Description
This Grilled Chicken Fajita Bowl recipe features marinated, char-grilled chicken thighs paired with vibrant grilled vegetables, black beans, and cilantro lime rice, creating a colorful and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a healthy, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
Marinade and Chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning or 1 teaspoon each garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt
- 6-8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
Grilled Vegetables
- 1 medium red onion, cut into thick slices
- 1 medium white or yellow onion, cut into thick slices
- 3 large bell peppers, any color or mix, cut into quarters
- 3 ears of corn, husks and silky fibers removed
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper
Additional Toppings
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- Avocado slices or guacamole
- 1/4 red onion, diced
Instructions
- Make the Cilantro Lime Rice: Start by preparing your base. Mix the cooked rice with chopped fresh cilantro and the juice of one lime to infuse it with fresh, zesty flavor.
- Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, fresh lime juice, and fajita seasoning (or the individual spices: garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt). Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Set aside to allow flavors to absorb.
- Preheat and Grill Vegetables: Preheat your grill. Brush sliced red and white/yellow onions, quartered bell peppers, and corn ears with oil, then season with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. Grill until the vegetables are charred at the edges and tender throughout, adding a smoky depth.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Cook until thoroughly cooked, with an internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C), ensuring juicy and flavorful meat. Remove from grill, let rest briefly, then slice into strips.
- Assemble the Fajita Bowls: Spoon the cilantro lime rice into bowls. Top with the sliced grilled chicken, charred vegetables, grilled corn, drained black beans, diced tomatoes, avocado slices or guacamole, and diced red onion for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Fajita seasoning can be store-bought or homemade by mixing equal parts garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt.
- Allow chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
- Grilling vegetables until slightly charred enhances their natural sweetness and adds smoky flavor.
- Use fresh lime juice for best citrus flavor in both the rice and marinade.
- For a lower-carb alternative, substitute rice with cauliflower rice or a green salad base.
