Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet
This Chicken Fajita Rice Skillet is a one-pan wonder packed with juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, creamy rice, and melted cheese. It’s an easy, flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Servings: 4
Calories: 614kcal
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium red bell pepper diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper diced
- ½ medium yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ounce fajita seasoning 1 packet
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth low-sodium
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Sprinkle half of the fajita seasoning over the chicken. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Add the diced bell pepper, onion and garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Sprinkle the remaining fajita seasoning, smoked paprika and garlic powder over the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the tomato paste and stir. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the uncooked rice, mixing it well with the chicken and vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes (or according to your rice package instructions), until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top. Serve hot and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and creamy texture. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly.
- Adjust the spice level by using less fajita seasoning or skipping the smoked paprika if you prefer a milder flavor.
- For best results, rinse the rice before cooking to prevent it from clumping.
- Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to fully develop before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 614kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 170mg | Sodium: 939mg | Potassium: 707mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 3377IU | Vitamin C: 68mg | Calcium: 265mg | Iron: 3mg
