Mediterranean Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl
This Mediterranean Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl is a vibrant, nourishing, and deliciously spiced meal featuring juicy diced chicken, colorful bell peppers, hearty rice, and layers of bold toppings like guacamole, feta, and tzatziki. Infused with Mediterranean and fajita-style seasonings, it’s perfect for a quick dinner or weekly meal prep.
Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
1 lb (450g) chicken thighs or breasts, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice:
1 cup brown or white rice
2 cups water or chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste
For the Fajita Veggies:
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 red onion, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Guacamole:
2 ripe avocados
1 small tomato, finely chopped
1 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp lime juice
Salt to taste
Optional: chopped cilantro, minced garlic, jalapeño
Optional Toppings:
½ cup corn (grilled or canned)
½ cup shredded lettuce
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup sliced olives (e.g. Kalamata)
½ cup cucumber, diced
½ cup tzatziki sauce
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup salsa
Fresh cilantro leaves
Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
Cook the Rice:
Rinse rice and add to a pot with water or broth, salt, and olive oil.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer:
White rice: ~15 minutes
Brown rice: ~35–40 minutes
Remove from heat and let rest, then fluff with a fork.
Make the Guacamole:
In a bowl, mash the avocados with lime juice.
Stir in tomato, onion, and salt. Add cilantro or jalapeño if desired.
Set aside or refrigerate.
Prepare Fajita Veggies:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high.
Add sliced peppers and onions; sauté for 8–10 minutes until soft and lightly charred. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed.
Add diced, seasoned chicken and cook 7–9 minutes until fully cooked and golden. Stir occasionally for even browning.
Assemble the Bowls:
In each bowl, layer with cooked rice.
Top with fajita veggies and chicken.
Add dollops of guacamole, tzatziki, and salsa.
Sprinkle with feta, corn, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and lettuce.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Tips:
Marinate in Advance:
Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
Meal Prep Friendly:
Store ingredients separately in containers and assemble bowls fresh to keep textures crisp — lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.
Use a Grill or Air Fryer:
Grill the chicken and vegetables for a smoky flavor, or use an air fryer for a quicker, low-oil option.
Double the Batch:
Make extra rice, chicken, and veggies — freeze or refrigerate for later meals.
Layer Smart:
Place wet ingredients (like guacamole, tzatziki, salsa) on top or on the side to avoid soggy rice.
Balance the Heat:
Adjust the cayenne and chili powder to suit your heat preference. Add fresh jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick.
Use Leftovers Creatively:
Leftover bowl ingredients can be wrapped in a tortilla, stuffed into a pita, or served cold as a salad.
Variations:
Protein Swaps:
Beef: Use steak strips with the same seasoning.
Shrimp: Marinate and cook shrimp for a quicker version.
Tofu or Chickpeas: For a vegetarian bowl, use crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas with the same spices.
Grain Alternatives:
Swap rice with quinoa, couscous, farro, or cauliflower rice for different textures and nutritional benefits.
Mediterranean Dressing Option:
Replace tzatziki with a drizzle of lemon tahini sauce or a light olive oil–vinegar dressing.
Add Cheese Variations:
Substitute feta with goat cheese or shredded mozzarella if preferred.
Sweet Element:
Add a spoonful of pomegranate seeds or diced mango for a burst of sweetness.
Low-Carb Version:
Use lettuce or spinach as a base instead of rice, and add extra veggies for a hearty salad bowl.
Q&A – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this bowl dairy-free?
A: Yes! Skip the feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free alternatives like cashew-based cheese or coconut yogurt tzatziki.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Prep and store each component separately in airtight containers. Assemble just before eating to keep textures fresh.
Q: How can I make it spicier or milder?
A: Increase cayenne, chili powder, or add hot sauce for more heat. To reduce spice, omit cayenne and use mild salsa.
Q: Is this bowl gluten-free?
A: Yes, if you use gluten-free broth and double-check ingredients like tzatziki and salsa to ensure they’re gluten-free.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat rice, chicken, and veggies in the microwave or skillet. Add toppings like guacamole and tzatziki after reheating.
Nutrition (Estimated per Serving):
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Calories: ~550–650
Protein: 35–40g
Carbohydrates: 45–55g
Fat: 25–30g
Fiber: 6–8g
Sugar: 5–7g
Sodium: ~600–800mg
Healthy Highlights:
High in protein and fiber
Rich in healthy fats (avocado, olive oil)
Packed with antioxidants from colorful vegetables
Conclusion:
The Mediterranean Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl is a nutritious and customizable dish that brings together bold spices, fresh toppings, and balanced macronutrients. Whether you’re eating clean, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a flavorful dinner, this bowl covers it all. With countless ways to tweak it — from proteins to grains to toppings — it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.