Chicken Fajita Bowls

Chicken Fajita Bowls

If you’re looking for a healthy, delicious meal that doesn’t compromise on taste, Chicken Fajita Bowls are the perfect solution. This dish brings together juicy chicken, smoky-seasoned vegetables, fragrant coriander lime rice, and creamy guacamole. It’s packed with bold flavours, vibrant colours, and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or prepping meals for the week, this bowl will keep you satisfied.

The beauty of Chicken Fajita Bowls lies in their versatility. You can customise them with different toppings, adjust the spice levels, or swap ingredients to suit your preferences. Everything comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy days. Plus, since all the components can be prepared ahead of time, it’s a fantastic meal prep option

Table of Contents

Ingredient Breakdown

  • Olive oil: Enhances the flavours and helps achieve the perfect sear on the chicken.
  • Chicken thighs: Stay juicy and tender while absorbing all the delicious fajita seasoning.
  • Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, balancing out the smoky spices.
  • Garlic: Brings a strong, aromatic flavour that complements the dish beautifully.
  • Bell peppers: Provide crunch, natural sweetness, and a vibrant pop of colour.
  • Ground cumin: Gives the dish its signature earthy, warm flavour.
  • Smoked paprika: Adds a rich, smoky depth that enhances the overall taste.
  • Paprika: Brings mild sweetness and a touch of warmth.
  • Chipotle chilli flakes: Deliver a smoky heat that makes the fajitas irresistibly bold.
  • Coriander lime rice: Fragrant, zesty, and the perfect base for the fajita bowls.
  • Guacamole: Creamy, fresh, and balances the spiciness with its cool, rich texture.

Seasoning for Maximum Flavour

The key to tender, flavour-packed chicken in Chicken Fajita Bowls lies in the seasoning and cooking method. Chicken thighs work best because they stay moist and juicy, but if you prefer, chicken breast can also be used. Cooking the chicken over high heat allows it to develop a golden-brown sear, sealing in its juices while adding a delicious depth of flavour.

Seasoning at different stages is essential. Salt and pepper go on first to enhance the natural flavours. The smoky, spicy fajita seasoning is added later to coat the chicken evenly. This layering technique ensures that every bite is packed with bold taste. Cooking the spices for a minute or two before adding the vegetables allows them to toast slightly, intensifying their flavour. This simple step makes a big difference, creating a well-balanced dish that tastes just as good as restaurant fajitas.

Why the Right Peppers and Onions Matter

Bell peppers and onions aren’t just colourful additions, they contribute a lot to the flavour and texture of Chicken Fajita Bowls. Red, yellow, and orange peppers add a natural sweetness that balances the smoky, spicy seasoning. Green peppers, on the other hand, have a slightly bitter edge, which some people love for contrast. Using a mix of colours makes the dish visually appealing while enhancing the flavour complexity.

The onion plays an equally important role. Cooking it until softened releases its natural sugars, adding sweetness that mellows the spice of the fajita seasoning. A sweet onion is ideal, but white or red onions also work well. Cutting the vegetables into thin, even strips ensures they cook at the same rate as the chicken. Stir-frying them quickly over high heat keeps them slightly crisp, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite.

The Secret to the Best Guacamole

No Chicken Fajita Bowl is complete without a spoonful of fresh guacamole. The creamy texture and mild, buttery taste balance out the spice of the fajitas. Making great guacamole is all about using ripe avocados and the right mix of ingredients. Lime juice adds acidity, preventing the avocado from browning while enhancing the flavour. Fresh coriander, finely chopped, gives the guacamole its signature herby freshness. A pinch of sea salt brings everything together, while diced tomatoes or red onions add extra texture.

For the best results, mash the avocados lightly, leaving some chunks for texture. Over-mashing can make the guacamole too smooth, losing that fresh, homemade feel. It’s best to prepare guacamole just before serving, but if making ahead, press cling film directly onto the surface to prevent oxidation. With these tips, every bowl will have the perfect balance of creamy and zesty goodness.

Meal Prep Tips

These Chicken Fajita Bowls are an excellent option for meal prep, keeping well in the fridge for several days. Cooking the chicken and vegetables in advance makes weekday lunches effortless. Store them in airtight containers, keeping the rice, fajita mixture, and toppings separate to maintain freshness.

Reheating is simple: warm the chicken and vegetables in a pan over medium heat until heated through. This method keeps the flavours fresh and prevents the chicken from drying out. The coriander lime rice can be reheated in the microwave with a splash of water to restore its fluffiness. Guacamole is best made fresh, but if storing, press cling film onto the surface to keep it from browning. By prepping in advance, you’ll have delicious, ready-to-go meals that make healthy eating easy.

Customising Your Fajita Bowls

One of the best things about Chicken Fajita Bowls is how customisable they are. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. 

  • If you want a lighter option, swap the rice for cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce. 
  • For extra protein, add black beans or grilled prawns. 
  • If you prefer more heat, increase the chipotle chilli flakes or add sliced jalapeños.
  • If you’re a dairy lover, you can sprinkle cheese over the warm fajita mix, letting it melt into the dish. A drizzle of sour cream also adds a cool contrast to the spice. 
  • For an extra crunch, crushed tortilla chips make a great topping. 

More Chicken Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed making this Chicken Fajita Bowls, here are some more of my recipes I think you’ll like:

  • Chicken Parm: A classic chicken parm, no frills. Crispy golden chicken, rich tomato sauce and plenty of melted cheese.
  • Chicken Kebabs: These North African-inspired chicken kebabs are delicious, juicy and packed with flavour! Added bonus: they’re incredibly easy to make.
  • Chicken Katsu: Who doesn’t love crispy fried chicken? Chicken thigh fillets pounded until thin, dredged in seasoned flour, eggs and panko, and fried until golden brown.
  • Chimichurri Chicken: Chicken so good it’ll make you dance! The chicken is marinated in a tasty combination of herbs and spices then seared until perfectly cooked and juicy. 

See how I make all these recipes and more over on my Instagram!

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Chicken Fajita Bowls

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This tasty, healthy lunch bowl is packed with juicy chicken strips, seasoned veggies, coriander lime rice, guacamole and other yummy toppings. It’s easy to make, is loaded with feel-good ingredients and is perfect for meal prepping. And most importantly, it is absolutely delicious! Proof that you can eat healthily without sacrificing on flavour.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x
  • Category: Chicken

Ingredients

Scale
  • olive oil
  • 640 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into thin strips
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 bell peppers, thinly sliced
  • 2 tsps ground cumin
  • 2 tsps smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp chipotle chilli flakes
  • Coriander Lime Rice
  • Guacamole

Instructions

  1. Heat a splash of olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over high heat.
  2. Add the chicken strips and season with sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper. Cook, stirring often, until no longer pink, 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Add the onion and season with sea salt (we’re going to season at every stage to ensure the dish is well-seasoned by the end). Cook, stirring often, until softened, 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, around 1 minute.
  5. Add the bell peppers and season with sea salt. Cook, stirring often, until tender-crisp, 3 to 4 minutes.
  6. Add the cumin, smoked paprika, paprika and chipotle chilli flakes and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning, to taste, then build your bowls and serve with your favourite sides and toppings.
  8. Click here for the Guacamole recipe and here for the Coriander Lime Rice recipe

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Hello!

Hi! I’m Zena. A recipe developer with a love for big, bold flavours and vibrant, colourful dishes. Expect lots of easy, delicious recipes, influenced by global flavours and techniques. Happy cooking!

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