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Flavorful Grilled Chicken Fajitas Recipe with Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

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A quick and easy recipe featuring smoky grilled chicken fajitas paired with bright, fragrant cilantro lime rice. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into thin strips
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice and zest of 1 lime
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional toppings and sides: warm flour or corn tortillas, sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced avocado or guacamole, shredded cheese, fresh salsa or pico de gallo

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, lime juice, and cayenne pepper if using. Add sliced chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  2. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Add rice and a pinch of salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes.
  3. Fluff rice with a fork. Stir in butter or olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Adjust salt to taste. Keep covered and warm.
  4. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil grill grates or pan. Grill marinated chicken strips for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through and charred. Avoid overcrowding.
  5. While chicken cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced bell peppers and onions, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 6-8 minutes until tender but slightly crisp.
  6. Warm tortillas if using. Plate grilled chicken with sautéed vegetables alongside cilantro lime rice. Add desired toppings such as sour cream, avocado, or salsa.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Avoid overcrowding the grill or pan to ensure proper searing. Let rice rest after cooking to make it fluffier. Use corn tortillas for gluten-free option. Swap chicken with shrimp or tofu for variation. Use broth instead of water for more flavor in rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken fajitas, cilantro lime rice, easy dinner, Mexican recipe, weeknight meal, healthy fajitas, quick chicken recipe

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/flavorful-grilled-chicken-fajitas-recipe-with-easy-cilantro-lime-rice/