Print

Chicken Fajita Rice

Chicken Fajita Rice
Print Recipe

Chicken Fajita Rice is a quick and flavorful one-pan Tex-Mex meal combining tender seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, onions, and fluffy long grain rice. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish delivers bold fajita flavors with minimal cleanup, customizable to suit your taste and dietary preferences—perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into thin strips

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

Grains and Liquids

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

Seasonings and Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons fajita seasoning blend (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 fresh lime

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the chicken breasts or thighs into thin strips for quick cooking. Thinly slice the red, yellow, and green bell peppers and onion. Measure the rice and set aside the fajita seasoning blend, salt, and pepper for easy access.
  2. Cook the Chicken and Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and sprinkle with fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through. Remove chicken from pan. Then add sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet, sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
  3. Combine Rice and Simmer: Push the sautéed veggies to one side of the skillet. Add the uncooked rice to the empty side, then pour in chicken broth or water ensuring the rice is evenly covered. Stir to combine rice, vegetables, and cooked chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  4. Finish with Lime and Serve: Remove from heat, fluff rice with a fork, and squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish. Stir gently to distribute the zesty flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Cut chicken into even strips to ensure uniform cooking.
  • Do not lift the lid during simmering to keep the rice fluffy by trapping steam.
  • Using homemade fajita seasoning allows control over salt and spice levels.
  • Chicken broth enhances flavor more than water.
  • Let the rice rest covered off heat for 5 minutes after cooking to absorb any remaining moisture and improve texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken fajita rice, one-pan meal, Tex-Mex, quick dinner, fajita seasoning, bell peppers, easy weeknight meal, gluten free

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/chicken-fajita-rice/