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Easy Skillet Chicken Fajita Rice Recipe Perfect for Quick Weeknight Dinners

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A quick and easy one-pan skillet dish combining juicy chicken, colorful peppers, onions, and fluffy rice with bold fajita seasoning. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting meal is flavorful and fuss-free.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
  • 1 cup (190 g) long-grain white rice
  • 2 medium bell peppers (assorted colors, thinly sliced)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 fresh lime
  • A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado slices, sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Slice chicken breasts into thin strips about 1/2 inch wide. Slice bell peppers and onion into thin strips, mince garlic, and measure fajita seasoning.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When shimmering, add chicken strips and sprinkle with half the fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Sauté chicken for 4-5 minutes until browned and nearly cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
  4. Add remaining tablespoon of olive oil to skillet. Add onions and bell peppers with a pinch of salt. Cook about 4 minutes until softened but still vibrant. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in uncooked rice and remaining fajita seasoning. Toast rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
  7. Return cooked chicken strips to skillet, nestling them into the rice. Cover and let steam together for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and finish cooking chicken.
  8. Remove from heat, squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish, and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top.
  9. Serve warm with optional toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or avocado slices.

Notes

If rice is undercooked, add a splash more broth or water, cover, and cook a few minutes longer. Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking chicken. Use a tight-fitting lid to trap steam for perfect rice. Fresh lime juice brightens the dish at the end. For vegetarian version, substitute chicken with extra firm tofu or black beans. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken fajita rice, skillet chicken fajita, quick dinner, weeknight meal, one-pan recipe, easy chicken recipe, fajita seasoning, Mexican-inspired

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/easy-skillet-chicken-fajita-rice-recipe-perfect-for-quick-weeknight-dinners/