Fajita Bowl with Black Beans, Rice, and Seasoned Chicken

A Fajita Bowl made with black beans, rice, and seasoned chicken is a vibrant, healthy, and satisfying dish that offers the perfect balance of flavors. This recipe combines perfectly seasoned chicken, hearty black beans, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings for a delicious meal that’s both filling and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or prepping meals for the week, this fajita bowl will soon become a favorite in your rotation.

The beauty of this dish is its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite toppings such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and shredded cheese, or keep it lighter with just a squeeze of lime and fresh cilantro. If you love the bold flavors of fajitas but prefer a bowl format, this recipe is the perfect solution. For more Mexican-inspired recipes, check out Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl and Black Bean Burrito Bowls.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Fajita Bowl Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Fajita Bowl with Black Beans, Rice, and Seasoned Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. Packed with tender, seasoned chicken, savory black beans, and fluffy rice, this bowl is topped with all the classic fajita toppings like bell peppers, onions, and a tangy lime dressing. It’s a customizable, balanced dish that brings the bold flavors of fajitas into a bowl – perfect for lunch or dinner!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lime

For the Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

For the Black Beans:

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Fajita Veggies:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Toppings (optional):

• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Salsa or pico de gallo

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

• In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
• Rub the chicken breasts with the olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken.
• Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips.

Cook the Rice:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water (or chicken broth) and bring to a boil.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes (or according to package instructions). Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro.

Prepare the Black Beans:

• In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the black beans, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for about 5 minutes, or until heated through.

Cook the Fajita Veggies:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers and onion. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.

Assemble the Fajita Bowl:

• In each bowl, start by adding a serving of rice as the base.
• Add a portion of black beans on top of the rice.
• Layer the seasoned chicken slices and sautéed fajita veggies on top.
• Top with your choice of toppings such as avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, lime wedges, and salsa.

Notes

• Make it spicier: Add some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on top for extra heat.
• Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables, like zucchini, mushrooms, or extra beans for protein.
• Meal prep: This bowl is perfect for meal prepping! You can cook the rice, beans, and chicken in advance, and simply assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.
• For a lower-carb version: Substitute cauliflower rice for the white rice for a low-carb option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop / Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Fajita Bowl Recipe

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice:
   • In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pan, and cook the rice for 15-20 minutes until tender and the water has been absorbed.
   • Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat and stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   • In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated.
   • Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side (or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F or 75°C).
   • Once cooked, remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
3. Prepare the Black Beans:
   • In a small saucepan, add the black beans, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beans are warm and fragrant. Set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same pan used for the chicken, add the diced bell peppers and red onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still have a bit of crunch. Add the corn and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
5. Assemble the Fajita Bowls:
   • Begin by adding a scoop of cilantro-lime rice to the bottom of each bowl.
   • Layer the sliced, seasoned chicken on top of the rice.
   • Add the warm black beans on one side of the bowl, followed by the sautéed bell peppers, onions, and corn on the other side.
   • Top with your choice of shredded cheese, guacamole, salsa, and fresh cilantro. Squeeze a lime wedge over the bowl for an added burst of freshness.
6. Serve and Enjoy.

Advanced Techniques

1. Grilled Chicken

For a smoky, charred flavor, you can grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Grilling adds depth of flavor and makes the chicken extra juicy.

2. Customize Your Rice

If you want to take your rice to the next level, cook it in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor. You can also add some diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the rice to make it more colorful and flavorful.

3. Make Your Own Guacamole

While store-bought guacamole is convenient, making your own is easy and tastes so much better. Mash ripe avocados and mix with lime juice, cilantro, diced tomatoes, red onion, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the ingredients based on your taste preferences.

4. Add Extra Vegetables

Feel free to add extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the sautéed mix for added nutrition and flavor. You can even roast the vegetables for a more intense, caramelized taste.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Fajita Bowls are perfect for meal prep and storing leftovers. Here are some tips to keep your dish fresh:

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover fajita bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To maintain the freshness, store the rice, meat, beans, and toppings separately. Reheat the rice and chicken before assembling the bowl.
• Freezing: If you’d like to freeze the components, store the cooked chicken and rice in separate freezer-safe containers. These can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, reheat and assemble the bowl with fresh toppings.

Reheating Tips

• Microwave: For quick reheating, place the rice, chicken, and beans in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Add fresh toppings like guacamole and salsa after reheating to keep them fresh.
• Stovetop: To reheat on the stovetop, place the rice and chicken in a pan over low heat and cover with a lid. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

1. Low-Carb/Keto

To make this dish keto-friendly, swap the rice for cauliflower rice. Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative that absorbs the flavors of the toppings just like traditional rice. You can also skip the beans for a more protein-packed meal.

2. Gluten-Free

This Fajita Bowl is naturally gluten-free. However, if you’re using pre-packaged taco seasoning, be sure to check the label for gluten-containing ingredients. The rest of the ingredients (rice, black beans, vegetables, and toppings) are all gluten-free.

3. Vegetarian

To make a vegetarian version of this Fajita Bowl, replace the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or more black beans. You can also add roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

4. Dairy-Free

For a dairy-free version, simply omit the cheese or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Guacamole and salsa are excellent toppings that add flavor and creaminess without any dairy.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rice, chicken, and black beans in advance. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, simply assemble the bowls and top with fresh toppings.

Can I add more toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Some great options include diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, pickled onions, or a drizzle of sour cream or hot sauce.

Can I use a different type of protein?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with beef, shrimp, or even a plant-based protein like tempeh or seitan. The seasoning will work well with all types of protein.

Can I use a slow cooker for the chicken?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in a slow cooker. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the slow cooker with a small amount of chicken broth or water and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Shred the chicken with a fork before serving.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken, rice, and black beans separately. Once frozen, store them in airtight containers and use them within 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat before assembling the bowls.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

The Fajita Bowl with Black Beans, Rice, and Seasoned Chicken is a delightful combination of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and endless customization. Whether you enjoy it with your favorite toppings or prefer a simple, light version, this dish is both satisfying and healthy. It’s perfect for meal prep, easy weeknight dinners, or even serving at a casual gathering with friends and family. With the flexibility to adjust ingredients based on your dietary preferences, you’ll find that this fajita bowl can be enjoyed by everyone.

Give this Fajita Bowl a try and experience the bright, zesty flavors that will keep you coming back for more!