Introduction
Transform simple chicken and veggies into a vibrant, flavorful fiesta with this easy Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl! It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, packed with deliciousness and ready in under 30 minutes. Forget takeout – this recipe is all about homemade goodness that the whole family will love.
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it’s incredibly versatile, customizable, and super easy to make! You can adjust the spice level to your liking, swap out veggies based on what you have on hand, and it’s all ready in one bowl – less cleanup is always a bonus! Plus, it’s packed with protein and healthy veggies, making it a guilt-free comfort food.
Key Ingredients
- 🐔 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 🧅 1 large onion, sliced
- 🫑 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 🫑 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 🌶️ 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (optional)
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🌿 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
- 🍅 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 🍚 3 cups cooked rice
- 🫘 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 🌽 1 cup frozen corn
- 🥑 ½ avocado, diced (for topping)
- 🧀 Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- 🫙 Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for topping)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2️⃣ Sauté the Veggies: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell peppers, and jalapeños (if using) and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3️⃣ Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and fajita seasoning.
4️⃣ Simmer the Fajitas: Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5️⃣ Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among bowls. Top with the chicken fajita mixture, black beans, and corn.
6️⃣ Add the Toppings: Garnish with diced avocado, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the fajita seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you don’t have frozen corn, you can use canned corn, just make sure to drain it well.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to your burrito bowl, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots.
Heat Control
Medium-high heat is ideal for searing the chicken and veggies, ensuring they get nicely browned and cooked through without burning. Lower the heat to a simmer once the tomatoes are added to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or drying out.
Crunch Factor
The slight crunch of the bell peppers and the satisfying chewiness of the chicken create a nice textural contrast with the soft rice and creamy avocado.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Use pre-cut veggies to save time!
- For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken and vegetables before adding them to the bowl.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice at the end for a burst of fresh citrusy flavor.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight!
Gift Packaging Ideas
This recipe is perfect for potlucks or casual gatherings. You can pack individual burrito bowls in reusable containers, or create a larger family-style bowl for sharing.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Southwest: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
🌟 Tropical Twist: Add some chopped pineapple and mango to the mix.
🌟 Creamy Chipotle: Stir in a spoonful of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky kick.
🌟 Mediterranean Medley: Use zucchini, eggplant, and feta cheese instead of the traditional fajita vegetables.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Chicken: If your chicken is drying out, reduce the heat and add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to the skillet.
- Overcooked Vegetables: If your vegetables are getting too soft, reduce the heat and cook them for a shorter amount of time.
- Bland Fajitas: If your fajitas lack flavor, add more fajita seasoning or a squeeze of lime juice.
FAQ
- Can I use different types of beans? Absolutely! Kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas would work well.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the chicken and vegetable fajita mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it before assembling the bowls.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if adding it as a variation.
- What if I don’t have an avocado? No worries! You can substitute another topping, like salsa, guacamole, or even a dollop of plain yogurt.
- Can kids help make this? Yes! Older kids can help with chopping vegetables (under supervision), assembling the bowls, and adding toppings. It’s a fun family cooking project!
Conclusion
This Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s quick, easy, delicious, and incredibly customizable. Make it your own, share it with your loved ones, and enjoy the fiesta in your bowl! We’d love to see your creations – share your photos with us on social media!