Make-Ahead Chicken Fajita Bowls (Printer-friendly)

Grilled chicken, sautéed peppers, and rice combined with black beans and avocado for a balanced meal.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
07 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
08 - ½ teaspoon salt
09 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 - Juice of 1 lime

→ Vegetables

11 - 2 medium bell peppers (1 red, 1 yellow), sliced
12 - 1 medium red onion, sliced
13 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
14 - Pinch of salt and pepper

→ Bowls

15 - 2 cups cooked brown rice
16 - 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
17 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
18 - 1 avocado, sliced
19 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
20 - Lime wedges, for serving

# Steps:

01 - Combine chicken strips with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice in a large bowl. Toss to coat and marinate for at least 10 minutes or refrigerate overnight.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced peppers and onion, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until softened and slightly charred, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add marinated chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove from heat.
04 - Distribute cooked rice evenly among four containers. Top each with sautéed vegetables, cooked chicken, black beans, and cherry tomatoes.
05 - Add sliced avocado and chopped cilantro just before serving to preserve freshness.
06 - Serve with lime wedges. Store refrigerated for up to 4 days, keeping avocado and cilantro separate until ready to eat.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • Quick and easy to prepare with just 40 minutes total time.
  • Perfect for meal prep, keeping lunches healthy and convenient all week.
  • Gluten-free and high in protein, making it suitable for many dietary needs.
  • Vibrant colors and fresh ingredients add both nutrition and appeal.
  • Highly customizable with simple substitutions and add-ons.
02 -
  • Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor and tenderness.
  • Use a cast iron skillet for better heat retention and char.
  • Make sure to drain and rinse the black beans to reduce sodium and improve taste.
  • Keep fresh toppings separate until serving to maintain their texture and color.
  • Customize spice level by adjusting chili powder amount.
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