Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet with seasoned chicken, bell peppers, rice, black beans, corn, avocado, and cilantro.

Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet

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Flavour Quest Recipes

Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet

Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet combines juicy seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, onions, rice, black beans, and corn in one hearty skillet meal. Packed with Tex-Mex flavor and ready in just 40 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and family dinners.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 5
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ***For the Skillet
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, drained (14.5 ounces)
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ***Garnish
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sliced avocado

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Season the Chicken

    In a bowl, combine chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
    Toss the chicken strips until evenly coated.

  2. Step 2: Cook the Chicken

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes until lightly browned.
    Transfer to a plate.

  3. Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

    In the same skillet, add bell peppers and onions.
    Cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.

  4. Step 4: Add Rice and Liquids

    Stir in rice.
    Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans.
    Bring to a gentle boil.

  5. Step 5: Simmer

    Return chicken to the skillet.
    Reduce heat to low.
    Cover and cook for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

  6. Step 6: Finish and Serve

    Fluff rice with a fork.
    Top with cilantro, avocado, cheese, and fresh lime juice.
    Serve immediately.

Enjoying this recipe? You may also love my Comfort Dinner Guide — a simple collection of easy, cozy meal ideas for busy weeknights. It’s a helpful extra resource for those nights when you want something comforting without overthinking dinner.

🔄 Variations

Spicy Chicken Fajita Rice

Add:

  • 1 diced jalapeño
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Cheesy Fajita Rice Skillet

Stir in:

  • 1½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Low-Carb Version

Replace rice with:

  • Cauliflower rice

Reduce broth to ½ cup.

Steak Fajita Rice Skillet

Substitute chicken with:

  • Thinly sliced sirloin steak

for a beefy variation.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

  • Warm tortillas
  • Tortilla chips and salsa
  • Guacamole
  • Mexican street corn
  • Fresh garden salad
  • Sour cream

This recipe also makes an excellent meal-prep lunch.

🧊 Storage

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Microwave until heated through or warm in a skillet with a splash of broth.

💡Pro Tips

✔ Slice peppers evenly for consistent cooking.

✔ Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.

✔ Do not overcook the chicken before returning it to the skillet.

✔ Rotisserie chicken can be used for a quicker version.

✔ Let the skillet rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

❓ FAQs

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but increase the cooking time and add additional broth.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. This recipe is ideal for meal prep.

What peppers work best?

Any combination of red, yellow, orange, or green bell peppers works well.

Is it spicy?

Not as written. Add jalapeños or cayenne if you prefer more heat.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes. Add cooked chicken during the final 10 minutes of cooking.

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