1.5lbboneless skinless chicken breastssliced for quick marinating and cooking
2tablespoonolive oilhelps in making the chicken juicy and tender
2tablespoonfresh lime juiceadds a bright zesty flavor to the marinade
2teaspoonchili powderbrings warmth and a touch of spice
1.5teaspoonground cuminenhances the depth of flavor
1teaspoonsmoked paprikainfuses subtle smokiness
1teaspoongarlic powderfor robust garlic flavor
1teaspoononion powdercomplements with sweetness
½teaspoondried oreganoadds aromatic earthiness
½teaspoonground black pepperbalances flavors
1teaspoonsaltessential for seasoning
¼teaspooncayenne pepperoptional for extra heat
For the Fajita Vegetables
1red bell pepperthinly sliced
1yellow bell pepperadds color and flavor
1green bell pepperbrings vibrant hue
1mediumred onionthinly sliced
1tablespoonolive oilcoats the veggies for cooking
½teaspoonsaltfor seasoning
½teaspoonground black pepperenhances flavors
½teaspoonchili powderties flavors together
½teaspoonground cuminadds warmth
For the Rice Base
1.5cupsuncooked long-grain ricewhite, jasmine, or brown
3cupswater or low-sodium chicken brothinfuses flavor
1tablespoonolive oil or butteradds richness
½teaspoonsaltfor seasoning
For Toppings
1cupcanned black beansdrained and rinsed
1cupcanned corn kernelsadds sweetness and texture
½cupsalsayour favorite kind
½cupshredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheeseoptional
¼cupfresh cilantrochopped
1avocadoripe and sliced or cubed
lime wedgesfor serving
For the Optional Creamy Sauce
½cupplain Greek yogurt or sour creamprovides a creamy texture
1tablespoonfresh lime juicebrightens the sauce
½teaspoonchili powderadds spice
¼teaspoonground cuminechoes seasoning of the dish
pinch of saltbalances flavors
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Rinse 1.5 cups of rice under cold water until mostly clear. In a saucepan, combine rice, 3 cups of water or broth, 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter, and ½ teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15-40 minutes until tender. Fluff and set aside.
In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoon lime juice, and spices. Add 1.5 lb sliced chicken, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
Prepare fajita vegetables by tossing sliced peppers and onion with 1 tablespoon olive oil and seasoning. Set aside.
Heat a skillet over medium-high and add marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for 4-6 minutes until cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
In the same skillet, sauté vegetables over medium-high for 6-8 minutes until tender-crisp. Adjust seasoning to taste.
For creamy sauce, combine yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and refrigerate.
Prepare beans and corn by draining and rinsing. Optionally heat for 30-60 seconds.
Assemble the bowls with rice, chicken, vegetables, beans, corn, and salsa. Top with cheese and cilantro. Serve with creamy sauce or pack separately.
Notes
Let the chicken marinate for up to 8 hours for better flavor. Customize ingredients based on preference.