Save My Tuesday nights used to be takeout territory until a friend challenged me to recreate restaurant-style fajitas at home. The smell of cumin and smoked paprika hitting a hot skillet changed everything. Now these bowls are my go-to when I want something that feels like a treat but comes together faster than delivery would arrive.
Last summer my neighbor smelled these cooking through our open windows and showed up with tortillas. We ended up eating on the back porch as the sun set, and she admitted shed never made fajitas at home because it seemed too complicated. Watching her face when she took that first bite reminded me why simple, good food matters.
What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Cutting against the grain into thin strips ensures every bite stays tender
- Smoked paprika: This is the secret ingredient that gives the chicken that distinctive fajita flavor
- Bell peppers: Using three colors makes the bowl vibrant and each pepper brings slightly different sweetness
- Red onion: Sweeter than white onion and holds up beautifully to high heat
- Lime juice: Essential for both marinating the chicken and that final squeeze of brightness
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Instructions
- Get your rice going first:
- Rinse until water runs clear, then simmer covered for fluffy grains that will be the perfect base
- Marinate while the rice cooks:
- Coat chicken strips thoroughly with the spice blend and let them sit for at least 10 minutes
- Sear the chicken hot:
- Cook in a ripping hot skillet until browned and cooked through, about 7 minutes
- Char the vegetables:
- Sauté peppers and onions in the same pan until they have those gorgeous blistered spots
- Build your bowls:
- Layer rice, chicken, and vegetables then let everyone add their favorite toppings
Save My daughter now requests these for her birthday dinner every year. She arranges her toppings in perfectly neat rows while my son creates mountains of sour cream and salsa. Seeing them build their own bowls reminds me that food is about more than nutrition.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is. Ive swapped in skirt steak when chicken felt too routine, and shrimp cooks in just a few minutes for a weeknight version that feels fancy.
Batch Cooking Secrets
Cooking the rice in bulk on Sunday saves precious minutes on busy nights. The chicken and vegetables reheat beautifully, and having everything ready means you can assemble bowls in under five minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Warm tortillas on the side turn this into a hybrid meal that satisfies everyone at the table. A crisp lager or chilled white wine cuts through the spices perfectly.
- Set up toppings in small bowls so guests can help themselves
- Extra lime wedges always disappear first
- Leftovers make an excellent lunch the next day
Save The best meals are the ones that bring people to the table, even on busy Tuesday nights.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → Can I make this bowl ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components in advance. Store the cooked rice, chicken, and vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before assembling and add fresh toppings just before serving.
- → What can I use instead of rice?
Cauliflower rice makes an excellent low-carb alternative. You could also use quinoa, farro, or leave out the grain base entirely for a lighter version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep each component separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken and vegetables will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Avoid adding creamy toppings like sour cream until you're ready to eat.
- → Can I use other proteins?
Absolutely. Steak strips, shrimp, or even tofu work beautifully with the same seasoning blend. Adjust cooking times based on your chosen protein—shrimp cooks in just 2-3 minutes, while steak needs about 4-5 minutes for medium-rare.
- → What other toppings work well?
Black beans, corn kernels, pickled jalapeños, radish slices, or a drizzle of chipotle sauce all add fantastic flavor and texture. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving brightens everything up.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Perfect for meal prep. Portion everything into individual containers, keeping toppings separate. When ready to eat, simply reheat the base and add your fresh garnishes. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight.
