Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet

Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet

Oh my goodness, this is amazing.Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet. Served withWhat is a game changer? Remember those weeknights when you’d order takeout because the thought of cooking something made you sick? What makes complicated seem impossible? What is the best way to say goodbye to those days? This recipe is like a warm hug on the plate – packed with flavor, ridiculously easy to throw together. What are some of the best crowd pleasers? What is the best way to cook a fajita in one pan? What is the perfect combination of comfort food and zesty south-of-the-border flavors? What makes dinners a breeze?

Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is a chicken fajita rice skillet?

Think of it as fajitas in rice form! What makes a good fajita? What are some of the best ways to cook onions and rice in a single skillet? What is the beauty of this dish is that it takes all the best parts of fajitas – that delicious smoky flavor. What are some of the best ways to prepare a one-pan meal? What is a burrito bowl? What are some good ways to use up leftover veggies from the week?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

How do I start to fall in love with this recipe? What do you love about this movie?Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet.Is it incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to make?

  • Flavor Explosion:The combination of the smoky fajita seasoning, the tender chicken, and the sweet bell peppers is amazing. Every bite is a party in your mouth! What is the best way to add lime juice to a dish?
  • Simplicity at its finest: Simplicity atIs this really a one-pan wonder? No juggling multiple pots and pans – just one skillet. What makes it perfect for a busy weeknight?
  • Budget FriendlyWhat are the ingredients for chicken? Plus, you can easily adapt it to use up whatever veggies you have on hand.
  • Is Versatility the Key toWhat are some ways to serve this skillet as is, stuff it into tortillas for a fun twist, or top it with your favorite toppings? What are your favorite fajita toppings? What are the endless possibilities for a family to play with?

If you’re a fan of easy and delicious weeknight dinners, you will also probably love my One-Pan Lemon Pasta. Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies. Is this true?Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet.Is this one in a league of its own?

How do I make a chicken fajita rice skillet?

Quick Overview

Making this Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet.is surprisingly straightforward. What is the best way to cook chicken with fajita seasoning? What is the best way to cook bell peppers and onions? Next, stir in the rice, broth, and salsa and let everything simmer until the Rice is cooked through. Is it really that simple? The beauty of this method is that all the flavors meld together beautifully in the skillet, creating a flavor explosion. What is a comforting dish that’s both delicious and flavorful?

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Veggies: How do I prepare them

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips. I usually buy the pre-cut fajita chicken to save even more time!
  • What is the best olive oil to use?
  • Is it possible to make your own fajita seasoning?
  • 1 large onion, sliced. Yellow or white onions both work great.
  • I like to use a mix of red and yellow bell peppers. I can’t be bothered to cut them.
  • What is the best lime juice?

For the Rice:

  • I’ve tried it with brown rice before, but it takes longer to cook. Is it a good recipe?
  • 2 cups chicken broth. Adds tons of flavor to the rice.
  • 1 cup salsa. Use your favorite salsa – mild, medium, or hot!

Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

What are the steps to

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add chicken strips and sprinkle with fajita seasoning. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan! If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure it browns properly. I always make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F just to be safe.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the chicken. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. I like to stir them occasionally to prevent them from burning. If they start to stick to the pan, add a splash of chicken broth.

Step 3: Add Rice, Broth, and Salsa

Stir in the rice, chicken broth, and salsa. What should I do if I have a large pot of water and the mixture is too thick to boil? Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes. When rice is cooked through, the liquid is absorbed. Is it important to keep the lid on tight so that the rice cooks evenly? I always peek in after about 20 minutes to make sure the rice isn’t sticking to the bottom of the pot. I’m not using it anymore.

Step 4: Fluff and Serve

Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the lime juice. Serve immediately and enjoy! I always like to let it sit for a few minutes after fluffing to allow the flavors to meld together. I have tried this once before and I love it.

5. What to Serve It With

What is the best way to serve it?

What is the beauty of this world?Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet.Is that a complete meal on its own, but there are so many ways to jazz it up! What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?

  • Classic Fajita Night: What isServe the skillet with warm tortillas and let everyone make their own fajitas.
  • Taco Bar: Set up a taco bar with toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
  • Burrito Bowls: Spoon the skillet into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.
  • Salad Topping: Serve the skillet over a bed of lettuce for a lighter meal.

Personal Touches:

  • My Family’s Favorite: My kids love it when I add a dollop of sour cream and some shredded cheese on top.
  • A Little Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken while it’s cooking.
  • Fresh and Flavorful: Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.

Honestly, there are no rules when it comes to serving this dish. Just have fun and get creative!

6. Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet

I’ve made this Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet countless times, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to make it even better. Here are my top tips for perfecting your skillet:

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook it in batches to ensure it browns properly. Overcrowding the pan will steam the chicken instead of browning it.
  • Use Fresh Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice makes all the difference in this dish. It really brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
  • Don’t Skip the Salsa: The salsa adds tons of flavor and moisture to the rice. Use your favorite salsa – mild, medium, or hot!
  • Keep the Lid On Tight: When simmering the rice, it’s important to keep the lid on tight so the rice cooks evenly. If the lid is loose, steam will escape and the rice may not cook properly.
  • Fluff and Rest: After the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more.

Ingredient Swaps:

  • Chicken: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are more flavorful, but they take a bit longer to cook.
  • Rice: You can use brown rice instead of white rice, but it will take longer to cook. Add an extra 1/2 cup of broth if using brown rice.
  • Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like corn, zucchini, or mushrooms.

Baking Tips:

  • Oven Variation: Cooking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the rice.

One time I tried using instant rice, and it was a total disaster! The rice turned out mushy and the whole dish was a mess. Learn from my mistake – stick with long-grain white rice for the best results!

7. Storing and Reheating Tips

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet is great for meal prep because it stores and reheats well. Here are my tips for storing and reheating:

  • Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the skillet in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. I usually portion it out into individual servings for easy lunches.
  • Reheating: Reheat the skillet in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating in the microwave, add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. If reheating on the stovetop, add a little bit of oil or broth to the pan and cook over medium heat until heated through.

Storage Recommendations:

  • Airtight Containers: Always use airtight containers to prevent the skillet from drying out.
  • Freezer Bags: For freezer storage, use freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.

I’ve found that the skillet tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together even more!

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or tofu. You can also add more veggies like corn, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can. However, brown rice takes longer to cook. Add an extra 1/2 cup of broth and simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can. You can cook the chicken and veggies ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to make the skillet, simply add the rice, broth, and salsa and simmer until the rice is cooked through.
Can I add cheese?
Of course! Add shredded cheese on top after the rice is cooked and let it melt. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend would all be delicious.
What if my rice is still too wet after cooking?
Remove the lid and continue to cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the excess liquid has evaporated. Be careful not to burn the rice!

9. Final Thoughts

Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

So there you have it – my absolute favorite Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet recipe! It’s quick, easy, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a guaranteed hit with the whole family, and it’s so versatile that you can easily customize it to your liking. This is one of those recipes I keep coming back to time and again.

If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my One-Pan Roasted Chicken and Veggies or my Easy Shrimp Tacos. They’re both quick, easy, and packed with flavor!

Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how your Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet turns out. Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And if you make any fun variations, be sure to share them with me – I’m always looking for new ideas!

Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet

A quick and easy one-pan chicken fajita rice skillet, perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe is packed with flavor and is sure to be a family favorite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb Chicken breast
  • 1 cup Rice
  • 1 cup Chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup Bell pepper (sliced)
  • 0.5 cup Onion (sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons Fajita seasoning

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Cook rice according to package directions.
  • In a large skillet, cook chicken breast until browned. Add bell pepper and onion and cook until softened.
  • Stir in fajita seasoning, rice, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Notes

Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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