Loaded Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls with Smoky Chipotle Cream

Are you craving a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any day of the week? Look no further than Loaded Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls with Smoky Chipotle Cream. This recipe combines juicy, spice-rubbed chicken and sautéed bell peppers with creamy, smoky chipotle sauce, all layered over fluffy rice and fresh toppings. Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for family and friends, this dish delivers on taste, nutrition, and satisfaction.

Why This Recipe Is a Game-Changer

Fajitas are a classic Tex-Mex favorite, but turning them into a rice bowl makes them infinitely more versatile. You get all the deliciousness of fajitas without the hassle of tortillas, plus added textures from black beans, corn, and creamy avocado. The smoky chipotle cream adds a zesty kick that elevates every bite. Plus, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, packed with protein, and customizable to your liking.

You don’t need special skills or fancy gear to pull off this classic Baking Soda Volcano Eruption. It’s a simple, hands-on experiment that kids love, and it’s a great way to spark curiosity and excitement about science using everyday items.

Equipment (Get it on Amazon):

Ingredients (Available online):

Ingredients Overview

  Chicken Fajitas Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 medium red onion, sliced

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • Juice of 1 lime

  Smoky Chipotle Cream Ingredients

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • 1–2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

  • Salt to taste

  For Serving

  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice

  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

  • 1 avocado, diced

  • ½ cup corn (fresh or thawed frozen)

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

  • Lime wedges

Preparing the Chicken Fajitas

  Choosing the Right Chicken

Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts keeps this dish lean and healthy. Slicing the chicken thinly ensures quick cooking and tender bites. If you prefer, you can swap for chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.

  Perfectly Slicing the Veggies

The trio of red, yellow, and green bell peppers not only adds a colorful pop but also a natural sweetness that balances the smoky spices. Slice them evenly with the red onion for consistent cooking.

  Spice Mix and Marinade

Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic and onion powders, salt, and pepper to create a bold fajita seasoning. Toss the chicken and veggies in olive oil and the spice blend, then squeeze fresh lime juice on top to brighten the flavors.

  Cooking Tips for Juicy Chicken and Veggies

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and peppers in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a nice sear and caramelization. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink inside and the peppers are tender-crisp.

Loaded Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls with Smoky Chipotle Cream

Making the Smoky Chipotle Cream

  What Is Chipotle in Adobo?

Chipotle peppers are smoked jalapeños preserved in a tangy, slightly sweet adobo sauce. They pack a smoky heat that’s perfect for creamy dips and sauces.

  Balancing Heat and Creaminess

Mix the sour cream with 1 to 2 tablespoons of chipotle in adobo, adding more or less depending on your spice tolerance. Stir in lime juice to cut through the richness and add a fresh zing.

  Adjusting the Flavor to Your Taste

Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. For a dairy-free alternative, swap sour cream with Greek yogurt or a plant-based creamy substitute.

Cooking the Rice Base

  White Rice vs. Brown Rice: Which to Use?

White rice offers a soft, fluffy base that soaks up all the fajita juices beautifully. Brown rice, on the other hand, provides more fiber and a nuttier flavor if you want a healthier twist.

  How to Cook Rice Perfectly Every Time

Rinse rice under cold water until clear to remove excess starch. Use a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio for white rice and slightly more water for brown rice. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat until water is absorbed.

Assembling Your Loaded Rice Bowl

  Layering for Flavor and Texture

Start with a generous scoop of cooked rice as the base. Add a hearty layer of black beans and corn for protein and sweetness. Top with the warm chicken fajita mix, then dollop with smoky chipotle cream.

  Adding Beans, Corn, and Avocado

Black beans bring creaminess and fiber, while corn adds a crisp sweetness. Fresh avocado chunks give the bowl a buttery richness that contrasts beautifully with the smoky, spicy chicken.

  Garnishing with Cilantro and Lime

Fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbal brightness. Finish with lime wedges on the side — a squeeze of lime juice right before eating elevates all the flavors.

Loaded Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls with Smoky Chipotle Cream

Tips for Serving and Storing

  • Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.

  • For meal prep, store components separately (rice, chicken fajita, chipotle cream, and toppings) to keep ingredients fresh.

  • Reheat the chicken and rice gently in a skillet or microwave, then add fresh toppings before serving.

Variations and Customizations

  • Vegetarian version: Swap chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu strips.

  • Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or crumbled queso fresco on top.

  • Extra heat: Add fresh sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

  • Make it low-carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice.

  • Different beans: Use pinto or kidney beans instead of black beans.

Health Benefits of This Dish

  • High in lean protein from chicken and beans.

  • Packed with colorful veggies rich in vitamins A and C.

  • Healthy fats from avocado.

  • Fiber from beans and brown rice option supports digestion.

  • Balanced macros make it great for sustained energy.

FAQ:

Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the chicken and rice in advance and store separately. Assemble and add fresh toppings just before eating.

Q2: What can I use instead of chipotle in adobo?
You can substitute with smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a milder smoky flavor.

Q3: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Q4: Can I use frozen peppers and onions?
Fresh is best for texture and flavor, but frozen can be used if sautéed well to remove excess moisture.

Q5: How spicy is the smoky chipotle cream?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the amount of chipotle in adobo to your heat preference. Start small and add more as needed.

Conclusion

Loaded Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls with Smoky Chipotle Cream are a fantastic meal that combines convenience, flavor, and nutrition all in one bowl. Whether you’re a busy home cook or a food enthusiast craving bold, fresh flavors, this recipe is simple enough to whip up on a weeknight yet special enough to impress. The smoky, spicy cream ties everything together with a creamy punch that keeps you coming back for more. So grab your skillet, chop those peppers, and get ready for a fiesta in every bite!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Loaded Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls with Smoky Chipotle Cream

Loaded Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls with Smoky Chipotle Cream


  • Author: Freya Allen
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A flavorful and easy chicken fajita rice bowl topped with smoky chipotle cream, fresh veggies, and zesty lime.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium red onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 12 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • ½ cup corn (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  • Toss chicken and veggies with olive oil and spices.
  • Cook chicken and vegetables in a skillet until done.
  • Mix sour cream, chipotle, lime juice, and salt for the sauce.
  • Assemble bowls with rice, black beans, chicken fajita mix, corn, avocado, and drizzle with chipotle cream.
  • Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.

Notes

Adjust chipotle sauce to taste for mild or spicy. Use brown rice for extra fiber. Can substitute black beans with pinto or kidney beans. Leftovers store well for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: chicken fajita rice bowl, smoky chipotle cream, easy fajita recipe, healthy chicken bowl, quick dinner ideas

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating

Available for Amazon Prime