, vibrant meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or impressing friends and family. This dish brings together marinated chicken, sautéed peppers, fluffy rice, and all your favorite toppings for a flavor-packed bowl of goodness. Let’s dive into this easy and customizable recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold flavors: The smoky, zesty seasoning blends perfectly with the freshness of the veggies and toppings.
- Customizable: Switch up the protein, add your favorite veggies, or spice it up to suit your taste.
- Meal prep friendly: These bowls store well, making them great for planning ahead.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create your Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- For the Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Optional: sliced avocado or guacamole
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Add the chicken strips and toss until fully coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced peppers and onions, and cook until softened and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, add the marinated chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
- Assemble the Bowl: Start with a base of rice in each bowl. Layer on the black beans, corn, sautéed vegetables, cooked chicken, and shredded lettuce. Top with cheese, salsa, sour cream, and any optional toppings like avocado or guacamole.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the marinade: This is what gives the chicken its amazing flavor.
- Cook veggies first: This ensures they stay crisp-tender and don’t overcook.
- Use fresh lime juice: The brightness it adds can’t be beat!
Variations
- Protein options: Swap chicken for shrimp, steak, or tofu for a different take.
- Grain-free: Use cauliflower rice or skip the rice altogether and use extra lettuce for a fajita salad.
- Extra spice: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade or toppings.
Conclusion
The Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl is the perfect meal for those who crave bold, zesty flavors with a customizable twist. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Packed with protein, veggies, and all your favorite toppings, it’s a balanced and satisfying way to enjoy fajita flavors without the mess of tortillas. Try it today, and let the flavors speak for themselves