Chicken Fajitas Quinoa Bowl Recipe
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Imagine a meal that’s hearty, healthy, and bursting with flavor—this Chicken Fajitas Quinoa Bowl delivers all that and more! With juicy, seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, and fluffy quinoa, this dish is perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. It’s a quick and satisfying way to enjoy a balanced meal that’s as delicious as it is nutritious.
Chicken fajitas meets quinoa in this healthy quinoa bowl! What a simple easy meal to fill your tummy!
This hearty quinoa bowl is so delicious, filling and comforting. Spicy chicken pieces with bell peppers strips and onion slices are mixed with quinoa to create this simple meal. This is going to be your next lunch or dinner!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Fajitas Quinoa Bowl
- Flavor-Packed Goodness: The combination of spicy chicken, tender bell peppers, and fluffy quinoa creates a symphony of flavors in every bite. It’s bold, savory, and completely satisfying.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll love how simple it is to create a wholesome meal in no time.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this dish keeps you full without weighing you down. It’s gluten-free and low in fat, making it a great choice for a balanced diet.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This quinoa bowl stores beautifully, so you can make it ahead for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats wonderfully, keeping its flavor and texture intact.
- Versatile and Freezer-Friendly: Customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Plus, it freezes well, so you’ll always have a tasty meal ready when you need it.
Chicken fajitas quinoa bowl is very healthy. It’s low in fat, full of protein and fiber and has a low glycemic index. It’s also very filling – this is not some little “diet salad”, this is a real stick-to-your-ribs meal!
Ingredients for Chicken Fajitas Quinoa Bowl
- Chicken Breast – Lean and protein-rich, it’s the perfect base for this hearty dish.
- Bell Peppers – Add a burst of color and natural sweetness to balance the spices.
- Onion – Brings a subtle, savory depth of flavor.
- Garlic Cloves – Enhance the dish with their aromatic and flavorful kick.
- Quinoa – A nutritious grain that’s packed with protein and complements the fajita flavors beautifully.
- Oil – Helps the chicken and veggies cook to perfection without sticking.
- Chili Powder – Adds a smoky, spicy flavor that ties the dish together.
- Salt and Pepper – To season and enhance all the flavors.
For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Chicken Fajitas Quinoa Bowl
- Large Non-Stick Frying Pan – Perfect for cooking the chicken and veggies without sticking.
- Cutting Board – Essential for chopping the chicken and slicing the vegetables.
- Knife – A sharp knife makes prep work quick and easy.
- Mixing Spoon – For stirring the ingredients as they cook.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Ensures accurate measurements for perfect results every time.
I love all things fajitas – I made chicken fajitas, Chipotle copycat fajitas and even a fajitas pasta. So of course, I had to make a fajita quinoa bowl :)
Making this chicken fajitas quinoa bowl is super easy. Just cook quinoa using your preferred method – my favorite one is cooking quinoa in an Instant Pot! While quinoa is cooking, simply pan-fry chicken pieces, bell pepper strips and onion slices in a little oil with garlic and chili powder until cooked through. Then mix quinoa with the chicken fajitas and your fajita quinoa bowl is ready!
How To Make Chicken Fajitas Quinoa Bowl
- Start by cooking quinoa according to the instructions on the package. Use your preferred method, such as a stovetop, rice cooker, or Instant Pot, for fluffy results.
- Heat some oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped chicken breast, sliced bell peppers, and onions to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the veggies are tender.
- Stir in minced garlic and chili powder, letting the flavors meld together for about a minute.
- Combine the cooked quinoa with the chicken and veggie mixture, stirring until well mixed.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy!
This chicken fajitas quinoa bowl recipe is great for weekly meal prep. It doesn’t lose flavor when refrigerated and tastes great reheated! You can divide it between the meal prep containers and store in a refrigerator. When ready to eat, just heat it up and enjoy!
You can also freeze this chicken fajitas quinoa for later, so you have a meal on hand in the freezer for those times life gets crazy busy! Just thaw it in a microwave or in refrigerator overnight and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your Chicken Fajitas Quinoa Bowl in individual bowls for easy portioning and presentation.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of freshness.
- Pair with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess and tang.
- Add diced avocado or guacamole on top for a creamy, rich twist.
- Serve alongside a watermelon tomato salad or roasted broccoli and carrots to make it a complete, wholesome meal.
Tips For Success
- Cook Quinoa Fluffily: Rinse the quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove its natural bitterness. Follow the 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio for perfectly fluffy grains. If you have an Instant Pot, use it for consistent results!
- Slice Vegetables Evenly: Ensure the bell peppers and onions are sliced evenly to cook at the same rate. This avoids undercooked or overly soft veggies.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If the pan is too crowded, the chicken and veggies will steam rather than sear. Cook in batches if necessary to get that perfect caramelization.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Not a fan of heat? Reduce the chili powder or swap it for paprika for a milder flavor. For an extra kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mix.
- Make It Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Prepare it ahead of time and store in airtight containers for quick meals during the week. It reheats wonderfully in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Add Your Favorite Toppings: Personalize your bowl with toppings like shredded cheese, salsa, or a drizzle of creamy dressing.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap the Protein: Try swapping the chicken breast with ground turkey, beef, or even shrimp for a different flavor profile. Vegetarians can use tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option.
- Change the Grain: Replace quinoa with brown rice, couscous, or cauliflower rice if you want to switch up the base.
- Use Different Vegetables: Experiment with zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for added variety and texture.
- Adjust the Spices: Customize the spice blend to your taste by adding cumin, smoked paprika, or even a dash of cinnamon for a unique twist.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Skip the sour cream and cheese toppings or use dairy-free alternatives for a fully dairy-free meal.
- Low-Carb Option: Use spiralized zucchini or a mix of low-carb veggies in place of quinoa for a keto-friendly version.
- Add Beans: Stir in black beans or pinto beans for extra fiber and protein, giving the bowl a Tex-Mex flair.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it a great option for meal prep or quick meals throughout the week.
- Freezing: To freeze, portion the Chicken Fajitas Quinoa Bowl into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and prevent the quinoa from drying out.
- Serving Tip: Once reheated, give the bowl a quick stir and garnish with fresh lime juice or herbs to revive its flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or even roasted chickpeas for a plant-based version. Ensure the toppings, like sour cream or cheese, are vegan or omitted if needed.
How can I reduce the spice level in this dish?
To tone down the heat, reduce the amount of chili powder or use a mild paprika instead. You can also serve it with cooling toppings like sour cream or avocado to balance the flavors.
What’s the best way to meal prep this recipe?
Prepare the dish as instructed and divide it into individual portions using meal prep containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat as needed for quick and easy meals.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked chicken is a great time-saver! Simply shred or dice the cooked chicken and add it to the pan during the last few minutes of cooking the vegetables to heat through.
What other grains can I use instead of quinoa?
You can substitute quinoa with brown rice, couscous, bulgur, or even farro. Each grain will bring a unique texture and flavor to the dish.
If you like this chicken fajitas quinoa bowl, you will also love these easy recipes:
Quinoa Mason Jar Salad – imagine having these colorful fresh quinoa salads waiting for you in a fridge? Healthy eating made easy!
Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry – yummy chicken is stir-fried with veggies and homemade spice mix! Such a deep flavor, so delicious!
Plant-Based Quinoa Bowl – filling quinoa bowl with eggplant and spinach for those days you don’t feel like eating meat :)
Papaya Quinoa Salad – tropical flavors with healthy quinoa, this salad is so yummy and refreshing!
Chicken Fajitas Quinoa Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast chopped
- 2 bell peppers sliced
- 1 onion sliced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 1/2 cups quinoa
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Mixing spoon
Instructions
- Cook quinoa according to package directions (check out my guides on stove top quinoa, rice cooker quinoa and Instant Pot quinoa).
- While quinoa is cooking, heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan on medium-high heat. Add the chicken, peppers and onions, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. (If the pan is too crowded, you can use 2 frying pans on 2 burners at the same time).
- Add chili powder and garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Mix cooked quinoa with cooked chicken, peppers and onions. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
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