Low Carb Grilled Chicken Fajita Bowl

The low carb grilled chicken fajita bowl offers a keto-friendly twist on the classic fajita experience by skipping tortillas and rice while keeping all the bold flavors. Juicy marinated grilled chicken, colorful bell peppers, and onions come together with creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, and bright lime for a smoky and vibrant meal. This bowl is packed with protein, healthy fats, and low-carb vegetables, making it perfect for an easy keto dinner or meal prep that satisfies without excess carbs.

Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine American, Mexican, Tex-Mex

Keyword fajita bowl, gluten free, grilled chicken, keto, low-carb, meal prep

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Total Time 40

Servings bowls

Calories 520kcal

Equipment

Mixing bowl
grill or grill pan
large skillet or cast-iron pan
Cutting board
Chef's knife
Tongs

Ingredients

For the grilled chicken

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into thin strips
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice plus more for serving if desired
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon fine sea salt or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

For the fajita vegetables

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium red bell pepper cored and thinly sliced
1 medium green bell pepper cored and thinly sliced
1 small yellow onion thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For serving the bowls

2 medium avocados pitted and sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
4 tablespoons sour cream full-fat, about 1 tablespoon per bowl, optional
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend, optional
2 cups cooked cauliflower rice warm, about 1/2 cup per bowl, optional base

Instructions

Add the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper for the chicken to a mixing bowl and whisk until well combined.
Add the chicken strips to the bowl, toss to coat evenly in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
When ready to cook, preheat a grill or grill pan over medium high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the marinated chicken strips in a single layer, working in batches if needed, turning once until nicely charred on the edges and cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes per side, then transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium high heat, add the olive oil for the vegetables, and swirl to coat the pan.
Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the hot skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender crisp and slightly charred in spots, about 6 to 8 minutes.
If using cauliflower rice, warm it in a separate skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through and divide it among serving bowls.
Divide the grilled chicken and sautéed fajita vegetables evenly among the bowls, arranging them over the cauliflower rice or directly in the bowls if not using a base.
Top each bowl with avocado slices, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a spoonful of sour cream, and a handful of shredded cheese, then squeeze fresh lime juice over the top just before serving.
Serve the grilled chicken fajita bowls hot and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice to taste if desired.

Notes

For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling so it cooks more evenly. You can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier result while keeping the dish keto friendly. To meal prep, store the cooked chicken and vegetables together in airtight containers for up to 4 days and add fresh avocado, cilantro, and lime only at serving time. Adjust the level of heat by adding sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the marinade if you like it spicier. Always verify nutrition if you change toppings such as cheese, sour cream, or cauliflower rice to ensure the bowls stay within your keto carb targets.

Nutrition