Chicken and Rice Fajitas in Foil

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Chicken and Rice Fajitas in Foil are incredibly versatile and easy to make. The best part? They’re cooked in individual foil packets, which means less cleanup and more flavor. The chicken cooks perfectly in its own juices while absorbing the seasoning from the rice and veggies. Each packet is a complete meal, and the flavors are customizable to your liking. You can adjust the heat level, swap out vegetables, or even add extra toppings like sour cream or guacamole. Plus, they’re great for meal prepping, making them an excellent choice for busy nights.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)

• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

• Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken strips with olive oil, fajita seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the chicken is evenly coated.

3. Lay out 4 large pieces of aluminum foil. Evenly divide the cooked rice, chicken, bell peppers, and onions among the four pieces of foil.

4. Fold the foil over the chicken and vegetables, creating sealed packets. Make sure the packets are tightly sealed to keep in the steam and juices while cooking.

5. If grilling: Place the foil packets on the grill over medium heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
   If baking: Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes.

6. Carefully open the foil packets (watch out for steam!) and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, if using. Close the foil packets again and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.

7. Serve the fajitas directly from the foil packets with lime wedges and cilantro, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add some sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for an extra kick.

• Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with sautéed tofu or extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes for a vegetarian-friendly meal.

• Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to make the meal lower in carbs.

• Add Toppings: Top with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for extra flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover fajita packets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, you can place the foil packets in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to thaw the chicken first for even cooking, but you can use frozen chicken if needed. Just make sure to extend the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.

Can I make these fajitas in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the foil packets in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. Just make sure they are tightly sealed to avoid any air exposure.

Can I use other types of rice?

Yes, you can use any type of rice, such as brown rice or jasmine rice, depending on your preference. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works great!

Can I bake these in the oven instead of grilling?

Yes, you can easily bake these fajitas in the oven. Simply preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the foil packets for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

Can I add more vegetables to the packets?

Absolutely! You can add extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or corn to the foil packets to customize the dish to your liking.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can check using a meat thermometer to ensure it’s safe to eat.

Can I make this dish without foil?

Yes, you can use parchment paper or a baking dish with a lid instead of foil. Just make sure to cover the dish tightly to trap the steam and moisture.

Can I add cheese before cooking the packets?

You can add cheese before cooking, but it might melt and spill out. It’s best to add the cheese in the last few minutes of cooking for a nice melt and presentation.

Can I make this recipe with ground chicken or turkey?

Yes, you can use ground chicken or turkey in place of the sliced chicken breasts. Just be sure to cook it fully before adding to the foil packets.

How do I serve these fajitas?

You can serve the fajitas directly from the foil packets or transfer them to plates. Add some lime wedges and fresh cilantro for extra flavor, or serve with tortillas or a side of salsa.

Conclusion

Chicken and Rice Fajitas in Foil are a fantastic and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, picnics, or grilling out. The combination of juicy chicken, seasoned rice, and vibrant fajita vegetables creates a tasty, balanced dish that everyone will enjoy. With the added bonus of minimal cleanup and customization options, this recipe is sure to become a regular favorite in your meal rotation. Simple, delicious, and fun to make, these fajitas are the perfect way to enjoy a flavorful, wholesome meal!