Chicken Fajita Bowl

Chicken Fajita Bowl is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 5. 630 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Jack Ovens on YouTube.

Prep: 43 min | Cook: 27 min | Total: 1 hr 25 min

Cost: $15.48 total, $3.10 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 whole Avocado (ripe, flesh only)
  • 0.5 small Red Onion (diced small‑medium pieces)
  • 1 medium Tomato (diced)
  • 0.5 whole Jalapeno (thin sliced, seeds optional)
  • 5 g Fresh Cilantro (roughly chopped)
  • 1 whole Lime (juiced)
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin; 1 tbsp for guacamole, 2 tbsp for sautéing)
  • to taste Salt (kosher or table salt)
  • to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 2 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 0.25 tsp Chili Powder (optional for heat)
  • 2 medium Brown or Yellow Onion (sliced thick for fajita mix)
  • 1 large Red Bell Pepper (skin side up, thin slices)
  • 5 g Fresh Oregano (roughly chopped, optional)
  • 1 kg Chicken Breast (butterflied and sliced into thin strips)
  • 2 cups Brown Rice (uncooked, long‑grain)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for sautéing vegetables and chicken (separate from guacamole oil))

Instructions

  1. Prepare Guacamole

    Slice the avocado, remove the pit, scoop the flesh into a large mixing bowl. Add diced red onion, diced tomato, thinly sliced jalapeno (seeds optional), chopped cilantro, lime juice, a tablespoon of olive oil, salt and pepper. Mash lightly, leaving it chunky.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Make Fajita Spice Mix

    Combine onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and optional chili powder in a small bowl. Stir until evenly mixed.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Slice Vegetables and Herbs

    Trim and slice the brown/yellow onions into thick wedges, slice the red bell pepper into thin strips (skin side up for safety). Roughly chop fresh oregano if using.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Slice Chicken

    Butterfly the chicken breasts, then slice each into thin, uniform strips. Pat dry with paper towels.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Mix Guacamole

    Add a squeeze of lime juice, a tablespoon of olive oil, salt and pepper to the avocado mixture. Gently mash and stir until combined but still chunky.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Season Vegetables

    Sprinkle half of the fajita spice mix over the sliced onions and bell peppers. Toss with clean hands until evenly coated.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Season Chicken

    Place the chicken strips in a bowl, add the remaining fajita spice mix, and toss until lightly coated. Do not over‑mix; a light coating is ideal.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Cook Brown Rice

    Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add a pinch of salt, then add 2 cups of brown rice. Stir once and cook 12‑14 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain in a colander.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Boiling

  9. Sauté Onions and Bell Peppers

    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the seasoned onions and peppers, spreading them out. Let sit 1 minute to develop a crust, then stir and sauté 5‑6 minutes until softened with a slight bite.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: Medium-High

  10. Cook Chicken

    In the same skillet (or a second if needed), add another tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium‑high. Add the seasoned chicken strips in a single layer. Let sit 1 minute for a crust, then stir and cook 4‑5 minutes until just cooked through.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium-High

  11. Combine and Finish

    Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the chicken, add the chopped oregano (or dried oregano), and toss for 30‑45 seconds just to re‑heat and meld flavors. Remove from heat.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium-High

  12. Cool and Portion

    Allow the rice, chicken‑vegetable mixture, and guacamole to cool for 10‑15 minutes. Portion into 5 airtight containers: a base of rice, topped with chicken‑fajita mix, and a separate small container of guacamole. Store in the fridge or freezer.

    Time: PT12M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
630
Protein
66g
Carbohydrates
42g
Fat
20g
Fiber
4g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Chicken Fajita Bowl

Recipe by Chef Jack Ovens

A high‑protein Mexican‑style meal‑prep bowl featuring seasoned chicken fajita strips, sautéed onions and red bell peppers, fluffy brown rice, and a fresh chunky guacamole. Perfect for fridge or freezer storage and quick microwave reheating.

MediumMexicanServes 5

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
43m
Prep
27m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 20m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$15.48
Total cost
$3.10
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Making the guacamole (step 1)
  • Cooking brown rice correctly (step 8)
  • Sautéing vegetables without overcrowding (step 9)
  • Cooking chicken strips to just done (step 10)
  • Cooling before storage to avoid condensation (step 12)

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with separate cutting board and wash hands thoroughly to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Olive oil can splatter; use a splatter guard or keep the pan handle away from the edge.
  • Use a sharp knife and keep fingertips curled back when slicing to prevent cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl in Mexican cuisine?

A

While the traditional fajita originated in the ranch lands of Texas, the concept of serving seasoned meat over rice reflects a modern Mexican‑American meal‑prep adaptation that blends Tex‑Mex flavors with convenient grain bases for busy lifestyles.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chicken fajita dishes in Mexican cuisine?

A

In northern Mexico, fajitas are often made with skirt steak and served on tortillas, whereas in central regions they may include chicken or pork with a richer tomato‑based sauce. The rice bowl version is a contemporary twist that replaces tortillas with brown rice for added fiber.

cultural
Q

How is chicken fajita traditionally served in Mexico?

A

Traditionally, chicken fajita is grilled or pan‑seared, sliced, and served on warm corn or flour tortillas with fresh salsa, onions, and cilantro. The bowl format adds rice and guacamole for a heartier, portable meal.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is chicken fajita rice bowl associated with in Mexican‑American culture?

A

The dish is popular for everyday family meals, lunchboxes, and casual gatherings like picnics or game nights, where quick reheating and high protein content are valued.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Mexican chicken fajita, and what are acceptable substitutes?

A

Key ingredients include chicken breast or thigh, fresh lime, cilantro, jalapeno, onion, bell pepper, and spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Substitutes can be white onion for red onion, dried oregano for fresh, or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl at home?

A

Common errors include overcrowding the pan (which steams instead of browning), overcooking the chicken (resulting in rubbery texture), and mixing guacamole into the bowl before storage, which causes browning. Follow the step‑by‑step timing and keep guacamole separate.

technical
Q

Why does this Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl recipe use the pasta‑style boiling method for brown rice instead of the absorption method?

A

Boiling brown rice like pasta prevents the husk from releasing excess starch that can make the grains sticky. Draining the rice after cooking yields a fluffier texture that holds up better in meal‑prep containers.

technical
Q

Can I make the Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl ahead of time and how should I store each component?

A

Yes. Store the cooked brown rice, chicken‑vegetable mixture, and guacamole in separate airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze the rice and chicken‑veggie mix for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating and add fresh guacamole when serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef Jack Ovens specialize in?

A

Chef Jack Ovens focuses on practical, high‑protein meal‑prep recipes that are budget‑friendly and designed for busy home cooks, often featuring Mexican‑inspired flavors and detailed macro‑counting for fitness enthusiasts.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chef Jack Ovens' approach to Mexican‑style cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?

A

Chef Jack Ovens emphasizes meal‑prep efficiency, macro tracking, and using pantry‑friendly techniques like boiling brown rice instead of the traditional absorption method, whereas many Mexican channels focus on authentic stovetop or grill methods without a meal‑prep focus.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Chicken fajita meal prep done in 40 minutes
6

Chicken fajita meal prep done in 40 minutes

A Mexican‑style chicken fajita meal‑prep recipe that includes seasoned chicken, sautéed onions and peppers, a cilantro‑lime black bean side, and a fresh chunky guacamole. Portion into five 1‑liter containers for a week of ready‑to‑heat lunches or dinners.

1 hr 28 minServes 5$17
Mexican
Chicken Fajita Meal Prep
4

Chicken Fajita Meal Prep

A budget‑friendly, high‑protein, low‑carb meal‑prep recipe featuring marinated chicken fajita strips, colorful sautéed peppers and onions, and creamy‑yet‑coarse cilantro lime mashed black beans. Perfect for quick microwave meals all week.

1 hr 28 minServes 7$17
Tex-Mex
This Simple Meal Helped Me Lose 60 Pounds (Lazy Stir Fry)
7

This Simple Meal Helped Me Lose 60 Pounds (Lazy Stir Fry)

A quick, convenient, high‑protein meal designed for weight‑loss goals. Pre‑cooked jasmine or basmati rice, pre‑sliced chicken breast, onion and green cabbage are sautéed in a large non‑stick pan, seasoned with soy sauce and a blend of spices. Each serving provides about 550 calories and 53 g of protein.

25 minServes 2$30
American
Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl + Cilantro Lime Rice
2

Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl + Cilantro Lime Rice

A vibrant Tex-Mex inspired burrito bowl featuring marinated chicken fajita strips, sautéed bell peppers and onions, fluffy cilantro‑lime rice, and black beans. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels fresh and flavorful.

50 minServes 3$17
Mexican
$130 Chipotle Meal Prep
3

$130 Chipotle Meal Prep

Turn two giant Chipotle catering boxes into 20 ready‑to‑go Mexican‑style meal‑prep bowls. Each bowl packs protein, rice, veggies, cheese, guacamole and optional tortillas or chips for a balanced, budget‑friendly lunch or dinner.

1 hrServes 20$99
Tex-Mex
Macro-Friendly, High Protein Chicken Taco Bowls
19

Macro-Friendly, High Protein Chicken Taco Bowls

A nutritious meal‑prep recipe that delivers 44 g of protein and only 10 g of fat per bowl. Tender chicken thighs are slow‑cooked with taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, black beans and fire‑roasted corn, then combined with bone‑broth rice and fresh cilantro. Finish with a light chipotle‑yogurt sauce for a flavorful, high‑protein lunch that lasts all week.

6 hrs 35 minServes 10$16
Mexican‑American
Egg Roll in a Bowl
6

Egg Roll in a Bowl

A quick, high‑protein, low‑carb egg‑roll‑style bowl perfect for meal‑prepping. Ground meat is browned with garlic and onion, then tossed with a kale‑carrot mix and an Asian‑inspired sauce. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, hot sauce, and optional hard‑boiled eggs for extra protein.

32 minServes 2$11
American
Egg Roll In A Bowl (107g Protein)
11

Egg Roll In A Bowl (107g Protein)

A quick, high‑protein Asian‑inspired bowl made with lean ground chicken, scrambled eggs, crunchy coleslaw, and a savory‑spicy sauce. Ready in under 15 minutes, this dish is perfect for a fast dinner or post‑workout meal.

15 minServes 2$10
Chinese