Are you stuck in a dinner rut? You know the feeling. It is five o’clock, everyone is hungry, and you are staring into the fridge looking for inspiration. We have all been there. Finding good Healthy Dinner Recipes that are also fast and family approved can feel like a huge challenge.
Well, I have some great news for you. These chicken fajita bowls are the answer you have been looking for. They are packed with flavor, loaded with good stuff, and are surprisingly simple to put together. This is one of those meals that makes you feel great about what you are eating.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this recipe is incredibly flexible. It is one of the best Healthy Dinner Ideas because you can easily swap ingredients based on what you have. Don’t have black beans? Use pinto beans. Want to add more veggies? Go for it. It is a great way to use up produce.
It is also a fantastic option for families, especially with picky eaters. Everyone can build their own bowl. This means more happy faces at the dinner table. When you are looking for Kid Friendly Dinners, customization is always a big win. Kids love having control over their food.
Another reason to love this recipe is how fast it comes together. This is a true Quick Healthy Dinner. From start to finish, you can have this on the table in about thirty minutes. That is faster than ordering takeout and so much better for you. It is ideal for those busy weeknights.
Finally, these bowls are just plain delicious. The chicken is juicy and flavorful from the simple marinade. The cilantro lime rice is fresh and zesty. The combination of warm chicken and rice with cool, crisp toppings is just so satisfying. It is a complete meal in one bowl.
Ingredients
For The Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For The Rest Of The Ingredients
- 1 batch fajita veggies
- 1 15 ounce can sweet corn, drained
- 1 15 ounce can black beans, drained
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate The Chicken
Let’s get started with the star of the show, the chicken. First, slice your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips. Try to make them a similar size so they cook evenly. Nobody wants an undercooked piece of chicken.
Next, grab a medium sized bowl. In that bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt. This is your marinade. The smoked paprika adds a lovely, subtle smoky flavor that really makes a difference.
Now, toss the chicken strips into the marinade. Make sure every piece is nicely coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This is a great time to prep your other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare The Base
While the chicken is marinating, it is time to get everything else ready. Cook your fajita veggies according to their recipe. You want them to be tender but still have a little bit of a bite. Think vibrant bell peppers and onions.
You will also need to cook your rice. Follow the package instructions for the brown rice. As soon as it is done cooking and still warm, we will add some flavor. It is a small step that makes a huge impact.
Drain your cans of sweet corn and black beans. Give the beans a good rinse to get rid of that extra starchy liquid. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, and chopped fresh cilantro. Pour this mixture over the warm rice and stir it all together. Season with a little salt to taste. Now your base is ready.
Step 3: Cook The Chicken
It is time to cook the chicken. Take it out of the refrigerator. Grab a large skillet and add a little bit of olive oil. Heat it over medium high heat. You want the pan to be nice and hot before you add the chicken. This helps get a good sear.
Add the chicken strips to the hot skillet. Be sure to discard any extra marinade left in the bowl. Do not overcrowd the pan. If you need to, cook the chicken in two batches. This ensures it sears instead of steams.
Cook the chicken for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. It should be golden brown and cooked all the way through. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls
This is the fun part. It is time to build your delicious bowls. Start with a base of the cilantro lime rice. Then add a portion of the fajita veggies, the cooked chicken, black beans, and sweet corn. Top it all off with a dollop of sour cream.
The beauty of these bowls is that everyone can make their own. Set out all the ingredients and let your family go to town. This is why it is one of my favorite Kid Friendly Dinners. It is interactive and fun.
You can enjoy these bowls warm right away. Or you can eat them cold, which makes them great for lunches. This recipe is a fantastic starting point for your week of Healthy Dinner Recipes.
How To Store Leftovers
One of the best things about this meal is that it is amazing for meal prep. If you are not eating all the bowls right away, you can store the components for later. This is a great way to plan out your Healthy Dinner Ideas for the week.
The key is to store each ingredient in its own separate container in the refrigerator. Keep the chicken, rice, veggies, beans, and corn apart. This prevents everything from getting soggy and keeps the flavors fresh and distinct.
When stored properly, the ingredients will last for up to 5 days in the fridge. When you are ready for a meal, simply assemble a bowl. You can enjoy it cold straight from the fridge or gently warm the chicken, rice, and veggies in the microwave.
Tips
Looking for a few ways to make this recipe even easier or to change it up? I have got you covered. These little tips can make a big difference, especially on a busy day. Here are some of my favorite suggestions.
- To save time, use quick cook rice like minute rice. The frozen microwaveable rice packets from Trader Joe’s are also a great shortcut.
- Want to make this vegetarian? Simply leave out the chicken. The bowls are still incredibly flavorful and satisfying with just the beans and veggies.
- Feel free to substitute the brown rice. Long grain white rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice would work wonderfully. Use what you enjoy.
- Get creative with your toppings. Some other delicious ideas include pickled red onions, guacamole, shredded cheese, or your favorite salsa.
Conclusion
So there you have it. A simple, delicious, and versatile recipe that checks all the boxes. It is a wonderful addition to your collection of Healthy Dinner Recipes. It proves that eating well does not have to be complicated or boring.
This is more than just a recipe. It is a template for a great meal. Feel free to make it your own. I hope you and your family love these chicken fajita bowls as much as we do. It is a fantastic Quick Healthy Dinner for any night of the week.
FAQ
Can I Make This Vegetarian?
Absolutely. To make these bowls vegetarian, just omit the chicken. You can add extra black beans or even some roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty, plant based meal. It is a very easy adjustment.
Is This Recipe Good For Meal Prep?
Yes, it is amazing for meal prep. Just follow the storage instructions by keeping all the components in separate airtight containers in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days, making it a great option for quick lunches or dinners.
Can I Use A Different Protein?
Of course. This marinade works well with other proteins too. Try it with shrimp, steak strips, or even firm tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for whatever protein you choose to use.
How Can I Make This Spicier?
If you like a little more heat, you have a few options. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade. You could also add some sliced jalapeños to your fajita veggies or top your finished bowl with your favorite hot sauce.
Chicken Fajita Bowls
These flavorful Chicken Fajita Bowls are a quick, easy, and healthy dinner solution. Packed with juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and cilantro-lime rice, they’re perfectly customizable for the whole family.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin, even strips.
- Next, grab a medium sized bowl. In that bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt. This is your marinade. Make sure every piece of chicken is nicely coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- While the chicken is marinating, cook your fajita veggies according to their recipe. Cook your brown rice according to package directions. As soon as it is done cooking and still warm, combine it with 2 tablespoons olive oil, the juice of 1 lime, and chopped fresh cilantro. Season with a little salt to taste. Drain your cans of sweet corn and black beans, rinsing the beans well.
- Take the chicken out of the refrigerator. Grab a large skillet and add a little bit of olive oil. Heat it over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips to the hot skillet, discarding any extra marinade. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked all the way through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- To assemble: Start with a base of the cilantro lime rice. Then add a portion of the fajita veggies, the cooked chicken, black beans, and sweet corn. Top it all off with a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately or store for later.
Notes
For quick preparation, consider using quick-cook rice or frozen microwaveable rice packets.
To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add extra beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or more fajita veggies.
Feel free to substitute brown rice with other grains like long-grain white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice based on your preference.
Enhance your bowls with extra toppings such as pickled red onions, guacamole, shredded cheese, or your favorite salsa.
For meal prep, store each component (chicken, rice, veggies, beans, corn) in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
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