Craving a vibrant and flavorful meal that's both satisfying and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than this delicious Chicken Fajita Rice recipe! This one-pan wonder combines the juicy tenderness of chicken fajitas with the comforting warmth of fluffy rice, all infused with the bright, zesty flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep times; this dish is designed for busy weeknights, delivering restaurant-quality taste without the restaurant-quality effort. We use readily available ingredients to create a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Imagine tender chicken bursting with fajita seasoning, perfectly cooked rice imbued with smoky peppers and onions, and all of it ready in under 30 minutes. This Chicken Fajita Rice is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a quick family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. Ready to create this culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the easy step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- Frying pan or wok
- Pot for rice
Ingredients
- Basmati rice: 500g
- Chicken: 500g
- Garlic: 1 tbsp, finely chopped
- Salt: to taste
- Oil: 1-2 tbsp
- Black pepper powder: 1 tsp
- Roasted ground cumin powder: 2 tsp
- Kashmiri red chili powder: 3 tsp
- Spicy red chili powder: 1 tsp
- Paprika powder (optional): null
- Coriander powder: 2 tsp
- Mixed herbs or oregano (optional): 1/2 tsp
- Water: 1/2 cup + extra as needed
- Capsicums (various colors): null
- Onion: 1 large
- Tomato ketchup: 8 tbsp
- Red chili sauce: 2 tbsp
- Red garlic chili sauce: 2 tbsp
- Soy sauce: 1 tbsp
- Vinegar: 1 tbsp
- Chili sauce (optional): 1 tbsp
- Spring onion leaves: null
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Rice and Chicken
- Wash and soak Basmati rice in fresh water for 15 minutes. Drain and add salt and oil. Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add all the rice and cook until almost done, leaving a few grains uncooked.
- Remove the cooked rice and set aside to cool.
- In a frying pan, fry finely chopped garlic for 1 minute.
- Add the washed and cut chicken strips. Cook until the color changes.
- Add black pepper powder, roasted cumin powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, spicy red chili powder, paprika powder (optional), coriander powder, and mixed herbs or oregano (optional). Mix well and fry the chicken with the spices until the oil separates.
- Add 1/2 cup of water, stir and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked.
Step 2. Sauté Vegetables and Season
- Add sliced capsicums and onions. Cook for 8-10 seconds.
- Add tomato ketchup, red chili sauce, red garlic chili sauce, soy sauce, and vinegar. Stir well and bring to a slight boil.
Step 3. Combine and Simmer
- Add the cooked rice, stir and cook on low to medium heat for 10 minutes, covered.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with spring onion leaves and serve hot.
Read more: Quick & Easy Pantry Mexican Rice with Rotel
Tips
- Add water to the rice based on your preference. If your rice is fully cooked, you might not need any additional water; otherwise, add a small amount (1/4 cup or less).
- Adjust seasoning to your taste. The recipe suggests adding more chili sauce if you prefer spicier rice.
- Leaving some rice grains uncooked before mixing helps to achieve a better texture. It's also important to keep the rice from overcooking, which can lead to a mushier consistency.
- Adding water before the sauces helps the vegetables and rice absorb the flavors.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded leftover chicken works perfectly. Just add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking the rice to heat through.
2. What can I substitute for the chicken?
You can easily substitute with shrimp, steak, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking time as needed for different proteins.
This Chicken Fajita Rice recipe is a testament to how simple, flavorful meals can be. From weeknight dinners to casual gatherings, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the vibrant tastes of Mexico, made effortlessly in your own kitchen!