One-Skillet Chicken Fajita Rice

Fajitas carry the sizzle of Tex-Mex border cooking, where charred peppers and onions meet boldly seasoned meat. This one-skillet version folds chicken thighs, fire-roasted tomatoes, and rice into the same pan for an easy weeknight dinner.

Serves 5 · 15 min prep · 35 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 560 cal
• 34g protein
• 52g carbs
• 24g fat
• 4g fiber

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Ingredients

• 1.25 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp fajita or taco seasoning
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 3 bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• for serving sour cream and avocado

Instructions

1. 1Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch strips. Toss with fajita seasoning and salt.
2. 2Heat oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook 5–6 minutes, turning once, until browned and nearly cooked through; transfer to a plate.
3. 3Add remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté onion and bell peppers with salt for 5–6 minutes until softened and charred in spots.
4. 4Stir in garlic, remaining fajita seasoning, and cumin; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. 5Add the rinsed rice and toast 1 minute, stirring constantly so every grain is coated.
6. 6Pour in fire-roasted tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
7. 7Nestle the chicken and any juices back into the rice. Cover tightly and simmer 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
8. 8Remove from heat, keep covered, and rest 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, drizzle with lime juice, and fold in most of the cilantro.
9. 9Sprinkle cheese over the top, cover again 1–2 minutes to melt, then serve straight from the skillet with sour cream, avocado, and remaining cilantro.