Description

This Easy Chicken Fajita Rice recipe is a quick and flavorful family dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breast is sautéed with colorful bell peppers, onions, and aromatic spices, then combined with fluffy cooked rice. The dish is garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, creating a vibrant and satisfying meal that can be customized with shrimp, chickpeas, or vegetable substitutes to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 lb Chicken Breast (or substitute with shrimp or chickpeas)

Vegetables

3 cups Bell Peppers (Assorted Colors) (any color or substitute with zucchini)
1 medium Onion (or substitute with shallots)
3 cloves Garlic (Minced) (fresh or powdered can be used)
1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro (or substitute with green onions)
2 Lime Wedges (or use lemon for a twist)

Spices and Seasonings

2 teaspoons Chili Powder (adjust to heat tolerance)
1 teaspoon Cumin (or substitute with coriander)
1 teaspoon Paprika (consider using smoked paprika for a twist)
to taste Salt & Pepper (for seasoning)

Other Ingredients

2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or use any other cooking oil)
3 cups Cooked Rice (also can use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)

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Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Begin by washing and slicing the bell peppers into thin strips. Peel and slice the onion similarly. Mince the garlic cloves finely to ensure they release maximum flavor during cooking. If not already done, cook the rice according to package instructions or use pre-cooked rice.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breast pieces, season with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Sauté Vegetables: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still retain some crispness.
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the cooked rice, mixing thoroughly to combine all flavors. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the dish. Serve the fajita rice with lime wedges on the side for squeezing, adding a bright, zesty finish to the meal.

Notes

For a low-carb option, substitute cooked rice with cauliflower rice.
You can substitute chicken with shrimp or chickpeas for a different protein source.
Adjust chili powder quantity to suit your preferred spice level.
Smoked paprika can be used to add a smoky depth to the dish.
Fresh cilantro can be replaced with green onions if preferred.
Use lemon wedges in place of lime for a slightly different citrus flavor.