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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips - 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips - 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips - 1 small onion, sliced into thin rings - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa The chicken forms the heart of this dish. I use boneless, skinless breasts for their lean flavor. Slicing them into thin strips helps them cook quickly and absorb spices well. The fajita vegetables, which include red and green bell peppers and onion, add vibrant colors and sweet flavors. Their crunch pairs perfectly with the tender chicken. I recommend using either brown rice or quinoa as a base. Both grains offer great texture and nutrition. - 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained - ½ cup corn (fresh or thawed if frozen) - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for a healthier touch) - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Juice of ½ lime Toppings make your bowl pop! Black beans provide protein and fiber. Corn adds sweetness and color, while ripe avocado brings creaminess. I love using either sour cream or Greek yogurt, depending on my mood. Cilantro gives a fresh finish. Don't forget the lime juice, which brightens everything up! - 2 teaspoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste Spices elevate this dish. Chili powder adds warmth and depth. Ground cumin brings a unique, earthy flavor. Garlic powder adds a savory note. I always season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste. Mixing these spices with the chicken and veggies creates a mouthwatering marinate that packs a punch. {{ingredient_image_2}} Marinating the mixture Start by mixing the chicken, bell peppers, onion, olive oil, and spices in a large bowl. Make sure the chicken and veggies are evenly coated. This step helps infuse the flavors deep into the chicken. The spices include 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cooking in a skillet Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated mixture. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken is cooked through. The veggies should be tender and slightly charred. This gives them a beautiful flavor and texture. When done, squeeze the juice of half a lime over the mix for an extra zing. Cooking brown rice or quinoa While your chicken and veggies cook, prepare the brown rice or quinoa. Follow the package instructions. It usually takes about 15 minutes. This grain serves as the hearty base for your bowl. Assembly of the bowls Once the rice or quinoa is ready, it’s time to assemble. Take four bowls and divide the cooked grain among them. Make sure to create a generous layer at the bottom. This will hold all the tasty toppings nicely. Layering ingredients On top of the rice, add a hearty scoop of the chicken and veggie mix. Spread it evenly across each bowl. Next, add a spoonful of rinsed black beans and some corn. This adds color and nutrition to your meal. Adding garnishes Finish off each bowl with sliced avocado. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds creaminess. Don’t forget to sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a fresh touch. For extra flair, serve with lime wedges on the side. How do you achieve tender chicken? To get tender chicken, cut it thinly. Marinate it with olive oil and spices. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up the flavors. When you cook, use medium-high heat. This keeps the chicken juicy and full of taste. Stir it often to ensure even cooking. What is the best way to cook vegetables for flavor? For great flavor, cook the veggies until they are soft and a bit charred. This adds a sweet taste. Use a hot skillet to get a nice sear. Start with onions, then add the bell peppers. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often. The goal is to caramelize them, which enhances their natural sweetness. What drinks pair well with the Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl? A cold drink makes this meal even better. Try pairing it with a light beer or a refreshing lime soda. If you want something non-alcoholic, go for iced tea with lemon. These drinks balance the spices in the bowl nicely. How can you present the burrito bowl? Make your bowl look special. Use colorful bowls to add fun to the table. Garnish each bowl with lime wedges and a sprinkle of cilantro. This adds color and freshness. You can also layer the ingredients in the bowl for a beautiful look. What can you substitute for sour cream? If you want a healthier option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Greek yogurt has less fat and more protein. It still gives a creamy texture and tangy flavor. You can also try avocado for a rich, smooth taste. What are some low-carb alternatives? For a low-carb option, swap brown rice or quinoa with cauliflower rice. It’s light and has fewer carbs. You can also add more veggies, like zucchini or spinach, to bulk up the meal without adding many calories. This keeps the dish filling and healthy. Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: Allow the chicken and vegetables to marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This enhances the flavors and makes the dish more delicious. Use High Heat: Cooking on medium-high heat helps to caramelize the vegetables and gives the chicken a nice sear. This adds depth and richness to the overall flavor. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings such as shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for extra flavor and variety in your burrito bowl. Leftover Magic: Use any leftovers to create a delicious wrap for lunch the next day. Just combine the mixture in a tortilla for a quick meal on the go! {{image_4}} You can change the protein in your burrito bowl. If you want chicken, try steak or shrimp. Both add great taste. For a lighter option, use turkey. Looking for vegetarian choices? Use tofu or tempeh. Both soak up flavors well. You can also prepare this bowl without meat and add more beans or veggies. Switch up the base grains if you like. Instead of brown rice, try quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb choice. Each adds a different texture and taste. Use seasonal vegetables to keep it fresh. In spring, add asparagus or peas. In summer, zucchini and cherry tomatoes shine. Fall brings sweet potatoes or butternut squash, adding sweetness to your bowl. Want more heat? Add jalapeños or diced serrano peppers to your chicken mix. They bring a nice kick to the dish. Don’t stop there! Try different sauces for extra flavor. A spicy salsa or chipotle sauce can add depth. If you like creamy, drizzle some ranch or a zesty cilantro dressing. Each choice gives your bowl a unique twist. To keep your Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl fresh, store the ingredients separately. This helps maintain flavor and texture. Use airtight containers for each item. Store cooked chicken and veggies in one container. Put rice or quinoa in another. Keep black beans, corn, and avocado in separate containers too. For assembled bowls, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They can stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. To reheat your bowls without losing flavor, use a microwave. Place the chicken and veggies in a bowl. Add a splash of water to keep them moist. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot. Stir between intervals for even heating. For quick reheating, use a skillet on low heat. This method keeps the chicken juicy and the veggies crisp. You can freeze components of the burrito bowl. Freeze the chicken, veggies, and rice or quinoa in separate bags. Make sure to remove excess air before sealing. For black beans and corn, freeze them in small portions too. When you are ready to use them, thaw overnight in the fridge. This way, they retain their taste and texture. Reheat as mentioned above for a quick meal. You can use several grains in this dish. Here are some options: - Cauliflower rice for a low-carb choice. - Couscous for a quick and easy grain. - Farro for a nutty flavor. - Bulgur for a hearty texture. Each option gives a unique taste and texture. Experiment to find your favorite! Yes! Meal prep makes busy days easier. Here are some tips: - Cook chicken and veggies in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. - Prepare grains ahead of time. They also keep well in the fridge. - Chop your toppings like avocado and cilantro. Store them in airtight containers. When you’re ready to eat, just heat and assemble! To add heat, try these ideas: - Add diced jalapeños to the chicken mix. - Use a spicy chili powder or cayenne pepper. - Top with hot sauce before serving. Spice it up to match your taste! Adjust the heat to make it just right for you. This blog post covered the basics for making Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowls. We explored the main ingredients like chicken and fajita vegetables, plus tasty toppings such as avocado and sour cream. I shared simple steps for preparing and layering the bowls, along with useful tips for cooking and serving. You can even customize the recipe based on your taste. In closing, these bowls are easy, fun, and healthy. You can mix and match ingredients as you please. I encourage you to try making your own unique version at home. Enjoy every bite!

Fiesta Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl

A vibrant and flavorful burrito bowl featuring marinated chicken, colorful vegetables, and nutritious toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 piece green bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 small onion, sliced into thin rings
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked pepper
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 piece ripe avocado, sliced
  • 0.5 cup corn (fresh or thawed if frozen)
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 0.5 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 0.5 piece lime, juiced

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken, both bell peppers, onion, olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well until the chicken and vegetables are thoroughly coated with the spices and oil.
  • Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and vegetable mixture to the skillet. Cook for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, caramelized, and slightly charred for added flavor.
  • While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, prepare the brown rice or quinoa according to the package instructions, if not already done. This should take about 15 minutes.
  • Once the chicken is fully cooked and the veggies are tender, remove the skillet from heat. Squeeze the fresh lime juice over the mixture, stirring gently to incorporate the zesty flavor.
  • To assemble your burrito bowls, evenly divide the cooked brown rice or quinoa among four serving bowls, creating a generous base.
  • Top each bowl with a hearty scoop of the chicken and vegetable mixture, making sure to distribute it evenly.
  • Add a spoonful of black beans and corn atop each bowl, giving a vibrant and nutritious touch.
  • Finally, add sliced avocado and a dollop of either sour cream or Greek yogurt on each bowl. Garnish the tops with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Enhance the visual appeal by serving the bowls with lime wedges on the side and an extra sprinkle of cilantro on top.
Keyword burrito bowl, chicken, fajitas, healthy