Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet Recipe

Hey there! Have you ever wanted dinner to be super easy and yummy too? Well, my Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet is just that — one pan, lots of flavor, and done fast!

I love how all the colors pop — chicken, peppers, and rice, all mixed together. And guess what? It smells so good while it cooks, like a cozy hug from the kitchen!

Sometimes, I just don’t want to wash a bunch of dishes — and this recipe is perfect for that. Plus, everyone at my house eats it up, even the picky eaters! You’ll feel like a chef, but it’s so easy.

So, wanna make dinner simple and fun? Let me show you how to whip up this easy Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet. Grab your pan, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet — less mess, more flavor.
• Full of Fajita Flavor: Classic fajita seasoning with garlic, smoked paprika, and a touch of heat.
• Creamy and Cheesy: Finished with cheddar cheese and cream for a rich texture.
• Family-Friendly: Mild spice that can be adjusted to suit everyone.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Makes a great next-day lunch or dinner when reheated.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: About 50 minutes

Servings:
This recipe makes 4 generous servings — enough to feed a family or have leftovers for later. You can easily double it if needed for a larger crowd.

Difficulty:
Beginner-friendly! If you can slice veggies and stir a pan, you can make this dish. Great for home cooks looking for a hearty, delicious skillet meal.

Required Kitchen Tools

Make sure you have these basic kitchen tools before you start cooking:

• Large Skillet with Lid: A deep, wide skillet works best for fitting all the ingredients. A non-stick or cast-iron skillet is ideal.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For prepping the chicken, peppers, and onion.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring without scratching your pan.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy when adding spices, broth, and cream.
• Box Grater (Optional): If grating fresh cheddar cheese.

Ingredients for Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful dish (exact measurements will be listed in the recipe card at the end):

• Chicken Thighs (Boneless, Skinless): Juicy and flavorful — perfect for skillet meals. You can also use chicken breast if preferred.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing and bringing out the flavors of the vegetables and spices.
• Bell Peppers (Red and Green): Sliced thin for that classic fajita look and flavor. You can use yellow or orange peppers, too.
• Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth. Slice into thin strips for even cooking.
• Garlic (Fresh, Minced): Boosts the savory flavor of the dish.
• Fajita Seasoning: A mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano — store-bought or homemade.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a deep, smoky flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Extra layer of garlic flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To season everything perfectly.
• Tomato Paste: Gives richness and binds the spices to the rice.
• Long-Grain White Rice (Uncooked): Soaks up all the flavors as it cooks in broth.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps the rice moist and full of flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and makes the dish creamy.
• Cheddar Cheese (Shredded): Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy finish.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped, for a fresh and bright finish on top.

Variations for Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet

• Add Beans: Stir in black beans or pinto beans for extra protein and texture.
• Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder to crank up the heat.
• Swap Rice: Use brown rice for a healthier version (adjust cooking time and liquid).
• Add Corn: A cup of sweet corn kernels adds color and sweetness.
• Use Chicken Breast: If you prefer leaner meat, chicken breast works great too — just adjust cooking time to prevent dryness.
• Dairy-Free: Skip the cream and cheese for a lighter, dairy-free version, or use dairy-free alternatives.

How to Make Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet — Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Slice the Vegetables:
  Thinly slice the red and green bell peppers and onion. Set them aside in a bowl — you’ll need them ready to go once the chicken starts cooking.
• Dice the Chicken:
  Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into small bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook quickly and evenly.
• Mince the Garlic:
  Peel and mince the garlic cloves if you haven’t done that yet.

2. Season the Chicken

Place the diced chicken into a large bowl. Sprinkle over the fajita seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken pieces are well-coated in the seasoning. You can do this step right before cooking or let the chicken sit in the seasoning for 10-15 minutes to absorb more flavor.

3. Sauté the Chicken

• Heat the Olive Oil:
  In a large, deep skillet, heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Cook the Chicken:
  Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes so they get a nice sear. Stir and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, until fully cooked and lightly browned.
• Remove and Set Aside:
  Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. You’ll add it back to the skillet later.

4. Sauté the Vegetables

• Add More Oil (if needed):
  If the skillet looks dry, add another teaspoon of olive oil.
• Cook the Peppers and Onions:
  Toss in the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5-6 minutes, until they’re softened but still have a bit of bite.
• Add the Garlic:
  Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

5. Add Tomato Paste and Toast Rice

• Add Tomato Paste:
  Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the tomato paste to the empty side and stir it around for about 1 minute to toast it slightly — this deepens its flavor.
• Stir in Rice:
  Add the uncooked long-grain white rice to the skillet. Stir everything together — rice, veggies, and tomato paste — making sure the rice is coated in all those spices and juices.

6. Add Broth and Simmer

• Pour in Chicken Broth:
  Slowly add the chicken broth, stirring gently to combine everything. Make sure to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the skillet — those hold a lot of flavor.
• Simmer Covered:
  Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let it cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

7. Finish with Cream and Cheese

• Add Cooked Chicken Back:
  Once the rice is cooked, return the chicken (and any juices from the plate) to the skillet. Stir to combine.
• Stir in Heavy Cream:
  Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to make the mixture creamy and rich.
• Add Cheese:
  Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely.

8. Garnish and Serve

• Finish with Cilantro:
  Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for a bright, fresh touch.
• Serve Hot:
  Scoop onto plates or serve straight from the skillet — it’s beautiful and colorful!

How to Serve Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet

This Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but here are some ideas to round it out or change it up:

• With Tortillas: Scoop the mixture into warm tortillas for easy fajita-style wraps. Add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole if you like.
• With Salad: Serve alongside a simple green salad or a zesty cucumber and tomato salad to add freshness and crunch.
• With Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice on top right before serving brightens the dish and enhances all the flavors.
• With Salsa or Pico de Gallo: A spoonful of salsa, pico de gallo, or even a corn salsa can add more flavor and texture.

Storing Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet

• Refrigerator:
  Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer:
  You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before freezing.
• Reheating:
  To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to the skillet to keep it moist. Heat on the stovetop over medium-low or in the microwave until warmed through.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Chicken Thighs for Juiciness: Chicken thighs stay moist and tender even after simmering with rice. Chicken breast can work but may be a bit drier if overcooked — adjust time if swapping.
• Don’t Rush the Rice: Let the rice simmer gently and avoid lifting the lid often, so it steams properly.
• Toast Tomato Paste and Rice: This step builds deeper flavor and helps keep the rice grains separate and fluffy.
• Add Broth Gradually if Needed: If the rice looks dry before fully cooked, add a bit more broth — ¼ cup at a time — until it’s done.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust the fajita seasoning and paprika if you prefer mild or spicier flavors. A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes can turn up the heat.
• Melt Cheese Gently: After adding cheese, covering the skillet allows it to melt evenly without stirring — giving a nice cheesy top layer.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a general idea of the nutrition per serving (approximate, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	495
Protein	32g
Carbohydrates	38g
Dietary Fiber	4g
Total Fat	24g
Saturated Fat	10g
Cholesterol	145mg
Sodium	720mg
Sugar	5g
Calcium	220mg
Iron	3.2mg

Note: Nutrition info may vary depending on exact ingredients and brands used.

Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works well too. Just be mindful not to overcook — breast meat dries out faster than thighs.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Omit the heavy cream and cheese. You can add a splash of dairy-free milk if you still want a creamy texture.

How can I make this spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a pinch of cayenne when cooking the chicken for more heat.

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

If using cooked rice, reduce broth to about ½ cup and skip the simmering step. Stir in the cooked rice after the vegetables and chicken are ready, then let everything warm through.

Is this good for meal prep?

Definitely. It stores well and reheats easily, making it great for lunches or busy weeknights.

Conclusion

This Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet is an easy, hearty dinner that brings all the classic fajita flavors into one cozy dish. It’s packed with juicy chicken, colorful peppers, and creamy rice, topped with melty cheddar and a sprinkle of cilantro for freshness. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to meal prep for the week, this recipe has you covered.