Spiced Pulled Chicken Rice Bowls with Fresh Tomato Salsa

These pulled chicken rice bowls are the ultimate quick-fix dinner when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful. We start with tender pulled chicken that’s already cooked, then warm it up with a bold fajita spice blend and a touch of chicken stock for a rich, saucy finish. Served over fluffy jasmine rice and topped with a fresh tomato salsa, melted Monterey Jack cheese and a cool spoonful of sour cream, every bite is a balance of textures and tastes.

This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The homemade salsa adds a bright, citrusy kick that cuts through the richness of the chicken and cheese. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings-avocado, hot sauce or extra lime juice all work beautifully.

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Ingredients

0.5 cup Jasmine RiceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Red OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit ScallionsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Long Green PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Roma TomatoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LimeView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

8 ounce Pulled ChickenView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Fajita Spice BlendView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Chicken Stock ConcentrateView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 cup Monterey Jack CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 teaspoon Vegetable OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. In a small pot, combine 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon butter. Bring to a boil, then stir in the jasmine rice. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and keep covered.
2. While the rice cooks, prepare the vegetables. Halve, peel and thinly slice the red onion. Trim and thinly slice the scallions. Halve the long green pepper, remove the core and seeds, then thinly slice. Finely chop the roma tomato. Cut the lime in half; cut one half into wedges for serving.
3. Heat a drizzle of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and green pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add another drizzle of oil to the skillet. Tear the pulled chicken into smaller pieces and add to the pan. Season with salt, pepper and the fajita spice blend. Cook, tossing, until the chicken is warmed through, 2-3 minutes. Stir in the chicken stock concentrate and ½ cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and stir in 1 tablespoon butter. Let simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, 1-2 minutes.
5. While the chicken simmers, make the salsa. In a small bowl, combine the chopped tomato and sliced scallions. Squeeze in the juice from the lime half. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine.
6. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and season with salt and pepper. Divide the rice between serving bowls. Top with the vegetable and chicken mixture, including any sauce from the skillet. Spoon the fresh salsa and sour cream over the top. Sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the bowls.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can substitute jasmine rice with basmati, long-grain white rice or even brown rice. Adjust the cooking time and liquid according to the rice package instructions.

What can I use instead of pulled chicken?

Shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast that you shred yourself works well. You can also use leftover roasted chicken.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your fajita spice blend and chicken stock concentrate to ensure they are certified gluten-free.