Save A vibrant, healthy meal prep option featuring lean, flavorful chicken fajitas served over fresh cilantro-lime rice. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner on the go, these bowls are packed with 29g of protein and clock in at just 385 calories per serving.
Save These bowls offer a perfect balance of zesty citrus from the lime, a touch of smoke from the paprika, and the freshness of chopped cilantro, making every bite feel like a fiesta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), thinly sliced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- Juice of 2 limes (divided) and zest of 1 lime
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice (or brown rice)
- 2 cups water
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium avocado, sliced
Instructions
- Cook the rice
- In a saucepan, combine rice, water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes (white rice) or 40 minutes (brown rice) until tender. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let cool slightly.
- Season the rice
- Stir in lime juice, lime zest, and cilantro into the cooked rice. Set aside.
- Prepare the chicken
- In a large bowl, toss chicken strips with 1 tablespoon olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Sauté the vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Return the chicken to the skillet, add lime juice, and toss to combine. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the bowls
- Divide the cilantro-lime rice among 4 meal prep containers. Top each with chicken fajita mixture, cherry tomatoes, and avocado slices. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
- Cool and store
- Let the food cool completely before sealing the containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best results, use a large skillet to avoid crowding the chicken, which helps it brown instead of steam. Having all your tools ready—a medium saucepan, mixing bowls, and a sharp knife for the thin slices—makes the process seamless.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a low-carb alternative, substitute cauliflower rice for the traditional rice. You can also boost the fiber content by adding black beans or corn to the vegetable sauté, or increase the heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these bowls with a side of fresh salsa or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy, protein-packed dip. Squeezing fresh lime wedges over the bowl just before eating will brighten all the flavors.
Save Stay fueled and satisfied all week with these delicious, Mexican-American inspired fajita bowls that prove healthy eating can be both simple and incredibly flavorful.
Recipe FAQ
- → How long do these bowls keep in the refrigerator?
These fajita bowls stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored properly in airtight meal prep containers. For best results, let them cool completely before sealing and refrigerating promptly after assembling.
- → Can I freeze these meal prep bowls?
While possible, freezing may affect the texture of the vegetables and avocado. If freezing, skip adding avocado and fresh garnishes until after thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before eating.
- → What's the best way to reheat these bowls?
Microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat the chicken and rice in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, then add fresh vegetables and avocado after warming.
- → Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely. Brown rice adds extra fiber and nutrients but requires 40 minutes of cooking time compared to 15 minutes for white rice. The cilantro-lime seasoning works beautifully with both varieties.
- → How can I make these bowls even lower in carbohydrates?
Substitute cauliflower rice for the regular rice to significantly reduce carbs while maintaining volume. Simply cook riced cauliflower for 5-7 minutes until tender, then toss with lime and cilantro as directed.
- → What protein alternatives work well in this dish?
Lean steak strips, shrimp, or even tofu can replace the chicken using the same seasoning blend. Adjust cooking times accordingly—shrimp needs just 3-4 minutes, while steak may require slightly longer to reach desired doneness.