One-Pan Fajita Chicken Rice Skillet: A Flavor Fiesta!

Are you craving a delicious and easy weeknight meal that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than this one-pan fajita chicken rice skillet! This recipe combines the vibrant tastes of fajitas with the comforting goodness of rice, all cooked together in a single skillet for minimal cleanup. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy families, meal prepping, or anyone who loves a good Tex-Mex inspired dish.

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables, spices, and toppings. Want it spicier? Add more jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper. Prefer a different kind of rice? Brown rice or quinoa can be used as substitutes, although cooking times may vary. You can even make it vegetarian by swapping the chicken for black beans or tofu.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

* **Easy One-Pan Meal:** Minimal cleanup makes this a weeknight winner.
* **Flavorful and Customizable:** Adjust the spices and vegetables to your liking.
* **Versatile:** Use different proteins, rice, or even make it vegetarian.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** Prepare a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

## Ingredients You’ll Need:

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Chicken:** 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
* **Rice:** 1 cup long-grain rice (like jasmine or basmati).
* **Onion:** 1 large yellow onion, sliced.
* **Bell Peppers:** 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced.
* **Jalapeno:** 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional, for extra spice).
* **Garlic:** 3 cloves garlic, minced.
* **Chicken Broth:** 2 cups chicken broth.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
* **Fajita Seasoning:** 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade).
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons olive oil.
* **Lime Juice:** 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice.
* **Cilantro:** Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish).
* **Optional Toppings:** Sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, salsa, guacamole.

**Homemade Fajita Seasoning (Optional):**

If you prefer to make your own fajita seasoning, here’s a simple recipe:

* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 1 tablespoon cumin
* 1 tablespoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
* Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container.

## Step-by-Step Instructions:

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious fajita chicken rice skillet:

**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**

* Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
* Slice the onion and bell peppers into thin strips. This will allow them to caramelize nicely in the skillet.
* Mince the garlic and jalapeno (if using). Freshly minced garlic adds a much better flavor than pre-minced garlic.
* Measure out the rice, chicken broth, tomato paste, and fajita seasoning. Having everything prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process much smoother.
* Chop the cilantro for garnish. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness to the dish.

**Step 2: Sear the Chicken**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients. A cast-iron skillet works great for this recipe.
* Add the chicken to the skillet and season with half of the fajita seasoning. Avoid overcrowding the skillet. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure proper browning.
* Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and slightly browned. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
* Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Keep the heat at medium-high.
* Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re softened and slightly caramelized. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and jalapeno (if using) to the skillet and cook for another minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 4: Cook the Rice**

* Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it with the vegetables and oil. Toasting the rice lightly enhances its flavor.
* Add the tomato paste and remaining fajita seasoning to the skillet and stir well to combine. Make sure the tomato paste is evenly distributed.
* Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time to allow the rice to steam properly.

**Step 5: Combine and Finish**

* Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the rice and vegetables. Gently fold in the chicken so it doesn’t break apart.
* Squeeze the lime juice over the skillet and stir well. The lime juice adds a touch of acidity and brightens the flavors.
* Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

**Step 6: Garnish and Serve**

* Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, salsa, or guacamole. Get creative with your toppings and make it your own!
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Success:

* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Use the Right Type of Rice:** Long-grain rice, such as jasmine or basmati, works best for this recipe. Avoid using short-grain rice, which can become sticky.
* **Don’t Lift the Lid While the Rice is Cooking:** Lifting the lid will release steam and prevent the rice from cooking properly. Resist the urge to peek!
* **Adjust the Spices to Your Liking:** If you prefer a spicier dish, add more jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of fajita seasoning.
* **Customize the Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, such as corn, black beans, or zucchini.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Swap the chicken for black beans or tofu.
* **Meal Prep Friendly:** This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

## Variations:

* **Spicy Fajita Chicken Rice Skillet:** Add more jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper to the skillet.
* **Vegetarian Fajita Rice Skillet:** Swap the chicken for black beans or tofu.
* **Shrimp Fajita Rice Skillet:** Use shrimp instead of chicken. Cook the shrimp for only 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
* **Quinoa Fajita Skillet:** Substitute the rice with quinoa. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Cheesy Fajita Rice Skillet:** Stir in shredded cheese before serving.

## Serving Suggestions:

This fajita chicken rice skillet is delicious on its own, but it’s also great served with a variety of sides:

* **Tortilla Chips and Salsa:** A classic Tex-Mex pairing.
* **Guacamole:** A creamy and flavorful dip.
* **Sour Cream:** Adds a tangy coolness to the dish.
* **Shredded Cheese:** Melty and delicious.
* **Black Beans:** Adds extra protein and fiber.
* **Corn on the Cob:** A sweet and summery side.
* **Mexican Street Corn Salad:** A flavorful and refreshing salad.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate):

* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on toppings)
* Protein: 35-45 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams per serving
* Fat: 15-25 grams per serving

## Final Thoughts:

This one-pan fajita chicken rice skillet is a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s customizable, budget-friendly, and great for meal prep. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a flavor fiesta! Don’t forget to share your creations and variations with us in the comments below. Happy cooking!

## Recipe Card

**One-Pan Fajita Chicken Rice Skillet**

A delicious and easy one-pan meal that combines the flavors of fajitas with the comfort of rice.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

### Ingredients:

* 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 cup long-grain rice (like jasmine or basmati)
* 1 large yellow onion, sliced
* 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
* 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 cups chicken broth
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
* Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
* Optional Toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, salsa, guacamole

### Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet and season with half of the fajita seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add the garlic and jalapeno (if using) and cook for another minute, or until fragrant.
4. Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat with the vegetables and oil. Add the tomato paste and remaining fajita seasoning and stir well to combine.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the rice and vegetables.
7. Squeeze the lime juice over the skillet and stir well. Remove from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
8. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and your favorite toppings.

### Notes:

* Adjust the spices to your liking.
* Customize the vegetables to your preference.
* This recipe is great for meal prepping.

Enjoy!