Loaded Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls with Smoky Chipotle Cream

Loaded Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls with Smoky Chipotle Cream are a hearty, flavor-packed meal that brings the best of Tex-Mex to your table. Tender chicken breast is seasoned with warm spices, paired with sautéed bell peppers and onions, laid over a bed of rice, and finished with a bold, smoky chipotle cream that ties everything together. This bowl is ideal for quick dinners or satisfying meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Big, Bold Flavors: Seasoned chicken, colorful veggies, and smoky chipotle cream offer a perfect flavor balance.
• Weeknight-Friendly: Ready in under an hour with mostly pantry ingredients.
• Nutritious and Balanced: A good mix of lean protein, veggies, and whole grains.
• Customizable: Easily adapted for low-carb, dairy-free, or vegetarian diets.
• Meal Prep Approved: Makes great leftovers and stores well in portions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken & Veggies:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced

For the Fajita Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Chipotle Cream:

• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1–2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt to taste

For Assembly:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime)
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (fresh or thawed from frozen)
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges

Directions

this recipe

1. Make Fajita Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Season the Chicken: Coat chicken breasts with half the fajita seasoning. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove, rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
4. Sauté Veggies: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon olive oil. Add onions and bell peppers with remaining fajita seasoning. Cook 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp.
5. Prepare Chipotle Cream: In a bowl, mix sour cream (or yogurt), chopped chipotle peppers, lime juice, and salt. Stir until smooth.
6. Assemble Bowls: Divide cooked rice between bowls. Top with sliced chicken, sautéed veggies, black beans, corn, avocado slices, and drizzle with chipotle cream. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Low-Carb: Substitute cauliflower rice or lettuce for rice.
• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free sour cream or cashew cream for the chipotle sauce.
• Cheesy Addition: Add shredded cheddar or cotija cheese for extra richness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store rice, chicken, veggies, and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat chicken, rice, and veggies in the microwave or in a skillet until warmed through.
• Make-Ahead Tip: The chipotle cream can be made up to 3 days in advance.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works well. Just reheat and season lightly before adding to the bowl.

What’s the best rice to use?

Any rice works—jasmine, brown, or cilantro-lime rice are all great choices.

Can I make this spicier?

Yes, add more chipotle peppers or include jalapeños with the veggies.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just confirm that your chipotle peppers and spices are gluten-free.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Absolutely, grilling adds a nice charred flavor that works beautifully in these bowls.

What can I substitute for chipotle in adobo?

Try a smoky hot sauce, smoked paprika, or a small amount of cayenne for heat.

How do I make this kid-friendly?

Reduce the spice by using fewer chipotle peppers and providing toppings on the side.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Freeze the rice and chicken separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

What other toppings work well?

Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled onions, or hot sauce are great additions.

Is Greek yogurt or sour cream better for the chipotle sauce?

Either works—Greek yogurt adds tang and protein, while sour cream is a bit richer.

Conclusion

Loaded Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls with Smoky Chipotle Cream are a satisfying and flavorful way to spice up your dinner rotation. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, these bowls are perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or a healthy Tex-Mex craving any night of the week.

Print