Chicken Fajita Tortilla Bowls Recipe

Sizzling Chicken Fajita Tortilla Bowls Recipe: Fiesta In A Dish

Spice up your weeknight dinner routine with these mouthwatering chicken fajita tortilla bowls that pack a punch of flavor.

Tender strips of chicken sizzle alongside vibrant bell peppers and onions, creating a zesty Mexican-inspired meal.

The crispy tortilla bowl cradles a medley of savory ingredients, promising a delightful culinary experience.

Colorful and fresh, this dish brings restaurant-quality excitement right to your kitchen.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and spices that will tantalize your taste buds.

Quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying, these fajita bowls are sure to become a new family favorite.

Chicken Fajita Tortilla Bowls Ingredients

Protein:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that forms the main component of the fajita dish.
Seasonings:
  • Paprika, Chili Powder, Tajin, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Spices that add flavor and depth to the chicken.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall taste profile.
Vegetables:
  • Onions, Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that provide sweetness and texture to the dish.
  • Lettuce, Corn, Avocado, Jalapeños, Cilantro: Fresh ingredients that add freshness, heat, and garnish.
Rice and Cheese:
  • Rice: Base of the bowl that provides a hearty foundation.
  • Cheese: Crumbled topping that adds creaminess and richness.
Vinaigrette Components:
  • Vinaigrette Ingredients: Dressing that brings together all flavors of the dish.
Serving Accompaniment:
  • Tortillas: Traditional Mexican bread served alongside the fajita bowl.

Chicken Fajita Tortilla Bowls Steps

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken with Spices

Heat olive oil in a large skillet.

Add chicken and sprinkle with:
  • Paprika
  • Chili powder (or Tajin)
  • Cumin
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Toss to coat chicken evenly.

Cook over high heat until chicken is fully seared and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

During the last 2 minutes, toss in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Remove chicken from skillet.

Step 2: Caramelize Onions and Peppers

In the same skillet, add onions and cook until fragrant, around 5 minutes.

Introduce bell peppers and season with salt and pepper.

Sauté until peppers become tender, about 5 more minutes.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Vegetables

Return chicken to the skillet with peppers.

Gently toss to blend flavors and heat through.

Step 4: Whisk Zesty Vinaigrette

In a glass jar, combine vinaigrette ingredients.

Season with salt and shake well to mix.

Step 5: Assemble Vibrant Fajita Bowls

Layer rice in serving bowls.

Top with chicken and pepper mixture.

Add fresh lettuce and grilled corn.

Sprinkle corn with chili powder or Tajin.

Drizzle vinaigrette over the bowl.

Crumble cheese on top.

Garnish with sliced avocado, jalapeños, and chopped cilantro.

Serve with warm tortillas.

Chicken Fajita Tortilla Bowls Tips

  • Marinate chicken beforehand in the spice mix for deeper, more pronounced taste profiles.
  • Customize heat by increasing or decreasing chili powder and Tajin according to personal preference.
  • Char bell peppers slightly to enhance natural sweetness and retain more nutrients.
  • Cook extra chicken and vegetables to create fast lunches or dinner variations throughout the week.
  • Replace regular tortillas with corn tortillas or serve ingredients over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

Chicken Fajita Tortilla Bowls Twists

  • Vegetarian Fajita Bowl: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, seasoned with the same spices. Use black beans as a protein alternative for a plant-based version.
  • Seafood Fajita Bowl: Swap chicken with shrimp or white fish like tilapia. Adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking seafood, maintaining the same spice blend.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Bowl: Substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates. Keep all other ingredients and preparation methods the same for a lighter meal option.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use corn tortillas instead of wheat tortillas. Double-check vinaigrette ingredients for potential gluten contamination.

Serving Chicken Fajita Tortilla Bowls

  • Fiesta-Style Family Meal: Serve these chicken fajita bowls as a fun weekend dinner where everyone builds their own customized plate.
  • Healthy Lunch Prep: Pack individual containers with separated ingredients to create grab-and-go meals for work or school with fresh, vibrant flavors.
  • Outdoor Gathering Delight: Transform this recipe into a DIY taco bar at backyard barbecues, letting guests mix and match toppings for a interactive dining experience.
  • Spice Level Adventure: Offer different heat options by providing mild and hot jalapeños separately, allowing each person to control their preferred spice intensity.

Storing Chicken Fajita Tortilla Bowls

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken, vegetables, and toppings to maintain freshness.
  • Portion chicken and vegetables in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing lettuce, corn, and fresh toppings.
  • Warm chicken and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Place chicken and vegetables in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm. Add fresh toppings after reheating.

FAQs

  • What makes the seasoning unique in this recipe?

The combination of paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper creates a robust, smoky flavor profile that perfectly coats the chicken and gives it a vibrant, authentic Mexican-inspired taste.

  • Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! You can easily swap chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu while keeping the same spice blend to maintain the delicious fajita-style flavor.

  • Is the vinaigrette essential to the dish?

The vinaigrette adds a tangy, bright element that cuts through the richness of the chicken and cheese, enhancing the overall flavor balance of the dish.

Chicken Fajita Tortilla Bowls Reasons

  • Customize Your Flavor: Mix and match spices like paprika, chili powder, or Tajin to create a personalized taste that suits your palate perfectly.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this one-skillet meal in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy families seeking a delicious and nutritious dinner solution.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from chicken, colorful bell peppers, and fresh vegetables, this dish offers a balanced and wholesome meal that keeps you satisfied.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flexibility: Easily adapt the recipe for different dietary preferences by swapping ingredients or adjusting spice levels, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.
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Chicken Fajita Tortilla Bowls Recipe

Chicken Fajita Tortilla Bowls Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Mexican chicken fajita tortilla bowls bring zesty southwestern flavors straight to your dinner table. Crispy tortilla shells packed with tender spiced chicken, colorful peppers, and creamy toppings invite you to savor a delicious homemade fiesta.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder or Tajin
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • Kosher salt and black pepper

Vegetables and Base:

  • 1 yellow onion, sliced
  • 3 bell peppers, sliced
  • 34 cups cooked rice
  • 3 cups grilled corn kernels
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Mashed/whipped avocado
  • Jalapeños
  • Cilantro
  • Tortillas

Fats and Dressing Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (for vinaigrette)
  • 1/3 cup salsa verde
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons spicy honey
  • 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat a large skillet with olive oil. Add chicken seasoned with paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Sear chicken over high heat until fully cooked, approximately 8-10 minutes.
  2. During the final 2 minutes of cooking, incorporate minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute, then transfer chicken from the skillet.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté onions until fragrant, around 5 minutes. Introduce bell peppers and season with salt and pepper. Cook until peppers become tender, about 5 more minutes.
  4. Reunite the cooked chicken with the sautéed peppers, stirring to blend flavors thoroughly.
  5. Create vinaigrette by combining ingredients in a glass jar, adjusting seasoning with salt to taste.
  6. Assemble bowls by layering rice with the chicken and pepper mixture. Add fresh lettuce and grilled corn.
  7. Sprinkle corn with additional chili powder for extra zest. Drizzle prepared vinaigrette generously over the bowl.
  8. Garnish with crumbled cheese, sliced avocado, chopped jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.
  9. Serve alongside warm tortillas for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version that keeps the same zesty flavor profile.
  • Make the dish low-carb by replacing rice with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter alternative.
  • Prep ingredients beforehand to reduce cooking time and create a quick weeknight meal that’s both delicious and efficient.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder or using mild Tajin for those who prefer less heat while maintaining robust flavor complexity.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 440 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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