Chicken Fajita and Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice Bowls

Inspired by a famous restaurant that has added "Lifestyle" bowls and salads to the menu, this recipe will appeal to folks who are grain-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free. This lively combination of fajita-style chicken, bell peppers, onions, and cilantro-lime cauliflower rice only needs a fork--no tortilla needed! Use a purchased marinade, if you prefer.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 269 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons water
• ¼ cup orange juice
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ cup guacamole, or to taste
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 pound frozen riced cauliflower
• ⅝ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, divided
• 1 ½ medium limes, juiced, divided
• ¼ teaspoon ground chipotle chile, or to taste
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 medium red pepper, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
• 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 1 medium onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon melted ghee
• ¼ cup fresh tomato salsa, sugar and preservative free, or as needed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Step 2

Combine 1/8 cup chopped cilantro, orange juice, 1/8 cup olive oil, juice of 1/2 lime, chipotle chili powder, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a resealable plastic bag. Gently squeeze the bag several times to combine the ingredients.

Step 3

Cut chicken into 1-inch slices, cutting across the chicken breast, and add to the marinade. Carefully squeeze out most of the air, seal the bag, and move chicken pieces around in the marinade to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour.

Step 4

Combine red bell pepper slices, green bell pepper slices, and onion pieces in a large bowl. Add remaining 1/8 cup olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until all the vegetable pieces are coated in oil and seasonings.

Step 5

Line a 12 x 18-inch sheet pan with foil or parchment paper and spread chicken slices and vegetables out on the pan in a single layer.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven until the chicken is done and the vegetables are lightly charred, about 25 minutes.

Step 7

Near the end of the baking time, prepare the cauliflower rice. Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add cauliflower rice and water. Cook, stirring frequently, until cauliflower is softened, about 5 minutes. Drain cauliflower rice and place in a serving bowl. Stir in melted ghee, reserved 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, juice of 1 lime, and lime zest. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 8

Assemble bowls by making a layer of cilantro-lime cauliflower rice, and a layer of fajita chicken and vegetables. Top with tomato salsa and guacamole.