Chicken fajita bowl- healthy 30 minute recipe

Try this quick and easy chicken fajita rice bowl served with a vibrant homemade tomato salsa – a flavour-packed, wholesome solution for busy midweek meals. This dish combines tender, perfectly seasoned chicken strips with colourful sautéed peppers and onions, all served over warm, fluffy rice. The homemade tomato salsa adds a refreshing, zesty kick, made from ripe tomatoes, lime juice, herbs, and a hint of spice. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent while still being incredibly simple to pull together, making it ideal for anyone who wants maximum taste with minimum effort.

One of the best things about this recipe is how fast it is to prepare. You can get everything chopped, seasoned, and ready to go in under 30 minutes, and it takes only 10 to 30 minutes to cook depending on your batch size and preferred cooking method. That means you can have a nutritious, satisfying meal on the table in under an hour—perfect for those evenings when cooking feels like a chore or when you’re rushing between work, the gym, and everything else life throws at you.

Each serving provides 837 kcal, 42.8g protein, 28.2g carbohydrate (of which 11.6g sugars), 59.6g fat (of which 20.6g saturates), 7.5g fibre and 0.85g salt. With its high protein content and balanced nutrients, this chicken fajita rice bowl supports muscle recovery, fullness, and consistent energy levels. That’s why it fits seamlessly into a 75-day hard challenge, a new fitness routine, or any structured health plan where fuelling your body matters. The combination of protein, fibre, and healthy fats keeps you satisfied longer and helps you stay on track.

Chicken fajita bowl ingredient list!

Brown rice, 110g/4oz
Three sliced, skinless, boneless chicken thighs
One lime, half-juiced and half-cut into wedges for serving
One teaspoon of mild chilli powder
¼ tsp dried oregano ¼ tsp cayenne pepper ¼ tsp ground cumin
One onion, one quarter finely cut, and the remaining portions in big pieces
Two large red tomatoes, cut finely
1 tablespoon fresh coriander, chopped finely
One tablespoon of olive oil
Two deseeded and sliced red, green, or yellow peppers with sea salt

Ingredients to serve;

Sour cream, shredded cheese, and ripe avocado

Chicken fajita bowl- step by step instruction guide!

Step 1
Cook the brown rice according to the packet instructions. Bring the water to a boil, add the rice, then reduce the heat, cover and let it simmer until tender. Leave it to steam for a few minutes off the heat, then fluff with a fork before serving.

Step 2
Toss the chicken pieces in a medium-sized mixing bowl with the lime juice, spices, and dried oregano, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. The acidity of the lime juice helps to tenderise the meat while enhancing the flavour of the seasoning, allowing the spices to penetrate deeply. Use your hands or a spoon to mix well, ensuring the chicken is evenly covered with the vibrant blend of paprika, cumin, chilli powder, and any additional seasonings you’re using. Once everything is well combined, set the bowl aside and let the chicken marinate. Even just 10–15 minutes makes a difference, but if you have extra time, allowing it to sit longer will intensify the flavours and create an even more delicious, well-seasoned result. This simple marinating step helps build the bold fajita taste that makes the dish so satisfying.

Step 3
In a bowl, stir the finely chopped onion together with the chopped tomatoes, fresh coriander, and a generous pinch of salt to create the salsa. Mix everything thoroughly so the flavours begin to blend and the salt draws out some of the natural juices from the tomatoes, creating a light, refreshing dressing. You can adjust the texture by chopping the ingredients finely for a smoother salsa or leaving them slightly chunkier if you prefer more bite. If you like a little extra zing, you can also squeeze in a bit of lime juice or add a finely chopped chilli for heat. Once everything is well combined, set the bowl aside to rest. This short resting time helps the flavours develop and meld together, giving you a bright, zesty salsa that complements the seasoned chicken and rice beautifully.

Step 4
Heat the oil in a large, non-stick frying pan or shallow casserole dish over a high heat, allowing it to become shimmering and hot before adding any ingredients. This ensures the vegetables begin to sear rather than steam. Once the oil is ready, add the onion chunks and sliced peppers, spreading them out evenly across the pan so they cook properly without overcrowding. Let them sizzle, stirring occasionally, and allow the onions to take on a little colour while the peppers soften. This process should take around 10–15 minutes, during which the vegetables will become lightly caramelised, enhancing their sweetness and adding depth to the overall flavour.

Step 5
When the onions are golden at the edges and the peppers are tender, add the marinated chicken to the pan. Stir everything together so the spices from the chicken mix with the vegetables, coating them in a rich, fragrant layer. Continue cooking over a medium–high heat for about 10 more minutes, or until the chicken pieces are completely cooked through. Make sure no pink remains in the centre of the chicken and that the juices run clear. As the chicken cooks, it will release its juices, creating a delicious, savoury mixture that blends with the softened peppers and onions. Allow any excess liquid to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavours and giving you a vibrant, sizzling fajita-style filling ready to serve.

Step 6
Divide the cooked rice evenly between two serving bowls, fluffing it lightly with a fork so it forms a soft, inviting base. Spoon the hot chicken fajita mixture generously over the rice, making sure each bowl gets a good balance of tender chicken, colourful peppers, and caramelised onions. The heat from the fajita mix will slightly warm the rice beneath it, helping the flavours blend beautifully. Top each bowl with a generous spoonful of the fresh tomato salsa, letting the cool, zesty mixture contrast with the warm, smoky chicken. Add your preferred toppings—creamy sliced avocado for richness, a dollop of soured cream for tang, or a sprinkle of grated cheese for extra indulgence. Each optional addition brings its own texture and flavour, allowing you to customise the bowl to your liking.

Step 7
Finish by placing the remaining lime wedges on the side so each person can squeeze over a burst of fresh citrus just before eating. This final touch brightens the entire dish and enhances all the flavours. Serve immediately and enjoy a colourful, satisfying bowl that is as visually appealing as it is delicious.