Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet
If you’re looking for a one-pan meal that’s bursting with flavor and comes together in no time, then look no further than this Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet. It’s the perfect combination of tender chicken thighs, colorful peppers, and fragrant spices all cooked together with rice to create a delicious and satisfying dish. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this recipe is a surefire winner that will have your family coming back for seconds!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet is a game-changer for several reasons:
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Flavorful: The combination of fajita seasoning, smoked paprika, and fresh vegetables creates a vibrant dish.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, comforting flavors are sure to be a hit with the little ones!
What’s in the Bowl
Creating this Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet requires just a few simple ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 medium green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 ounce fajita seasoning (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Setup & Equipment
Before you dive into cooking, make sure you have the following equipment:
- Large skillet: A good-quality skillet is essential for even cooking.
- Cutting board: For chopping your vegetables and chicken.
- Sharp knife: To make quick work of dicing the ingredients.
- Spoon or spatula: For stirring everything together.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate measurements of your ingredients.
Make Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet: A Simple Method
Cooking this Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet is as easy as 1-2-3! Follow these steps for a delicious meal:
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken thighs and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the diced red and green bell peppers, yellow onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the fajita seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and tomato paste, mixing well to coat the vegetables.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to combine with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
Once the rice is tender, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Finally, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything until well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet!
Make It Year-Round
This Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet is versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of the year. Here are some ideas to switch it up:
- Seasonal Veggies: Swap the bell peppers for seasonal vegetables like zucchini or asparagus in the summer.
- Spice it Up: Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick during the cooler months.
- Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or plant-based proteins for a different flavor profile.
- Make it a Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding cheese and bake until bubbly for a comforting casserole version.
If You’re Curious
You might be wondering about a few things regarding this recipe:
- Can I use brown rice? Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and add more liquid, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
- What if I don’t have fajita seasoning? You can make your own by mixing chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken with black beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
- How can I make it dairy-free? Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a vegan cream substitute.
Storing Tips & Timelines
This Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet is great for meal prep and leftovers. Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the skillet for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up if it’s too thick.
Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet FAQs
Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?
While long-grain white rice is preferred for its texture, you can use basmati or jasmine rice. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like heat, consider adding diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or an extra teaspoon of chili powder to the mix.
What can I serve with Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet?
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can pair it with a side salad or some homemade guacamole for a complete meal.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet stores well and is perfect for meal prep, as it reheats nicely throughout the week.
The Last Word
This Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet is a delightful and nourishing meal that will become a staple in your cooking repertoire. It embraces the vibrant flavors of fajitas while providing the comfort of a hearty rice dish. With its easy preparation, minimal cleanup, and mouthwatering taste, it’s hard not to love this recipe. So gather your ingredients, fire up that skillet, and enjoy a delicious dinner that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Happy cooking!
Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken thighs and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Step 2: Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced red and green bell peppers, yellow onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the fajita seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and tomato paste, mixing well to coat the vegetables.
- Step 3: Combine and Simmer: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring to combine with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese: Once the rice is tender, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Finally, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything until well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Step 5: Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze the skillet for up to 2 months; cool completely before freezing.
- Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating if it's too thick.
