Name: One-Pan Chicken Fajita Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (divided); 1/2 cup White Onion (diced); 1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper (diced); 1/2 cup Green Bell Pepper (diced); 1 clove Garlic (minced); 1 cup Long-Grain White Rice; 2.75 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth; 1/4 cup Sour Cream; 2 cups Rotisserie Chicken (shredded); 1 can Old El Paso Diced Green Chiles ((4.5 ounces)); 1 tablespoon Lime Juice (about one lime); 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin; 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder; 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese; Cilantro (for garnish (optional)); Sour Cream, Guacamole, Diced Tomato (for serving)

Jump to Recipe

Looking for a cozy meal that’s bursting with Southwest flavor but doesn’t require a sinkload of dishes? One-Pan Chicken Fajita Rice is here to save dinnertime! This savory, colorful, and ultra-comforting dish is all about juicy rotisserie chicken, sweet bell peppers, and fluffy rice wrapped up in the bright and zesty flavors of classic fajitas—all with almost zero kitchen cleanup. If you love the ease of sheet pan meals, you’ll adore this stir-and-simmer wonder. Fun fact: I first tried one-pan recipes after a whirlwind workweek, and my family asked for seconds before I even sat down to eat! If you love our Creamy One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta, you’ll find this recipe just as quick, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, lazy cooks, or anyone craving comfort, give this a try—you’ll wonder why you ever made fajitas the old way!

What is One-Pan Chicken Fajita Rice?

Let’s break it down: “One-Pan Chicken Fajita Rice” is a dinner party in a skillet. Why juggle three pans when you could toss everything—chicken, peppers, and rice—together and let the flavors mingle? Was it invented by a busy mom, a smart college student, or a chef tired of scrubbing pans? We may never know, but one thing’s for sure: the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and this dish takes a delicious shortcut. It’s basically fajitas ditched the tortillas to cozy up with rice instead. Are you ready to make dinner—and cleanup—a breeze? Try this recipe tonight, and thank yourself later!

Why You’ll Love This

The main highlight here is the irresistible combination of juicy rotisserie chicken, aromatic peppers, and creamy, seasoned rice all harmonizing in a single pan. It delivers robust, family-friendly flavor without demanding hours of prep or fancy techniques. Making it at home not only saves big compared to takeout or eating out but also lets you control every ingredient—no mystery sauces or hidden preservatives. What really makes it special are the toppings: melty cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole to add that cool, creamy finish. If you’re a fan of our Cheesy Taco Skillet, you’re going to fall in love with this quick and wholesome twist on Tex-Mex. Ready to wow your taste buds and your wallet? Grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!

How to Make

Quick Overview

If you love fast, delicious meals with very little cleanup, this recipe will be your new go-to. One-Pan Chicken Fajita Rice is ready in about 35 minutes, and it’s mostly hands-off once you’ve prepped your veggies and chicken. The rich blend of peppers and onions, savory chicken, and perfectly seasoned rice makes every bite satisfying. The best part? The creamy finishing touch of sour cream swirled in at the end, bringing everything together with a tangy twist. Get ready to enjoy hearty, homestyle comfort with a Tex-Mex flair—no takeout required!

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

1/2 white onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)

1/2 red bell pepper, diced (about 1/2 cup)

1/2 green bell pepper, diced (about 1/2 cup)

1 clove garlic, minced

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1/4 cup sour cream

2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded

1 (4.5 ounce) can Old El Paso diced green chiles

Juice of one lime (about 1 tablespoon)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Cilantro for garnish (optional)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Sour cream, guacamole, diced tomato, cilantro for serving

Step-by-Step

Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and aromatic.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the rice to the skillet and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick or burn.
Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the salt, cumin, and chili powder. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken, diced green chiles, and remaining tablespoon of butter. Fold in the sour cream and lime juice. Mix gently to combine everything well and heat the chicken through.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro (if desired) and serve with extra toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, and diced tomato.

What to Serve One-Pan Chicken Fajita Rice With

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with warm flour or corn tortillas, making it even more filling. Try serving it with a simple side salad of greens and avocado for a refreshing balance, or a crunchy corn and black bean salsa to add more texture and zing. For drinks, a classic lime margarita, fruity iced tea, or sparkling water with citrus are perfect complements. Add tortilla chips on the side if you’re feeling festive, and don’t forget extra guacamole!

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use leftover rotisserie or cooked chicken to save time—just shred it before adding.
Substitute brown rice if you prefer, but add 1/2 cup more broth and cook for 10 extra minutes.
Amp up the heat by adding sliced jalapeños or more chili powder.
Don’t overcook the rice; check it at 15 minutes and add a splash more broth if needed.
Mix in black beans or corn for even more Tex-Mex flair and extra fiber.
For a cheesier finish, broil the pan (oven-safe only) for 2 minutes after adding the cheese.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions with a damp paper towel over the top to keep the rice moist, or warm the skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water stirred in. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as above. Always add fresh toppings like cilantro or guacamole right before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Simply dice cooked chicken breasts or thighs and use them in place of rotisserie chicken.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all your ingredients (especially chicken broth and canned chiles) are gluten-free, this dish is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute cooked black beans or a meatless chicken alternative for the rotisserie chicken and use vegetable broth instead.

Do I need a specific skillet for this recipe?
Any large, deep skillet with a lid will work. A nonstick or enamel-coated pan makes cleanup even easier.

Can I add more veggies?
Of course! Try adding zucchini, mushrooms, or fresh tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

One-Pan Chicken Fajita Rice is proof that you don’t need an army of pots and pans to make a soulful, delicious family meal. With bright colors, zesty flavors, and a creamy finish, it’s the ultimate comfort dish you’ll want in your rotation week after week. Minimal prep, easy cleanup, and tons of room for customization—this is the kind of recipe that makes you look forward to dinner at home. Give it a try, and share how it turned out! Hungry for more one-pan wonders? Explore our blog for even more easy weeknight favorites.