The Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet Recipe is a vibrant, comforting one-pan meal that brings together the juicy, seasoned chicken and colorful bell peppers with creamy, cheesy rice in every bite. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying, flavorful meal without fussing over multiple pots and pans. The blend of smoky smoked paprika, zest from fajita seasoning, and creamy textures makes this skillet a crowd-pleaser that feels both fresh and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet Recipe relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that bring amazing flavor, vibrant color, and wonderful texture to the dish. Each component plays a key role: tender chicken, crisp and sweet bell peppers, and rich, creamy rice all come together effortlessly.
- Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces for juicy and tender bites that soak up all the seasoning.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing to add richness and help develop those delicious browned bits on the chicken.
- Red and green bell peppers: These add bright pops of color and a fresh, subtle sweetness to balance the spices.
- Yellow onion: Provides a savory base flavor and slight crunch when cooked just right.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for a fragrant, aromatic boost that complements the fajita spices perfectly.
- Fajita seasoning: The star spice blend that brings the authentic zesty, smoky fajita flavor.
- Garlic powder: Adds an extra layer of garlic depth without overpowering.
- Smoked paprika: Enhances the dish with its warm, smoky undertones.
- Salt and black pepper: For essential seasoning and to bring out all the flavors.
- Tomato paste: Adds richness and a slight tangy depth that melds beautifully with the spices.
- Long-grain white rice: The tender grain base that soaks up the broth and flavors while remaining fluffy.
- Chicken broth: Low sodium to keep it balanced, it’s the flavorful liquid that cooks the rice perfectly.
- Heavy cream: For luscious creaminess that elevates the rice to silky perfection.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts on top for gooey, cheesy goodness that makes every bite irresistible.
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped and sprinkled at the end to brighten and add fresh herbal notes.
How to Make Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, then sprinkle half the fajita seasoning right over them. This initial seasoning step ensures the chicken gets full flavor and a lovely crust as it cooks. Cook the chicken until it is nicely browned and cooked through, giving you that perfect juicy texture inside with some crisp edges outside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the diced red and green bell peppers, yellow onion, and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Now sprinkle the remaining fajita seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the tomato paste and stir well. Let these ingredients cook until the veggies soften and all the wonderful spices blend together, creating a fragrant, colorful base for the rice.
Step 3: Add Rice and Liquids
It’s time to add the uncooked long-grain white rice into the skillet, stirring to coat the grains with the spice-and-vegetable mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, which will cook the rice while keeping it rich and creamy. Bring everything to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet tightly. Let it simmer gently for about 18 to 20 minutes until the rice becomes tender and absorbs all the flavorful liquid.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Cilantro
Once the rice is perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to release steam and keep it light. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then cover the skillet again for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt into gooey goodness. Finally, garnish generously with fresh, chopped cilantro to add that fresh herbal lift just before serving.
How to Serve Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a must-have here, adding a bright contrast to the creamy, smoky flavors of the skillet. You can also add a dollop of sour cream for tanginess or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra zing that takes this dish to the next level. Sliced avocado or a handful of diced tomatoes also make fantastic, fresh toppings.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet Recipe is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to serve it with a side, think light and fresh. A simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or some warm, soft tortillas on the side for wrapping can complement it beautifully. For something heartier, black beans or grilled corn on the cob work wonders.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this recipe family-style right out of the skillet for a rustic, cozy meal that invites everyone to dig in and share. For a touch of elegance, consider plating it in shallow bowls garnished with extra cilantro and a wedge of lime on the side. You can also turn it into a fun fiesta by providing toppings like jalapeños, shredded lettuce, and pico de gallo so guests can customize their own bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet Recipe tastes amazing the next day and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled well preserves the flavors and texture, and it’s easy to reheat for a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freeze the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. To freeze, make sure it’s fully cooled and portioned into serving sizes for convenient thawing. This makes it a perfect meal prep option for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat the skillet leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the rice seems dry to help restore the creamy texture. Re-topping with a little extra cheese or fresh cilantro before serving is a nice touch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine if you prefer leaner meat, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful with this recipe’s cooking method.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just be sure your fajita seasoning and chicken broth are gluten-free. Most naturally gluten-free ingredients are used in this recipe, making it easy to adapt.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or corn for extra texture and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if adding denser veggies.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level is moderate and relies on the fajita seasoning. You can control spiciness by choosing a milder or hotter seasoning blend according to your taste.
Can I make this recipe in advance and reheat for parties?
Yes, it reheats beautifully and tastes just as good. Prepare it ahead and warm it up before serving to spend more time with your guests.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet Recipe is one of those magical meals that brings warmth, flavor, and convenience all in one pan. Its ease of preparation, combined with a burst of Tex-Mex flavor, guarantees smiles around the dinner table. I encourage you to try making it soon—you might just find it becoming one of your go-to favorites for busy nights or casual get-togethers. Happy cooking!
Print
Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken thighs, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic spices cooked with creamy rice and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick and hearty dinner, this recipe offers the classic fajita taste in a comforting rice skillet format.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 (1 oz) packet fajita seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Grains & Dairy
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and sprinkle with half of the fajita seasoning. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced red and green bell peppers, yellow onion, and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Sprinkle with the remaining fajita seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the tomato paste and sauté the mixture until the vegetables soften and are aromatic.
- Simmer with Rice: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice to the skillet, mixing well with the chicken and vegetables. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, cover the skillet again, and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving hot.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for more tender and flavorful meat; chicken breasts can be substituted but may result in a drier texture.
- If you prefer less creamy rice, reduce the heavy cream or omit it and use extra chicken broth.
- A low-sodium broth helps control saltiness since fajita seasoning and cheese add salt.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or serve with jalapeño slices.
