A Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together all the vibrant flavors of a classic fajita in a healthy, customizable bowl. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this recipe is packed with tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and red onion, all seasoned with a delicious combination of spices. Serve it over cilantro lime rice and top with black beans, pico de gallo, and creamy chipotle aioli for a dish that’s as flavorful as it is filling. It’s a great option for meal prepping or feeding a crowd, and the best part is you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Vibrant and Flavorful

This recipe is bursting with bold flavors. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika, and the sautéed bell peppers and onions add a delicious, savory crunch. Every bite is packed with freshness and heat.

2. Customizable Ingredients

Feel free to switch up the ingredients depending on your preferences. You can substitute the chicken with veggies for a vegetarian option, or add additional toppings like avocado, cheese, or sour cream for more richness.

3. Healthy and Satisfying

This burrito bowl is balanced with protein, fiber, and plenty of veggies. The cilantro lime rice provides a flavorful base, while the beans and chicken deliver enough protein to keep you full and satisfied.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

This recipe is great for meal prepping because the ingredients hold up well in the fridge. You can prepare individual bowls and store them for a few days, making it easy to have a healthy, flavorful meal ready to go.

5. Quick and Easy to Make

This dish comes together quickly—perfect for busy weeknights. The chicken cooks in just a few minutes, and the veggies sauté alongside it for a deliciously simple meal in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Chicken/Veggies:

1 ½ pounds chicken breast
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 ¼ teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon oregano
1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
3 teaspoons paprika
1 tablespoon tapioca starch
3 bell peppers (any color)
½ large red onion

For Serving:

2 cups cilantro lime rice
1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
2 cups chopped lettuce
½ cup pico de gallo
½ cup chipotle aioli

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken for a plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or a mix of beans and roasted veggies such as zucchini, squash, and mushrooms.
Different Protein: You can also use shrimp, steak, or even ground turkey instead of chicken.
Rice Alternatives: Swap the cilantro lime rice for cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option, or use quinoa for a protein-packed base.
Toppings: Customize your toppings with extras like guacamole, shredded cheese, jalapeños, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for added zing.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Veggies

In a small bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, cumin, brown sugar, oregano, chili powder, paprika, and tapioca starch. Coat the chicken breasts with olive oil and then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the chicken. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove from heat and let it rest before slicing it into thin strips.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

While the chicken is cooking, slice the bell peppers and red onion into thin strips. In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil and sauté the bell peppers and onions for 5-7 minutes until they are tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

To assemble your bowl, start by layering the cilantro lime rice at the bottom. Then add the sliced chicken, sautéed bell peppers, and onions on top. Next, add black beans, chopped lettuce, pico de gallo, and a drizzle of chipotle aioli.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Searing the Chicken: To get a nice sear on the chicken, avoid moving it around in the pan while it cooks. Let it sit on each side until golden and crispy before flipping.
Marinate for More Flavor: If you have extra time, marinate the chicken for up to 30 minutes or overnight for a deeper flavor profile.
Toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings—guacamole, shredded cheese, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can add a personal touch.
Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the chili powder or add some chopped jalapeños to the mix.

How to Serve

This Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl can be served as a standalone dish or with a side of tortilla chips for some added crunch. You can also serve it with a squeeze of fresh lime juice to enhance the flavors. For a more filling meal, add extra rice or beans, and don’t forget the creamy chipotle aioli for a perfect finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the chicken, rice, and veggies separately from the toppings to keep everything fresh. When ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and veggies, then assemble the bowl again with fresh toppings.

Freezing

While the rice and chicken can be frozen, it’s best to freeze them separately from the toppings. The rice and chicken will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat by microwaving or cooking in a skillet with a little added olive oil.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave the rice and chicken until warm, or use a skillet to reheat them over medium heat. Fresh toppings such as lettuce, pico de gallo, and chipotle aioli should be added just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or additional vegetables for a vegetarian version.

2. How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you prefer more heat, add extra chili powder, paprika, or jalapeños to the chicken and veggies.

3. Can I use store-bought chipotle aioli?

Yes, if you don’t want to make your own chipotle aioli, you can use a store-bought version.

4. How do I make the cilantro lime rice?

To make cilantro lime rice, simply cook rice and then toss it with fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro.

5. Can I use a different type of beans?

Yes, you can substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans if you prefer.

6. Can I use quinoa instead of rice?

Yes, quinoa is a great alternative for a protein-packed base.

7. How long will this recipe last in the fridge?

This recipe can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken, rice, and toppings separate for the best freshness.

8. Can I add cheese to this dish?

Yes, shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack would be a great addition on top of the bowl.

9. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it is fully thawed before cooking for best results.

10. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken, rice, and veggies ahead of time. Store them separately and assemble the bowls when ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl is a delicious, nutritious, and easy meal that can be customized to suit your preferences. With tender, seasoned chicken, sautéed bell peppers, and a zesty cilantro lime rice base, it’s a flavorful dish that’s perfect for meal prepping or a quick weeknight dinner. Add your favorite toppings like pico de gallo and chipotle aioli for an extra punch of flavor.