Make a flavorful fajita bowl featuring chicken, charred peppers, and onions, served over lime-seasoned rice with a simple avocado crema.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Skillet Cooking
Cuisine:Mexican Inspired
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips
2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
1 large yellow onion, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Rice:
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
For the Avocado Crema:
1 ripe avocado
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons water (or more for desired consistency)
Salt to taste
Optional Toppings: Black beans, salsa, cilantro
Instructions
Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Set aside for 10 minutes.
Char the vegetables: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced peppers and onions. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to blacken in spots. Toss and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened and charred to your liking. Remove vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the chicken: Return the skillet to medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
Prepare the rice: In a small bowl, combine the cooked rice with lime juice and lime zest. Mix well.
Make the crema: Combine the avocado, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, water, and salt in a small food processor or blender. Blend until completely smooth, adding more water if needed to reach a drizzly consistency.
Assemble the bowls: Divide the lime rice among serving bowls. Top with the charred peppers and onions, followed by the cooked chicken. Add your desired toppings like black beans, salsa, and a drizzle of the avocado crema.
Notes
To achieve a deeper char on the peppers without overcooking the onions, you can broil them separately under high heat for 5 minutes, turning once, before adding them to the skillet with the chicken.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with 1 can of drained and rinsed black beans or firm tofu cubes seasoned with the same spices.
Make the avocado crema ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to one day.