Description
A simple, flavorful one-pot meal featuring seared chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, and bright cilantro lime rice. This healthy bowl is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 3 medium bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced into strips
- 1 medium large yellow onion, sliced into half-moons
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (Jasmine or Basmati)
- 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 limes (juice of 1 for rice, 1 for serving)
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fajita Spice Blend: 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 0.5 tsp garlic powder, 0.5 tsp onion powder, 0.5 tsp dried oregano, 0.5 tsp salt
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until water runs clear. Add rice and water/broth to a saucepan with a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Pat chicken dry and toss with half of the fajita spice blend. Slice bell peppers and onion, then toss with remaining spice blend and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the seasoned peppers and onions for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp with some char.
- Return chicken to the skillet with the vegetables and toss for 1 minute to combine.
- Stir lime juice and chopped cilantro into the cooked rice.
- Assemble bowls by placing cilantro lime rice at the bottom, topping with the chicken and vegetable mixture, and squeezing fresh lime juice over the top.
Notes
Rinse rice thoroughly to prevent gumminess. Do not lift the lid while rice is simmering. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but check spice blends for wheat fillers. Can be substituted with shrimp, cauliflower rice, or black beans for variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 35
Keywords: healthy chicken fajita bowl, cilantro lime rice, one-pot meal, meal prep, easy dinner, gluten-free, high protein