Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl

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Bowls are all the rage right now—rice bowls, quinoa bowls, Buddha bowls, burrito bowls. This chicken fajita bowl is one of the ultimate go-to weeknight meals. It’s healthy, easy, and perfectly balanced. Plus, it’s always a hit with the whole family. A fajita burrito bowl might sound fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple to put together.

The secret lies in flavorful, seasoned chicken paired with roasted bell peppers, warm black beans, and all your favorite toppings. Served over brown rice or cilantro lime rice, it becomes a wholesome and satisfying meal. This is also an ideal recipe for those who like to meal prep. The components can be made ahead and quickly assembled, making it both convenient and customizable.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Vegetables:

¼ cup taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 to 2 limes)
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into ½-inch-thick slices
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced

For Serving:

3 cups cooked brown rice
1 can black beans (13.5 ounces), drained and rinsed, warmed
Guacamole
Sour cream
Pico de gallo or salsa
Fresh cilantro leaves
Lime wedges

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place a rack in the center position.
In a large bowl, mix the taco seasoning, lime juice, and olive oil. Add the chicken slices, bell peppers, and onion to the bowl and toss everything to coat well.
Spread the chicken and vegetables evenly on a rimmed baking sheet.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. For a charred finish, broil for an additional 3 minutes at the end.
To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked brown rice among 6 serving bowls. Top each with the baked chicken and veggies, then add black beans, a scoop of guacamole, a dollop of sour cream, pico de gallo, cilantro, and a lime wedge.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 405
Protein: 39 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Total Fat: 1 g
Dietary Fiber: 7 g
Cholesterol: 98 mg
Sodium: 869 mg
Total Sugars: 5 g

Why Choose Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowls?

1. Health Benefits

The Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl is packed with nutrients that make it a healthier option compared to traditional takeout or fast food. With lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the olive oil, and fiber and antioxidants from the bell peppers and black beans, this dish offers a well-rounded mix of macronutrients. The choice of brown rice as a base also adds fiber, helping to keep you full longer. Additionally, this meal is full of colorful vegetables, which not only make it appealing to the eye but also provide a wide range of vitamins and minerals.

The customizable nature of this dish also means you can easily make it your own by swapping ingredients based on dietary preferences or restrictions. If you’re looking for a low-carb version, consider using cauliflower rice as a base. For those on a gluten-free or dairy-free diet, the toppings can be tailored to ensure the meal is both satisfying and suitable for all dietary needs.

2. Convenience

One of the major selling points of the Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl is its convenience. Whether you’re making it fresh for a quick dinner or preparing it ahead of time for meal prep, this dish fits the bill. It can be made in bulk, and the ingredients can be stored separately in airtight containers, which makes assembling the bowls even faster. The components (chicken, vegetables, beans, rice, and toppings) can be prepared ahead of time, saving time during the week, especially on hectic days when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.

Furthermore, this recipe works well for those who need to feed a crowd. The customizable nature of the dish makes it an excellent choice for gatherings, as each person can choose their favorite toppings and portions. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a meal prep session, or a fun burrito bar party, the Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl is a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

3. Flavorful and Versatile

The Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl is a fiesta of flavors. The taco seasoning gives the chicken a zesty, smoky flavor that’s the perfect complement to the sweetness of the bell peppers. The black beans add creaminess and a bit of richness, while the guacamole and sour cream bring a cool contrast to the heat of the spices. Pico de gallo adds freshness and brightness, while the fresh cilantro and lime wedges elevate the flavors even more.

The beauty of this dish is in its versatility. The ingredients can be adapted to suit various preferences. For example, if you like it spicier, you can add sliced jalapeños or drizzle the bowl with hot sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of taco seasoning or use a mild salsa. The variety of toppings—such as cheese, avocado, or different types of salsa—can be tailored to the tastes of everyone around the table.

Moreover, this dish also works for those who love to experiment with different grains or proteins. If you’re not in the mood for chicken, you can substitute it with lean ground turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. You can also swap out brown rice for other grains like quinoa, farro, or couscous.

Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl

To ensure that your Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips and tricks that can elevate the dish:

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: When baking the chicken, be sure not to overcook it. Dry chicken will take away from the juicy texture that makes the dish so delicious. To check for doneness, ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Customize the Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your preferences. Some ideas include shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, corn, or even sautéed mushrooms. Don’t forget that adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving enhances the dish’s flavor profile.
Layer the Bowl: For an aesthetically pleasing and well-balanced bowl, layer the ingredients starting with the rice as the base, followed by the chicken and veggies, then the beans, and finally your choice of toppings. This way, every bite contains a little bit of everything.
Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is great for meal prepping. Store the components of the meal (chicken, rice, beans, and veggies) separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When it’s time to eat, just reheat and assemble your bowl with fresh toppings.
Broil for Extra Flavor: For a slight char and extra flavor, broil the chicken and vegetables for a few minutes at the end of the cooking time. This adds a caramelized finish that makes the dish even more irresistible.

Variations and Customizations

While the basic Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl recipe is already loaded with flavor, there are several ways to make it your own. Here are some ideas for variations:

Add More Protein: While chicken is the star of this dish, you can easily incorporate other proteins like grilled shrimp, steak, or even a plant-based protein like tempeh or seitan for a vegetarian option.
Substitute the Rice: Instead of traditional brown rice, you can use cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative or try a whole grain like farro or quinoa for added texture.
Toppings Galore: Add extra toppings to enhance flavor. For a bit of crunch, try adding tortilla chips or a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds. For a spicy kick, top the bowl with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
Turn It into a Salad: For those looking to cut down on carbs, consider turning your Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl into a salad. Swap the rice for a bed of greens like spinach or arugula, and enjoy a lighter version of the dish.

Conclusion

The Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The combination of flavorful, seasoned chicken, roasted vegetables, hearty black beans, and the rich variety of toppings makes it a well-rounded dish that satisfies both the body and the taste buds. Not only is it a healthy and flavorful option, but its customizable nature makes it perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, or serving a crowd.

This recipe provides the ideal balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious and filling meal. Plus, its versatility allows for countless adaptations, ensuring that every bowl can be tailored to your specific preferences.

So whether you’re planning a busy weeknight dinner or preparing meals for the entire week, the Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl should be your go-to choice. It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s delicious—and it’s sure to become a favorite in your culinary rotation!