Why Make This Recipe
The Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl with Guacamole and Fresh Salsa is a delightful and quick meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender marinated chicken with colorful sautéed vegetables, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings. This recipe is not only tasty but also healthy, packed with protein and nutrients. It makes a satisfying dish for everyone, from kids to adults, and it’s easy to customize to suit your family’s preferences.
How to Make Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl with Guacamole and Fresh Salsa
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced thin
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15 mL)
- 1 tbsp lime juice (15 mL)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 large red onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15 mL)
- 1 cup cooked rice (200 g)
- 1/2 tbsp butter (7 g) or olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tbsp lime juice (15 mL)
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- Salt, to taste
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion (40 g), finely diced
- 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp lime juice (5 mL)
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Directions
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced chicken to the bowl and toss to coat. Let it marinate for 15 to 60 minutes.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C). Add the marinated chicken and sear for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the red onion for 3 to 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp and lightly charred.
For the guacamole, mash the avocado in a bowl and mix in lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Keep it slightly chunky for texture.
In another bowl, combine the diced tomato, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to make fresh salsa. Allow it to rest for a few minutes to let the flavors combine.
Warm the cooked rice with butter or olive oil and a pinch of salt for 1 to 2 minutes until fluffy.
To assemble the bowls, start with a base of rice, add the fajita vegetables and cooked chicken, and then top with guacamole and fresh salsa. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges.
How to Serve Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl with Guacamole and Fresh Salsa
Serve the Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl warm, directly after assembling. Each bowl can be personalized with extra toppings like cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños if desired. This dish is great for lunch or dinner and can be served on its own or with tortilla chips on the side for some added crunch.
How to Store Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl with Guacamole and Fresh Salsa
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the guacamole and fresh salsa separate to prevent them from drying out. When reheating, warm the chicken, rice, and veggies together in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Tips to Make Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl with Guacamole and Fresh Salsa
- For more flavor, let the chicken marinate longer, even overnight if you can.
- Use a mix of your favorite bell peppers or add other vegetables like zucchini for more variety.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken as a quick alternative.
Variation
To make this dish vegetarian, replace the chicken with grilled bell peppers and mushrooms or use black beans for protein. You can also adjust the spices to make it milder or spicier, depending on your taste.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice works well in this recipe. Just note that it may take longer to cook.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! The recipe is already dairy-free as written. Just skip any cheese or dairy toppings you might want to add.
Can I freeze the Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl?
You can freeze the chicken and sautéed veggies, but avoid freezing the guacamole and fresh salsa, as they do not freeze well. Reheat the cooked chicken and veggies from frozen for a quick meal.
