Zesty Fire-Grilled Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl Recipe

Bursting with vibrant colors and bold flavors, this spicy chicken fajita burrito bowl redefines comfort food.

Tender chicken marinated in zesty spices creates a mouthwatering centerpiece for this dynamic dish.

Layers of fresh ingredients dance together in a symphony of textures and tastes.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of protein, rice, and crisp vegetables.

Sautéed peppers and onions add a smoky depth that elevates the entire meal.

The combination of spices brings a fiery kick that will awaken your taste buds.

Prepare to be transported to a culinary paradise with this irresistible burrito bowl that promises both satisfaction and excitement.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl Ingredient Guide

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices and adds richness to the chicken's flavor.
• Chili Powder: Brings warming heat and depth to the marinade.
• Cumin: Provides earthy, smoky undertones characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
• Paprika: Adds subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers intense, concentrated garlic flavor without moisture.
• Salt: Enhances and balances overall seasoning profile.
• Black Pepper: Introduces mild spiciness and aromatic complexity.
• Lime Juice: Tenderizes chicken and adds bright, zesty freshness.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs marinade beautifully.

• Bell Peppers: Provides sweet crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
• Onions: Adds savory depth and caramelizes beautifully when sautéed.

• Rice: Creates hearty base with neutral flavor to complement other ingredients.
• Black Beans: Introduces protein, fiber, and creamy texture.

• Fresh Cilantro: Offers bright, herbaceous finish.
• Salsa: Adds tangy, spicy burst of flavor.
• Guacamole: Provides creamy, rich complement.
• Sour Cream: Brings cooling, smooth counterpoint to spicy elements.

Gear to Build a Burrito Bowl for the Win

• Cutting Board: Essential for slicing chicken, peppers, and onions.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to cut ingredients precisely and safely.
• Skillet or Grill Pan: Crucial for cooking chicken and sauteing vegetables.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Perfect for preparing marinade.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Tongs: Great for flipping chicken and handling hot ingredients.
• Cooking Spatula: Useful for stirring vegetables while sauteing.

Make Your Chicken Fajita Bowl in Simple Steps

• Marinate Chicken Flavor Bomb

Whip up a zesty marinade by blending olive oil with spicy chili powder, earthy cumin, smoky paprika, zesty garlic powder, salt, pepper, and tangy lime juice. Massage thisal mixture all over the chicken and let it chill in the refrigerator for a flavor-packed 15 minutes to 2 hours.

• Sizzle and Grill Chicken

Fire up a grill pan or skillet to medium-high heat. Toss the marinated chicken onto the hot surface and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until it’s golden and reaches a perfect 165F internal temperature. Let the chicken rest briefly before slicing into mouthwatering strips.

• Veggie Saute

Glide a tablespoon of olive oil into a skillet over medium heat. Tumble in colorful bell peppers and onions, sprinkling with salt and pepper. Dance those veggies around for 5-7 minutes until they’re tender and sporting beautiful char marks.

• Build Your Flavor Fortress

Create a delicious base layer of fluffy rice in each bowl. Crown it with black beans, sauteed fajita vegetables, and those juicy chicken strips. Elevate your masterpiece with fresh cilantro, salsa, creamy guacamole, or a dollop of sour cream for the ultimate taste explosion.

Tips to Keep That Tex-Mex Flavor On Point

• Adjust marinade seasonings based on personal heat preference by gradually adding chili powder and cumin.
• Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor infusion and save time during weeknight cooking.
• Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or lean beef for diverse protein options that match different dietary needs.
• Replace rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa for lighter, grain-free versions that maintain delicious fajita flavor profile.
• Eliminate chicken and double vegetable quantity, adding grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based protein crumbles for substantial texture and taste.

Serve Fajita Bowls Hot, Cold, or Party Style

• Fiesta-Style Toppings: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and squeeze extra lime juice over the bowl for a zesty, bright flavor that instantly elevates the entire dish.
• Creamy Comfort Add-Ins: Dollop some cool sour cream or homemade guacamole on top to balance the spicy grilled chicken and create a rich, creamy contrast.
• Salsa Sensation: Layer your favorite salsa – whether fresh pico de gallo or smoky roasted tomato salsa – to introduce an extra punch of authentic Mexican-inspired flavor and moisture to the burrito bowl.
• Crunchy Texture Boost: Scatter some crispy tortilla strips or crushed corn chips on top to add a satisfying crunch that complements the tender chicken and soft vegetables.

Storing Burrito Bowls for Lunches or Leftovers

• Store leftover burrito bowl components separately in airtight containers to maintain maximum freshness and prevent sogginess. Chicken, rice, and vegetables can stay refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve moisture and texture.
• Warm chicken and vegetables separately in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil. Microwave rice in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating and prevent dryness.
• Prepare multiple batches of chicken, rice, and vegetables during weekly cooking sessions. Store ingredients in grab-and-go containers for quick assembly of burrito bowls throughout the week, saving time and reducing daily cooking stress.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they’re lean, easy to cook evenly, and absorb marinades quickly.

• Can I use a different cooking method for the chicken?

Yes, you can use an outdoor grill, oven, or air fryer. Just ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (75C) for safe consumption.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your spices and any additional toppings don’t contain gluten.

• How spicy are the fajita seasonings?

The spice blend is mild to medium. If you prefer more heat, add extra chili powder or include some cayenne pepper in the marinade.

Spicy Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl delivers a spicy fusion of grilled chicken, peppers, and rice. Zesty flavors combine with fresh ingredients, creating a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 3 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
• 1 package (11 oz / 311 g) soft caramel candies, unwrapped
• 2 tbsps heavy cream (or milk)
• Wooden sticks or skewers for dipping
• Mini chocolate chips
• Crushed nuts (peanuts, almonds, or pecans)
• Mini marshmallows
• Sprinkles
• Crushed graham crackers
• Sea salt

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, olive oil, and lime juice into a zesty coating for chicken breasts.
2. Flavor Infusion: Marinate chicken in prepared mixture for 15 minutes, allowing spices to deeply permeate the meat’s texture.
3. Chicken Grilling: Heat grill pan to medium-high and cook marinated chicken until golden and caramelized, approximately 6-8 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Protein Resting: Let grilled chicken rest momentarily before slicing into elegant, uniform strips.
5. Vegetable Sautéing: In a separate skillet, sauté bell peppers and onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper until vegetables develop a tender char and vibrant color.
6. Bowl Assembly: Create a foundation with rice, strategically layering black beans, sautéed vegetables, and sliced chicken for a balanced and visually appealing dish.
7. Finishing Touch: Garnish with fresh cilantro, salsa, guacamole, or sour cream to enhance the burrito bowl’s complex flavor profile and textural dimensions.

Notes

• Marinate Smartly: Let chicken absorb marinade for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor penetration, enhancing taste complexity.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Use meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F, preventing undercooking and ensuring food safety.
• Veggie Sauté Technique: Keep skillet on medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent steaming vegetables.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for protein boost, and select gluten-free ingredients for sensitive diners.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 55g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg