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- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 green bell pepper, sliced - 1 yellow onion, sliced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed For the chicken fajita bowls, I focus on fresh and vibrant ingredients. The main star is the chicken breast. Thinly sliced, it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well. I always marinate it to add depth. Next, I choose fresh vegetables. I love using red and green bell peppers for sweetness and crunch. A yellow onion adds a nice flavor too. You can mix and match any veggies you like, but these are my favorites. For the base, I often use either brown rice or quinoa. Both options are healthy and filling. They soak up the flavors from the chicken and veggies perfectly. To marinate the chicken, I use a mix of spices. You need: - 2 teaspoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste These spices give the chicken a smoky and spicy kick. I recommend letting the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. To achieve the best taste, don't skip on the salt and pepper. They enhance the overall flavor. When you cook the chicken, season the veggies too. A pinch of salt makes them sweeter. For the finishing touch, I love to add: - 1 avocado, diced - 1 cup salsa - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) - Lime wedges for serving Diced avocado adds creaminess to the bowls. Salsa brings a fresh, zesty flavor. I often sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color and taste. Lime wedges are a must! A squeeze of lime brightens each bite. These toppings not only enhance the flavor but also make your bowls look stunning. {{ingredient_image_2}} To marinate chicken for flavor, start with thinly sliced chicken breast. In a big bowl, mix in olive oil and spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Make sure the chicken is coated well. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This time helps the chicken soak in all the flavors. When cooking chicken, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken turns golden and is no longer pink. A slight char adds a nice flavor, so don’t skip that step. Once cooked, set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add sliced red and green bell peppers along with the onion. Sauté these for 3 to 5 minutes. Keep stirring to avoid burning. They should get tender and caramelize a bit. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance their sweet taste. Now, it’s time to build your bowls. Start with a base of cooked brown rice or quinoa. Use about half a cup for each bowl. Then layer on the corn, black beans, and the sautéed peppers and onions. Finally, top it with the cooked chicken for a complete meal. For the finishing touch, add diced avocado on top of each bowl. Then, spoon on some salsa. If you like, sprinkle fresh cilantro for extra flavor. Serve each bowl with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime adds a zesty kick that brightens the dish. To make the best fajita bowls, avoid common mistakes. One mistake is not marinating the chicken long enough. Make sure to marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step builds great flavor. Another mistake is overcrowding the skillet when cooking. Cook the chicken in a single layer for even cooking and a nice char. To enhance texture and flavor, consider adding more spices. A pinch of cayenne or some fresh lime juice can make your bowls pop. You can also try different oils like avocado oil for a unique taste. For perfectly cooked chicken, use the sauté method. Heat the skillet to medium-high before adding the chicken. This helps seal in juices. Cook it until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. If you prefer not to sauté, you can bake the chicken. Just season it well, place it on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes. Grilling is another option that adds flavor. Just make sure to preheat your grill and cook until fully done. A great bowl needs to look just as good as it tastes. Use colorful dishes to make your fajita bowls pop. Arrange each item in sections. Start with rice or quinoa as the base. Then, layer on the chicken, veggies, corn, and beans. Add diced avocado and salsa on top. Sprinkle fresh cilantro for a burst of green. This not only adds flavor but also makes your dish eye-catching. Use lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, to deepen the flavors and ensure a juicier result. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. They not only taste better but also enhance the overall nutritional value of your meal. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños to personalize your fajita bowls. Serve Immediately: To enjoy the best texture and flavor, serve the bowls immediately after assembling while everything is still warm and fresh. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for many tasty proteins. Try beef or shrimp for a change. Both cook quickly and add rich flavors. If you want plant-based options, consider tofu or tempeh. They absorb flavors well and provide a nice texture. For a spicy kick, use spicy sausage or chorizo. This keeps your meals fun and interesting. Changing spices can give you a new dish each time. Instead of chili powder, use taco seasoning for a twist. You could also try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. Mix in smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Don't forget about the veggies! Toss in zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for extra color and crunch. You can even add leafy greens like spinach or kale for a healthy boost. Pair your fajita bowls with sides for a complete meal. Serve with tortilla chips and guacamole for crunch. A fresh salad can also be great to balance the flavors. For easy lunches, make extra bowls on the weekend. Store them in the fridge for quick meals during the week. Just reheat and enjoy! To store leftover chicken fajita bowls safely, let them cool first. Then, put the bowls in airtight containers. This keeps the flavors fresh. I like to use glass containers for meal prep. They are sturdy and do not stain. When it's time to eat, you can reheat your bowls in a few ways. The microwave works well. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. This keeps the chicken moist and warm. You can also use a skillet on low heat. Stir gently to avoid drying out the chicken. Chicken fajita bowls last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. If you want to freeze them, use freezer-safe containers. They can stay good for about 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the bowl in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for best results. To make chicken fajita bowls spicy, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper. You can also mix in hot sauce or chili flakes. Start with a small amount, then taste to adjust heat. For more spice, try using chipotle seasoning. This gives a smoky heat that enhances the dish. Yes, you can make chicken fajita bowls ahead of time. Cook all the ingredients and let them cool. Store them in airtight containers. Keep the rice or quinoa separate from the chicken and veggies. This keeps everything fresh. Reheat when ready to eat. To make the dish lighter, use skinless chicken breast. You can also swap brown rice for cauliflower rice. This lowers carbs and adds veggies. For less fat, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Try using fresh veggies like spinach for added nutrients. In this blog post, we explored how to create delicious chicken fajita bowls, focusing on key ingredients like marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and flavor-packed toppings. I shared step-by-step instructions for marinating and cooking, as well as tips for presentation and variations. You can customize your bowls to suit your taste and dietary preferences. With the right techniques, you can elevate your meal to a new level. Enjoy your fajita bowls, and don’t be afraid to get creative with flavors!

Sizzling Chicken Fajita Bowls

A vibrant and flavorful bowl filled with marinated chicken, sautéed peppers, and nutritious grains, topped with fresh avocado and salsa.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 unit green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 unit yellow onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste unit salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 unit avocado, diced
  • 1 cup salsa
  • optional unit fresh cilantro for garnish
  • to serve unit lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, add the thinly sliced chicken breast. Pour in the olive oil and sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken with the marinade and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and has developed a slight char. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the sliced red and green bell peppers and the onion. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender and begin to caramelize. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Prepare individual bowls by adding a base of cooked brown rice or quinoa. Layer on the corn, black beans, sautéed peppers and onions, and top with the cooked chicken.
  • Add diced avocado on top of each bowl, followed by a scoop of salsa. Sprinkle fresh cilantro if desired and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Enhance the visual appeal by serving in colorful dishes and arranging ingredients in sections.
Keyword bowl, chicken, fajitas, healthy, quick meal