Mediterranean Loaded Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls with Smoky Chipotle Cream
These rice bowls are a colorful and satisfying fusion of Mediterranean freshness and Tex-Mex flair. Tender chicken and vibrant peppers are spiced, sautéed, and layered over rice, then finished with creamy, smoky chipotle sauce, avocado, and cilantro. It’s hearty enough for dinner but fresh enough to enjoy any time of the week.
Time: 40 minutes (10 minutes prep, 30 minutes cooking)
Ingredients
For the Rice Bowls:
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 small red onion, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
1 avocado, sliced
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving
For the Smoky Chipotle Cream:
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
1 tsp lime juice
Salt, to taste
Instructions
Cook rice:
Prepare 2 cups of white or brown rice according to package instructions. Fluff and keep warm.
Make chipotle cream:
In a small bowl, mix sour cream (or Greek yogurt), minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, and salt. Adjust spice level to taste. Chill until ready to serve.
Cook chicken:
In a large bowl, toss sliced chicken with 1 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 6–8 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Cook veggies:
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté peppers and onion for 5–6 minutes until softened and slightly charred. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Assemble bowls:
Divide rice into serving bowls.
Top with chicken, sautéed peppers, and onions.
Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Add avocado slices and drizzle with smoky chipotle cream.
Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Tips & Variations
Rice base: Use brown rice for extra fiber, or swap with quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Cheese options: Feta or crumbled goat cheese will add a tangy Mediterranean touch instead of cheddar/Monterey Jack.
Veggie boost: Add zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or roasted eggplant for more color and flavor.
Protein swaps: Try shrimp, turkey strips, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Make it lighter: Use Greek yogurt in the smoky chipotle cream for more protein and less fat.
Extra smoky flavor: Add roasted garlic or a touch of smoked sea salt to the sauce.
Meal prep friendly: Store rice, chicken, veggies, and sauce separately in containers for 3–4 days, then assemble when ready to eat.
Spice level: Adjust the number of chipotle peppers depending on how smoky or spicy you want the sauce.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use dairy-free cheese and replace the sour cream/Greek yogurt in the chipotle cream with a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Cook the rice, chicken, and veggies ahead, then store separately in airtight containers. Reheat and add fresh avocado and sauce before serving.
Q: What can I use instead of chipotle peppers?
A: Smoked paprika mixed with a little chili paste or harissa will give a similar smoky kick.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as all ingredients (especially spices and sauces) are certified gluten-free.
Q: Can I turn this into a low-carb option?
A: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage for fewer carbs.
Nutrition
(per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: ~520
Protein: ~38g
Carbohydrates: ~42g
Fat: ~22g
Fiber: ~7g
Sodium: ~780mg
(Values will vary based on rice type, cheese choice, and portion size.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean-inspired twist on classic chicken fajita rice bowls is hearty, colorful, and full of smoky flavor. The mix of tender chicken, vibrant peppers, creamy avocado, and zesty chipotle sauce makes it satisfying while still balanced. It’s a flexible dish you can easily adjust for meal prep, dietary needs, or spice preference, making it a go-to option for both weeknights and gatherings.