Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl That’ll Change Weeknight Dinners

Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl is your go-to dinner when you want something flavorful, filling, and fast—without turning your kitchen into a disaster zone. Between juggling work, kids, errands, and the occasional craving for something spicy and satisfying, it’s not always easy to pull together a dinner everyone can agree on. But this? This one’s a slam dunk. A chicken fajita burrito bowl is like taco night’s cooler, more balanced cousin—packed with juicy pan-seared chicken, sizzling bell peppers and onions, fluffy cilantro lime rice, and a creamy, smoky chipotle aioli that brings it all together.

It’s also weeknight dinner gold for meal-preppers, health-conscious eaters, and anyone trying to keep the hangry vibes at bay. Whether you’re serving picky toddlers, a hungry partner, or just need a cozy bowl of something good for yourself, the chicken fajita burrito bowl is both hearty and easy to throw together in under 30 minutes. Let’s make life delicious (and a little easier).

Table of Contents

What is Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl?

A chicken fajita burrito bowl is everything you love about a classic burrito—without the tortilla. Instead of wrapping everything up, it’s all piled into a bowl and eaten with a fork. Think of it like a Tex-Mex power bowl packed with seasoned chicken breast, sautéed peppers and onions, rice, black beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, and that addictive chipotle aioli (trust me, you’ll want to slather it on everything). The inspiration comes from traditional Mexican fajitas and burritos, but this version simplifies things while still packing a punch.

It’s a customizable meal too—perfect for families with varying tastes or dietary needs. Want it spicier? Toss on some jalapeños. Going low carb? Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or extra lettuce. Love creamy toppings? Add guac or even our cilantro lime crema. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a last-minute dinner, this is one of those meals you’ll keep in your back pocket forever.

Reasons to Try Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl

There are so many reasons to fall in love with a chicken fajita burrito bowl, starting with the fact that it’s basically a weeknight miracle. First, it comes together in 30 minutes flat—so you can beat the dinner rush without reaching for takeout. Second, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Even the pickiest eater at the table will find something to love in this colorful, flavorful bowl. Third, you’ve got flexibility. Whether you’re dairy-free, gluten-free, watching carbs, or just plain hungry, this bowl has your back. It’s easy to swap ingredients and toppings without losing the wow factor. Fourth, it’s a meal prep hero.

Double the recipe, stash it in the fridge, and you’ve got lunch sorted for the next few days (yes, even better cold). And lastly, it just tastes really, really good. We’re talking juicy, spice-rubbed chicken, tender-crisp peppers, creamy aioli, and fluffy rice—it’s like your favorite Tex-Mex restaurant came to your kitchen. Plus, it pairs perfectly with skirt steak rice bowls if you’re feeding a mixed protein crowd.

Ingredients Needed to Make Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl

For the Chicken and Veggies:

• 1 ½ pounds chicken breast (pounded to ¼–½ inch thickness)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 ¼ teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
• 3 teaspoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon tapioca starch (or cornstarch)
• 3 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• ½ large red onion, sliced

For Serving:

• 2 cups cilantro lime rice
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups chopped lettuce
• ½ cup pico de gallo
• ½ cup chipotle aioli (or swap with cashew queso or cilantro lime crema)

Instructions to Make Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl

Step 1: Prep and Pound the Chicken

Start by grabbing your chicken breasts and giving them a little TLC—pound them to about ¼ to ½ inch thick. This helps everything cook evenly and quickly. You can cut them into strips now if you prefer, or keep them whole and slice after cooking. Either way works!

Step 2: Season Like You Mean It

In a bowl, combine your spice mix: salt, garlic powder, cumin, brown sugar, oregano, chili powder, paprika, and tapioca starch. Toss the chicken in this flavorful mix until it’s fully coated—this step is what brings the magic. You can even prep this part ahead of time and let it marinate in the fridge for an extra flavor boost.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken. Let it sear undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and golden on both sides. Set aside and slice into strips if you didn’t already.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan (no need to wash—flavor party!), toss in your sliced bell peppers and red onion. Sauté for about 7-8 minutes until they’re softened and have those nice golden edges. If things start sticking, add a splash more oil.

Step 5: Bring it All Together

Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and cook everything together for 1-2 minutes. Let those flavors mingle like they’ve known each other forever.

Step 6: Build Your Bowl

Time to assemble! Start with a base of cilantro lime rice and lettuce. Layer on the sizzling chicken and pepper mix, then top with black beans, pico de gallo, and a generous drizzle of chipotle aioli. Want to level it up? Add guacamole, fresh cilantro, or cashew queso.

What to Serve with Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl

If you’re wondering what plays nicely alongside a chicken fajita burrito bowl, we’ve got options. A fresh bowl of guacamole with chips? Always a win. Craving something warm and comforting? Ground beef and potatoes casserole or easy creamy lasagna soup are solid sides when you need a little extra comfort food on the table. A chilled kidney bean salad is perfect for something light and high protein. Want to keep it simple? Just add a side of fresh fruit or a fizzy limeade to round things out. This bowl really doesn’t need anything, but hey—why not make it a feast?

Key Tips for Making Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl

1. Pound the chicken evenly so it cooks fast and stays juicy. Uneven thickness = dry edges and raw centers.
2. Use a hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan or you’ll steam your chicken instead of searing it.
3. Switch up the toppings. Not a fan of chipotle? Try cashew queso or even just a squeeze of lime.
4. Meal prep win: Store ingredients separately if you’re planning to eat it over a few days so nothing gets soggy.
5. Don’t skip the starch. That sprinkle of tapioca (or cornstarch) on the chicken gives you that beautiful crust and helps the seasoning stick.

Storage and Reheating Tips Chicken Fajita Burrito Bowl

Your chicken fajita burrito bowl can easily carry you through a few days if you store it right. Keep the rice, chicken/veggies, and toppings in separate containers if you’re meal prepping. This helps maintain the texture and freshness. The chicken and veggies will last about 3-4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. To reheat, microwave in short bursts (30-45 seconds), or warm in a skillet to keep the texture. If using the microwave, add a splash of water or cover to keep it moist. For the toppings like lettuce and pico—just add fresh when serving. And don’t forget: chipotle aioli lasts a week, so double it and drizzle away!

FAQs

Can I make this low carb?
Totally! Swap rice for cauliflower rice or add more lettuce for a fajita salad bowl vibe.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! The recipe is naturally dairy-free unless you add cheese or sour cream. Use dairy-free alternatives or stick with the chipotle aioli or guac.

What’s a good substitute for chipotle aioli?
Try our cashew queso or a cilantro lime crema for a lighter touch.

Is this good for meal prep?
It’s perfect. Just store the parts separately, and assemble when ready to eat.

Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time slightly—thighs may take a bit longer but stay extra juicy.

Final Thoughts

A chicken fajita burrito bowl hits that sweet spot of easy, tasty, and filling—and let’s be honest, that’s the dinner trifecta. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something fresh but still crave a little comfort. With just one skillet and a handful of pantry-friendly spices, you’ve got yourself a weeknight hero that’s endlessly customizable and meal-prep friendly. If you liked this, check out our healthy sticky chicken bowls or garlic butter chicken skillet for more bowl-style goodness. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family of four, this is the kind of meal you’ll want to keep in rotation. Because honestly? Life’s better when dinner doesn’t stress you out.

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