Description

A gentle, low-stress weeknight dinner featuring air-fried chicken and charred vegetables served over rice or quinoa. This recipe is designed to be nourishing, forgiving, and perfect for tired evenings.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized strips
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
3 large bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced into half-inch strips
1 large yellow onion, sliced into half-rings
1 cup dry basmati rice or quinoa
1 ripe avocado, sliced
Small handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional, for serving)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Pat chicken breasts dry and slice into half-inch strips. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and fajita seasoning in a large bowl. Set aside.
Slice bell peppers and onions into uniform strips/rings.
Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
Cook chicken strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until cooked through and slightly charred.
While chicken cooks, toss peppers and onions with remaining olive oil and salt. Cook in the air fryer at 380°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway, until tender and charred.
Cook rice or quinoa according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
Assemble bowls by spooning rice or quinoa into serving bowls.
Top with warm chicken and charred veggies.
Arrange sliced avocado on top, sprinkle with cilantro, and add a dollop of Greek yogurt if desired.
Squeeze fresh lime juice over everything and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper charring; cook in batches if necessary. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This recipe does not freeze well as vegetables may become mushy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 420
Sugar: 8
Sodium: 600
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 30
Fiber: 6
Protein: 35

Keywords: air fryer, chicken fajita bowls, weeknight dinner, healthy meals, comfort food, gluten-free, easy recipes