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Chicken Fajita Bowl Recipe Deconstructed Tacos

Chicken Fajita Bowl

A vibrant and flavourful bowl packed with perfectly seasoned chicken, charred peppers and onions, served over fluffy rice and finished with fresh toppings. An easy and satisfying deconstructed version of classic fajitas.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 725

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Marinade
  • 600 g boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 1cm strips
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Vegetables
  • 2 bell peppers a mix of red, yellow, or orange looks best, deseeded and sliced
  • 1 large red onion peeled and sliced
For the Bowl and Toppings
  • 300 g long-grain white rice cooked according to package directions
  • 1 large avocado sliced or mashed
  • 1 lime cut into wedges
  • A handful of fresh coriander roughly chopped
  • 100 g soured cream or Greek yoghurt optional
  • 50 g cheddar cheese grated (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Chicken: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chicken strips with 1 tbsp of olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Set aside for at least 15 minutes to let the flavours meld.
  2. Cook the Rice: While the chicken marinates, cook your rice according to the instructions on the packet. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and keep it warm.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large frying pan or skillet over a medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced peppers and red onion. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring only occasionally, until they are tender and have some lovely charred spots on the edges. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Using the same pan, add the marinated chicken strips in a single layer. It's important not to overcrowd the pan, so you may need to do this in two batches. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice brown crust. What works best for me is resisting the urge to move the chicken too much; this helps develop that fantastic sear.
  5. Combine and Warm: Return the cooked vegetables to the pan with the chicken. Squeeze the juice of half a lime over everything and toss it all together to combine. Let it heat through for one minute.
  6. Assemble Your Fajita Bowl: Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Now comes the fun part: add your desired toppings. I recommend a generous portion of sliced avocado, a sprinkle of fresh coriander, and a lime wedge on the side for squeezing over. If you like, add a dollop of soured cream and a little grated cheese that will get gloriously melty on the warm chicken.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add fresh toppings just before serving.