The Art of Ultimate Chicken Fajita Bowl Creation

Perfect Chicken Grilling Technique

Master the technique of cooking juicy, flavorful chicken with beautiful char marks.

Vegetable Caramelization Mastery

Learn the skill of sautéing peppers and onions to ideal tenderness with charred edges.

Cilantro Lime Rice Perfection

Perfect the method of cooking fluffy, fragrant rice with balanced herb and citrus notes.

Seasoning Balance Technique

Master the art of balancing smoky, spicy, tangy, and savory flavors in perfect harmony.

Bowl Assembly Strategy

Learn optimal component arrangement for maximum visual appeal and flavor distribution.

Gourmet Bowl Mastery Secrets for Perfect Fajita Component Combination

Chicken Tenderness: Don't overcook the chicken - remove from heat as soon as it reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Vegetable Cooking: For best fajita flavor, cook peppers and onions until they have some char but still retain texture.

Rice Perfection: Let rice rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking for fluffiest results.

Meal Prep Wisdom: Store avocado and creamy drizzle separately until ready to serve.

Heat Customization: Adjust cayenne pepper and hot sauce to your preferred spice level.

Protein Options: Substitute shrimp, steak, or tofu for chicken to create variations.

Vibrant Southwest Chicken Fajita Bowls with Cilantro Lime Rice and Fresh Toppings

Name: Vibrant Southwest Chicken Fajita Bowls with Cilantro Lime Rice and Fresh Toppings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 bowls
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: For the Chicken Marinade:; 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lime juice; For the Fajita Seasoning:; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; For the Cilantro Lime Rice:; 2 cups long-grain white rice; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 teaspoon lime zest; For the Fajita Vegetables:; 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced; 2 large onions, thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; For the Fresh Components:; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen

The ultimate chicken fajita bowl featuring perfectly seasoned grilled chicken, colorful sautéed bell peppers, and sweet caramelized onions layered over cilantro lime rice. This gourmet Mexican-inspired masterpiece combines the smoky richness of premium chicken with the vibrant freshness of traditional fajita vegetables, creating an unforgettable bowl experience that elevates the classic fajitas to extraordinary heights perfect for dinner, meal prep, or any time you crave the perfect balance of bold and refreshing flavors.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

35 Minutes

Total Time

50 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Chicken Marinade:

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lime juice

For the Fajita Seasoning:

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cilantro Lime Rice:

2 cups long-grain white rice

4 cups chicken broth

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 teaspoon lime zest

For the Fajita Vegetables:

3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced

2 large onions, thinly sliced

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

For the Fresh Components:

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen

1 avocado, sliced

For the Creamy Drizzle:

1/2 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon hot sauce

1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Gourmet Touches:

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup green onions, sliced

Lime wedges for serving

For the Cheese Option:

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled

For Special Equipment:

Large cast iron skillet

Medium saucepan

Tongs

Wooden spoon

Instructions

Begin by preparing the fajita seasoning blend in a small bowl.

Slice chicken breasts into strips and place in a large bowl or plastic bag.

Add olive oil, lime juice, and half the seasoning blend to the chicken.

Massage the marinade into the chicken and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, rinse rice in cold water until water runs clear.

Add rice, chicken broth, and butter to a medium saucepan.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken strips in batches, 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.

Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

In the same skillet, add bell peppers and onions with remaining seasoning.

Sauté vegetables for 10-12 minutes until softened and beginning to caramelize.

Add minced garlic in the last minute of cooking and stir to combine.

When rice is cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in lime juice, lime zest, and cilantro.

Whisk sour cream, lime juice, hot sauce, and salt for the creamy drizzle.

If using, heat black beans and corn in a small saucepan until warm.

Begin assembly with a base of cilantro lime rice in each bowl.

Arrange chicken strips and fajita vegetables over the rice.

Add black beans, corn, and fresh tomatoes alongside.

Top with avocado slices and shredded cheese if using.

Drizzle the creamy sauce over the entire bowl.

Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, and cotija cheese if using.

Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the bowl.

Enjoy immediately while chicken and vegetables are still warm.

For meal prep, portion into containers and refrigerate up to 4 days.

Vibrant Southwest Chicken Fajita Bowls with Cilantro Lime Rice and Fresh Toppings

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Chicken Fajita Bowl Creation

Vibrant Southwest Chicken Fajita Bowls with Cilantro Lime Rice and Fresh Toppings

Ingredients

Instructions