Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet

$- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 bell pepper (red or green) - 1 onion - 2 cloves garlic - 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper - 1 cup corn kernels - ½ cup black beans - Fresh cilantro - Lime wedges When I make Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet, I love the bright colors and fresh flavors. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a tasty dish. The chicken provides protein, while the rice absorbs all the flavors. Bell peppers and onions add crunch and sweetness. Garlic gives a lovely aroma. Fajita seasoning brings the dish to life with its spicy kick. Corn and black beans add texture and nutrition. Finally, fresh cilantro and lime wedges give a burst of freshness that makes each bite exciting. This dish is not just a meal; it's an experience. You can adjust the seasonings based on your taste. Use different colored bell peppers for a rainbow effect. Each ingredient helps make this one-pan meal both fun and delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. - Add 1 pound of sliced chicken. Season it with salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of fajita seasoning. - Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside. - In the same skillet, add 1 sliced onion and 1 sliced bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender. - Next, stir in 2 minced cloves of garlic. Cook for another minute until it smells great. - Now, add 1 cup of long-grain rice, 1 cup of corn, and ½ cup of black beans. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. - Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. - Check when the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. - Finally, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir gently to mix everything. Heat it for another 2-3 minutes. To make the best chicken fajita rice skillet, start with the right chicken cut. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and stay juicy. Thin strips work well, giving you even cooking. Next, adjust the fajita seasoning to match your taste. If you like it spicy, add more seasoning. If you prefer it mild, cut back. You can even mix in extra spices like cumin or smoked paprika for a twist. Serving directly from the skillet adds a cozy touch. It invites everyone to dig in. Plus, it keeps the food warm. For garnishing, fresh cilantro is a must. It adds a bright flavor and color. Squeeze lime wedges over the top for an extra kick. This also brightens the dish and makes it look fresh and inviting. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh bell peppers and onions for a vibrant flavor and texture. Fresh produce enhances the overall taste of the dish. Customize Your Seasoning: Adjust the amount of fajita seasoning based on your spice preference. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick! Perfect Rice Cooking: Ensure the rice is properly rinsed before cooking to remove excess starch. This prevents it from becoming gummy and helps achieve fluffy grains. Garnish with Freshness: Always garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges. The acidity from the lime brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing touch. {{image_2}} You can add more veggies to your chicken fajita rice skillet. Try using zucchini or mushrooms. They add great taste and texture. You can also use carrots for a sweet crunch. If bell peppers are not your favorite, you can swap them for spinach or kale. They cook down nicely and add color. You can also mix in some diced tomatoes. They give a fresh flavor to the dish. To spice things up, consider adding chili powder or cumin. A splash of lime juice can also brighten the flavors. You can even try fresh herbs like oregano or basil for a twist. If you want to change the protein, shrimp is a great choice. Cook the shrimp the same way as the chicken. You can also use beef strips for a heartier meal. Just adjust the cooking time as beef takes longer to cook. For a meatless option, try using tofu. Press it to remove extra moisture and cut it into cubes. Sauté the tofu until golden for a nice texture. You can also add more beans, like pinto or kidney beans, for extra protein. These variations make the dish fun and customizable. You can enjoy a new flavor each time you make it! To keep your Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet fresh, put leftovers in the fridge. Use airtight containers to avoid moisture. Glass containers work well, but plastic ones are fine too. Make sure to cool the dish before sealing it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make your rice soggy. For reheating, the best method is the stove. Add a splash of water or broth to the skillet. Heat it over low to medium heat, stirring often. This helps the rice warm evenly. You can also use the microwave. Place the leftovers in a bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes. For serving, consider adding fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. This brightens the flavors. You can also top it with some cheese or avocado for extra richness. Enjoy your quick and tasty meal! Yes, you can make this dish in advance. To prep, cook the chicken and veggies as usual. Then, store them separately from the rice. Keep them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just reheat everything together. It will save you time on busy days. You can serve many tasty sides with this dish. Here are some ideas: - Guacamole: Creamy and rich, it adds great flavor. - Salsa: Fresh salsa gives a zesty kick. - Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips are fun to dip. - Side Salad: A simple green salad adds freshness. - Mexican Corn Salad: Sweet corn and lime make a great pair. To make this dish gluten-free, choose the right ingredients. Use gluten-free fajita seasoning. Make sure that your chicken broth is also gluten-free. Most brands offer gluten-free options. With these swaps, you can enjoy this meal without worries. This blog post shows you how to make a tasty Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet. We covered simple steps, from cooking chicken to adding veggies and rice. I shared tips to enhance flavor and suggested fun variations for protein or spices. You can even find useful storage info and answers to common questions. Cooking is about creativity and fun. Enjoy trying new ideas. Your next meal can impress everyone at the table!$

Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet

A flavorful one-pan dish combining chicken, rice, and fajita-seasoned vegetables.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 whole bell pepper (red or green), sliced
1 whole onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
0.5 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
to taste fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
to serve lime wedges

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and season it with salt, pepper, and fajita seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Stir in the rice, corn, black beans, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Once the rice is cooked, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir gently to combine. Allow it to heat through for another 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Turn off the heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Serve in the skillet for a rustic look, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges.

Keyword chicken, fajitas, rice, skillet