Looking for a quick, hearty, and flavourful meal? This Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl is the perfect combination of tender spiced chicken, seasoned rice, and vibrant vegetables, all cooked in one pot! Whether you need a meal-prep option or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish delivers bold flavours and wholesome goodness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fajita Bowl Recipe
- One-Pot Convenience – Fewer dishes, more flavour!
- Packed with Protein & Fiber – A satisfying meal with chicken, beans, and rice.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Stays fresh for days and reheats beautifully.
- Customisable – Adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or add extra veggies.
How To Make Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need simple pantry staples to create this dish. Here’s a quick rundown of what goes in:
• For the Chicken: Boneless chicken fillets, paprika, cumin, chili flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• For the Rice: McCain African Stir Fry, rice, onion, garlic, paprika, cumin, chopped tomatoes, red kidney beans, chicken stock, lemon juice, and fresh coriander.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, mix paprika, cumin, chili flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice blend onto the chicken strips.
- Prep the Rice: Rinse and soak the rice for 30 minutes, then strain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Fry the spiced chicken in batches until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add butter, diced onion, and chopped garlic. Sauté for about 4 minutes until softened.
- Build the Base: Stir in paprika and cumin, followed by McCain African Stir Fry veggies. Cook for 5 minutes before adding the chopped tomatoes. Let this simmer for 6-8 minutes.
- Add the Beans & Rice: Toss in red kidney beans and the soaked rice. Season with salt and pepper, then stir well.
- Simmer to Perfection: Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover with a lid, and let it cook for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish & Serve: Once the rice is cooked, gently fold in the cooked chicken. Garnish with fresh coriander and a generous squeeze of lemon juice.
Tips for the Best Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls
✔️ Soak the Rice: Soaking for 30 minutes ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
✔️ Spice it Up: Add smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
✔️ Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: It brightens up all the flavors at the end!
✔️ Make it a Burrito Bowl: Serve with avocado, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
Serving Suggestions
• Serve with avocado slices, sour cream, or shredded cheese for extra indulgence.
• Pair with warm tortillas or a side of guacamole for a Tex-Mex twist.
• Add a drizzle of hot sauce or salsa or chopped chillies for an extra kick.
Why This Recipe Works
This Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl is the perfect fusion of Tex-Mex flavours and hearty comfort food. The bold spice blend infuses the chicken with deep, smoky heat, while the tomato-based rice cooks to perfection, soaking up all the delicious flavours. Adding kidney beans boosts the dish with protein and fiber, making it a well-balanced meal. Plus, it’s a one-pot recipe, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum convenience—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes! Just increase the cooking time to 45-50 minutes and add a bit more stock if needed.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water for moisture.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for tofu, paneer, or extra beans for a meat-free version.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Let the dish cool completely, then freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl is a fantastic meal that brings together bold fajita flavours with tender chicken and perfectly seasoned rice. Whether you’re meal prepping or making a cozy dinner, this dish is easy, satisfying, and packed with goodness
Try it out and let me know how it turns out in the comments!
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The Best One Pot Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
This Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl is a perfect combination of tender spiced chicken , seasoned rice and veg.
Ingredients
For The Chicken
For The Rice
Instructions
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Gather the ingredients listed under Spices for the Chicken
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Mix the paprika, cumin, chilli flakes, garlic powder, salt and pepper until combined
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Rub the chicken with the spice mix
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Wash the rice and soak for 30 minutes - strain and keep aside
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Heat oil in a large pot on medium to high heat and fry the spiced chicken in batches - remove and set aside
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In the same pot add a blob of butter and the diced onions and garlic - fry for 4 minutes Add in the paprika and cumin powder and mix well
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Next add in the Stir fry veg and cook for 5 minutes before adding in the tomatoes Allow to simmer for 6-8 minutes then add in the red kidney beans and rice and season
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Cook for 2 minutes before adding in the stock, allow to come to a boil
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Lower the heat and place the lid on and cook for 35 - 40 minutes
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Occassionally stirring to make sure it doesn't burn at the bottom
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Add in the chicken and toss gently
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Garnish and squeeze lemon
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Enjoy
I made this for dinner
Family agreed to add to the list of “regular meals”. Was delicious 🩷