Loaded Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl
Whenever I’m in the mood for a fresh, savory rice bowl, this chicken fajita burrito bowl is my go-to.
It has all the best parts of a fajita—juicy chicken, colorful peppers, and plenty of spices—layered over cilantro lime rice and topped with my favorite burrito fixings.
The best part is I can customize it with whatever I have on hand—black beans, avocado, a sprinkle of cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
It’s simple to make and works great for a weeknight dinner or meal prep!
Why You'll Love This Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl
- It has all the best parts of fajitas in one easy bowl—juicy chicken, sautéed peppers, and seasoned rice.
- It’s completely customizable; add any toppings you like, from guacamole to shredded cheese.
- Great for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner—simple to make and easy to pack up for leftovers.
- It brings fresh flavors with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy days.
The Equipment You'll Need For This Recipe
- Skillet
- Wooden Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) – can substitute with chicken breasts or shrimp
- Bell peppers (assorted colors) – use any peppers or swap with zucchini
- Onion – red or yellow onions work well
- Fajita seasoning – use taco seasoning or a mix of chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder
- Avocado oil – substitute with olive oil or vegetable oil
- Lemon juice or vinegar – adds acidity; can substitute with lime juice
- Cooked Jasmine rice – use brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa for a healthier option
- Black beans (1 can) – substitute with pinto beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas
- Sweet Corn – fresh, canned, or frozen
- Salsa – pico de gallo, tomato salsa, or salsa verde
- Sour cream – substitute with Greek yogurt or omit for a dairy-free bowl
- Shredded cheese – use your favorite cheese blend or omit for a lighter option
- Fresh Lime – lemon can be used if you don’t have lime
- Fresh cilantro – optional but adds a fresh flavor; parsley can be substituted
Start Here
Season the Chicken: In a bowl, coat the chicken thighs with fajita seasoning, salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon of avocado oil, and a splash of lemon juice (or vinegar).
Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderize the meat.
Cook the chicken and veggies: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken thighs and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken, let it rest, then cut into cubes or strips.
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of avocado oil. Toss in the sliced bell peppers and onion, and sauté until softened and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Boost Smoky Flavor
Char the Peppers and Onions. Let the peppers and onions sit undisturbed for a minute or two in the skillet before stirring. This helps them develop a nice char, adding a smoky flavor that brings out the classic fajita taste in your bowl.
Prepare the rice: If using cold, leftover rice, add a splash of water to it and reheat it in the microwave or in a pan over low heat until warm and fluffy.
Stir occasionally to make sure it heats evenly. Season the rice with a pinch of salt and, if desired, a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.
Prepare the bowl components: While the chicken and veggies cook, warm up the black beans and corn, and fluff the cooked rice.
Rinse and drain a can of canned black beans, then season with a pinch of cumin or fajita seasoning.
Warm the beans separately. In a separate pan, warm 1 cup of corn with a little salt.
Assemble the bowls: Start each bowl with a base of rice. Layer on the sliced chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, black beans, corn, salsa, a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and a lime wedge.
Best Sauces to Drizzle on Your Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl
These sauces are perfect for topping off a chicken fajita burrito bowl. For a smoky kick, the ancho aioli is a great choice, while the chimichurri aioli brings a fresh, herby flavor.
If you like heat, the spicy garlic aioli with cherry pepper relish adds just the right amount, and the cilantro garlic sauce adds a creamy, garlicky layer that goes perfectly with the chicken and peppers.
For something with a real kick, try a drizzle of Colombian aji picante—it’s tangy and brings everything together. Try a few and find your favorite!
Top Tips
- Marinate for Extra Flavor
Marinate the chicken with fajita seasoning for 30 minutes to an hour to deepen flavor and make the chicken more tender. - Season the Veggies Too
Add a bit of fajita seasoning to the peppers and onions as they cook to tie all the flavors together. - Make It Meal-Prep Friendly
Prepare the rice, beans, corn, and salsa in advance. This way, assembling fresh burrito bowls during the week is quick and easy. - Add Fresh Lime
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the bowl before serving. The acidity brightens flavors and balances the richness of the ingredients. - Try Homemade Salsa or Pico
If possible, a quick homemade salsa or pico de gallo adds freshness and great texture to the bowl. - Add a Crunchy Topping
Top with crushed tortilla chips or sliced radishes for added crunch and texture. - Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top, and add a quick squeeze of lime before serving. Adjust toppings to taste and enjoy your chicken thigh fajita bowl!
Other Tasty Toppings for Your Burrito Bowl
- Guacamole or Sliced Avocado – For a creamy, fresh addition.
- Pico de Gallo – Adds a burst of flavor with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
- Fresh Arugula, Shredded Lettuce or Cabbage – For some light crunch.
- Corn Salsa – Sweet and savory, a nice contrast to the spices.
- Pickled Jalapeños – Great if you like a little heat.
- Crumbled Queso Fresco or Shredded Cheddar – Adds a salty, creamy touch.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – For a cool, tangy finish.
- Fresh Cilantro – A classic that ties everything together.
Want to try more or explore other rice recipes? Here are a few ideas to inspire your next meal:
Arroz Con Huevo Frito (Fried Egg with Rice)
Quick and Easy Arroz con Carne (Steak and Rice)
A Delicious Chimichurri Rice Recipe That’s Easy To Make
The Best Colombian Coconut Rice (Arroz con Coco Colombiano)
Easy and Delicious Cilantro Lime Rice
If you make this chicken fajita burrito bowl, I’d love to know what you think! Leave a comment or a recipe rating—I always enjoy hearing from you and try to respond to everyone.
And if you take a photo, be sure to tag me on Instagram! I love seeing how your dishes turn out.
Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Coat chicken thighs with fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove, let rest, then slice into strips. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of avocado oil and cook sliced bell peppers and onion until softened and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Add a splash of water to pre-cooked rice and reheat it in the microwave or in a pan over low heat until warm and fluffy. Stir occasionally, seasoning with a pinch of salt and optional lime juice.
- Rinse and drain 1 can of black beans, then season with a pinch of cumin or fajita seasoning and warm. In a separate pan, warm 1 cup corn with a pinch of salt.
- Start each bowl with a base of rice, then add sliced chicken, peppers and onions, black beans, corn, salsa, a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and a lime wedge.
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and add a squeeze of lime before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Top Tips
- Marinate for Extra Flavor
Marinate the chicken with fajita seasoning for 30 minutes to an hour to deepen flavor and make the chicken more tender. - Season the Veggies Too
Add a bit of fajita seasoning to the peppers and onions as they cook to tie all the flavors together. - Make It Meal-Prep Friendly
Prepare the rice, beans, corn, and salsa in advance. This way, assembling fresh burrito bowls during the week is quick and easy. - Add Fresh Lime
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the bowl before serving. The acidity brightens flavors and balances the richness of the ingredients. - Try Homemade Salsa or Pico
If possible, a quick homemade salsa or pico de gallo adds freshness and great texture to the bowl. - Add a Crunchy Topping
Top with crushed tortilla chips or sliced radishes for added crunch and texture. - Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top, and add a quick squeeze of lime before serving. Adjust toppings to taste and enjoy your chicken thigh fajita bowl!
