Healthy Chicken Fajita Bowl

Name: Healthy Chicken Fajita Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, sliced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of 1 lime; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 small onion, sliced; 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa; 1 avocado, diced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional); Fresh lime wedges for serving

Highlighted under: Clean Healthy Food Collection

I love whipping up a Healthy Chicken Fajita Bowl because it's one of those meals that feels indulgent while being incredibly good for you. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers and the juicy chicken are not just eye-catching but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Best of all, this dish is quick to prepare, making it the perfect weeknight dinner option. I thrill at the combination of spices that brings the chicken to life, and the satisfying crunch of fresh toppings adds just the right finish to each bite.

Created by

Prudence Whitby

Last updated on 2026-02-24T07:21:36.690Z

Preparing the Healthy Chicken Fajita Bowl has become a delightful ritual for me during busy weeks. I’ve learned that marinating the chicken in lime juice and spices really elevates the flavor, leaving it tender and zesty. Recently, I experimented by adding some fresh cilantro, and it brought a new brightness to the dish that I didn’t expect.

The assembly is just as crucial as the cooking. I discovered that using warm tortillas as a base brings more comfort to the bowl rather than serving it over plain rice. Plus, the contrast between the warm chicken and the cool toppings makes every bite exciting. I can go back for seconds without feeling guilty!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables
Easily customizable to suit your taste preferences
Great for meal prep, making healthy eating a breeze

Perfecting the Chicken Flavor

The key to achieving bold flavor in your chicken is all in the marination. By allowing the chicken to soak in a mixture of olive oil, lime juice, and spices for at least 10 minutes, you enable the seasoning to penetrate the meat, enhancing its natural taste. If desired, you can marinate the chicken overnight for an even deeper flavor profile. This technique transforms the chicken from ordinary to extraordinary, resulting in a dish that is not only healthy but bursting with savory goodness.

Cooking the chicken over medium-high heat helps to develop a nice sear on the outside while locking in the juices. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken pieces are golden brown with no pink remaining in the center. Pieces that are uniform in size will ensure even cooking, so consider slicing the chicken breast into similar thicknesses for the best results.

Sautéing Vegetables to Perfection

The sautéed vegetables add a crunchy, vibrant texture that perfectly complements the tender chicken. When sautéing the bell peppers and onion, it’s important to keep an eye on the heat level. You want a nice sizzle without burning the veggies. Cook them just until they're tender but still crisp, typically around 5-7 minutes, and stir occasionally for even cooking. This technique highlights the freshness of the ingredients and retains their natural sweetness.

Feel free to experiment with your vegetable choices! Zucchini, mushrooms, or even corn could be excellent additions if you're looking to incorporate more variety or use what you have on hand. Just remember that the cook time may vary slightly depending on the density of the vegetables you choose.

Assembly and Serving Suggestions

When assembling your Healthy Chicken Fajita Bowl, consider layering the ingredients for visual appeal and flavor distribution. Starting with a base of brown rice or quinoa not only adds nutrition but also acts as a hearty foundation to soak up the juices from the chicken and veggies. You can also switch up the base with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or a bed of leafy greens for added freshness.

For serving, lime wedges are a must, as the fresh juice enhances the dish and brightens the flavors. If you're making these bowls for meal prep, stash each component in separate airtight containers in the fridge. They can last up to four days. When ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and veggies, then assemble your bowl for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Fajita Seasoning

1 lb chicken breast, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lime

Vegetables and Toppings

1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
Fresh lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Mix well to coat the chicken and let it marinate for about 10 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the Bowl

In serving bowls, layer the cooked brown rice or quinoa at the bottom. Top with the sautéed vegetables, cooked chicken, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro. Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired.

Serve

Garnish with lime wedges and enjoy your healthy chicken fajita bowl!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce. This dish works great for meal prep
just store the components separately to maintain freshness.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable based on dietary needs and preferences. If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, consider substituting the chicken with grilled tofu or a mix of beans like black beans or chickpeas, which will still provide protein. For those watching carb intake, zucchini noodles could replace the rice or quinoa, retaining that satisfying bowl experience without the added carbs.

If you're short on time, store-bought fajita seasoning can be a quick substitute for the spices listed. Just remember that salt content may vary, so taste as you go and adjust accordingly. Fresh vegetables can easily be swapped for frozen; just add them to the pan directly without thawing, but you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, they store well in separate compartments for easy reheating. The chicken and veggies can be stored together in an airtight container and will stay fresh for about three to four days. For the best taste, reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, which helps maintain the texture compared to microwave reheating.

To freeze, store the chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe container and consume within three months for optimal flavor. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming. This way, you can enjoy your Healthy Chicken Fajita Bowl any day of the week, even when short on time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other proteins?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

→ How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Simply omit any dairy toppings like sour cream and use avocado or cashew cream instead.

→ Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge until you're ready to cook.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

A simple green salad or charred corn can complement the fajita bowl beautifully.