This Chicken Fajita Quinoa Bowl Is the High-Protein Dinner You Should Try This Week

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These sheet-pan chicken fajita quinoa bowls are a colorful, flavor-packed dinner that comes together with minimal fuss. Chicken thighs, bell peppers and onions roast together in a bold spice blend, then get a quick broil for extra char and depth. Fluffy quinoa, brightened with cilantro and lime, forms a hearty base that soaks up the savory pan juices. A creamy, spiced yogurt sauce ties everything together.

A recipe image of Chicken Fajita Quinoa Bowl.
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Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

  • This delicious chicken-and-vegetable sheet-pan dinner is quick to assemble and can be meal-prepped in advance.
  • This dish is an excellent source of both protein and fiber, which both support satiety. 
  • Another great way to serve these chicken fajitas is with corn tortillas instead of quinoa.

Our Chicken Fajita Quinoa Bowls will quickly become a staple at the dinner table. Protein-rich chicken thighs and antioxidant-rich bell peppers and onions are slathered in a delicious mix of pantry-staple spices—guaranteed to wake up your taste buds. A quick broil kisses the chicken with a bit of char, amping up the flavor. This mixture is nestled on a bed of fiber-packed quinoa and drizzled with a tangy yogurt dressing and garnished with bright, fresh cilantro. Keep reading for our expert tips on how to use leftovers for this meal, smart ingredient substitutions and more. 

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

  • First, the chicken and vegetables are roasted, and then, toward the end of the roasting process, they are briefly broiled. This technique results in a perfectly crispy exterior.
  • Instead of quinoa, you can serve the chicken fajitas with corn tortillas.
  • You can top the dish with guacamole or sour cream in place of the yogurt sauce, if you prefer.

Nutrition Notes

  • Chicken thighs are a combination of dark and white meat, which gives them a juicier texture. Because of the dark meat, they contain slightly more iron than chicken breasts. Chicken is also a source of B vitamins, essential for a healthy metabolism. 
  • Bell peppers are low in carbohydrates and brimming with vitamin C, but some of this may be lost in the cooking process. They are also a source of fiber, which is excellent for digestive health. 
  • Quinoa is a unique whole grain. It is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. Quinoa also contains potassium, important for maintaining healthy blood pressure, and magnesium for heart health and to help get a good night’s sleep.
Ingredients for a chicken fajita quinoa bowl arranged on a countertop

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder

  • 2 teaspoons paprika

  • 1 teaspoon ground pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6), trimmed and patted dry

  • 2 small multicolored bell peppers, sliced (about 3 cups)

  • 1 medium red onion, sliced (about 2 cups)

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • cups water

  • 1 cup tricolor quinoa

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice plus 2 teaspoons, divided

  • ¼ cup whole-milk plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Stir 2 teaspoons each cumin, chili powder and paprika and 1 teaspoon each pepper, garlic powder and salt together in a large bowl; set aside 1½ teaspoons of the mixture. Add trimmed chicken thighs, sliced bell peppers, sliced onion and 2 tablespoons oil to the mixture in the large bowl; toss to coat. Spread evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet.

    A recipe image of Chicken Fajita Quinoa Bowl.

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

  2. Roast until the chicken is almost cooked through, about 20 minutes. Increase oven temperature to broil (do not remove baking sheet); broil until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 165°F and the vegetables are browned in spots, about 5 minutes.

    A sheet pan with cooked chicken sliced bell peppers and onions

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

  3. Meanwhile, combine 1¾ cups water and 1 cup quinoa in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until the liquid is absorbed, 12 to 15 minutes. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons cilantro, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon reserved spice mixture and the remaining 1 tablespoon oil.

  4. In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup yogurt and the remaining 2 teaspoons lime juice and ½ teaspoon reserved spice mixture.

  5. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and chop into bite-size pieces. Divide the quinoa among 4 bowls. Top with the roasted vegetables and any accumulated pan juices. Add the chicken and a dollop of the yogurt mixture. Garnish with additional cilantro, if desired.

    Diced cooked chicken on a cutting board with a knife

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

To make ahead

Refrigerate chicken, vegetables, quinoa and sauce in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days. Assemble bowls just before serving.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: ¾ cup quinoa, ¾ cup vegetables, ½ cup chicken & 1 Tbsp. yogurt sauce

Calories 495, Fat 21g, Saturated Fat 4g, Cholesterol 2mg, Carbohydrates 40g, Total Sugars 6g, Added Sugars 0g, Protein 39g, Fiber 7g, Sodium 762mg, Potassium 546mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What if I don’t like cilantro?

    We love the bright, citrusy flavor that cilantro adds to this dish, but you could substitute it with parsley, which has a milder, grassier taste. However, you might want to consider using less parsley than cilantro.

  • Can I use a different grain?

    We enjoy quinoa because it turns out nice and fluffy. However, with most grain bowls, you can easily substitute one grain for another. For instance, you could replace quinoa with white rice, brown rice, farro or any other preferred grain. While the taste and texture will vary, the dish should still be delicious.

  • How should I store and reheat leftovers?

    Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, warm them in a covered skillet on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave. Add about a tablespoon of water, or a little more if needed, to the leftovers and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring halfway through to ensure everything warms evenly.

  • What should I serve with Chicken Fajita Quinoa Bowl?

    This recipe serves as a meal on its own, but if you’d like to make it more substantial, consider adding a side of our flavorful Esquites (Mexican Corn), made with grilled corn. A Basic Green Salad with Vinaigrette is refreshing and can be made in 10 minutes, or you could opt for our Roasted Corn, Black Bean & Mango Salad, which can be prepared up to 8 hours in advance.

Recipe developed by Jasmine Smith

EatingWell.com, October 2025

Additional reporting by
Sarah Pflugradt, Ph.D., RDN, CSCS
Sarah Pflugradt

Sarah Pflugradt is a registered dietitian who holds a Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist. Her extensive background in dietetics has made her a sought-after expert in family and youth sports nutrition.

and
Linda Frahm
Linda Frahm has been a copy editor and fact checker working with food and nutrition content for the past 30-plus years for consumer print and online publications.