Name: Shrimp Fajita Bowls with Chipotle Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tbsp olive oil, divided; 1 fajita seasoning packet (1.27 oz); ½ medium yellow or white onion, thinly sliced; 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; ½ fresh lime; 2 cups cooked rice; ¼ cup guacamole; ¼ cup canned corn, drained and rinsed; 2 tbsp cotija cheese; Fresh cilantro for garnish; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; ½ cup mayonnaise; 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced; ½ tsp paprika; ¼ tsp salt; ½ fresh lime

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 9 reviews

If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful dinner that comes together quickly and is loaded with textures and colors, you have to try this incredible Shrimp Fajita Bowls with Chipotle Sauce Recipe. Picture perfectly seasoned shrimp roasted alongside sweet, tender bell peppers and onions, all nestled over fluffy rice and topped with creamy guacamole, salty cotija cheese, and a smoky, spicy chipotle sauce that makes every bite sing. This dish is a total game-changer for weeknight meals or prepping ahead to enjoy all week long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal baking tray holds two main layers of food: the top half features raw white shrimp, partially covered with a bright orange powder seasoning, scattered unevenly. The bottom half shows cooked sliced peppers and onions, with red, green, and some orange colors, slightly charred and glossy with oil. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Shrimp Fajita Bowls with Chipotle Sauce Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a special role: shrimp adds a juicy, tender protein; peppers and onions bring sweetness and a touch of crunch; and the chipotle sauce brings the smoky heat that ties it all together. Here’s what you need to gather before you start cooking.

1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp ensures tender, juicy bites with every mouthful.
2 tbsp olive oil, divided: For roasting the vegetables and shrimp to perfection with a subtle fruity flavor.
1 fajita seasoning packet (1.27 oz): The signature spice blend that pumps up the flavor without any extra effort.
½ medium yellow or white onion, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and a slight crunch that balances the dish.
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced: Provides vibrant color and a fresh, mild peppery taste.
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Offers a hint of sweetness and brightens up the bowl visually.
½ fresh lime: A juicy squeeze to brighten the whole dish at the end.
2 cups cooked rice: The fluffy, comforting base that holds all the delicious toppings.
¼ cup guacamole: A creamy, cooling counterpoint to the spicy chipotle sauce.
¼ cup canned corn, drained and rinsed: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and a satisfying pop.
2 tbsp cotija cheese: Crumbled salty cheese that adds a wonderful tang and richness.
Fresh cilantro for garnish: A fragrant, bright finish that lifts every bite.

How to Make Shrimp Fajita Bowls with Chipotle Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Roast Your Veggies

Preheat your oven to 425°F and toss those thinly sliced onions and bell peppers with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and half of the fajita seasoning. Spread them out on a sheet pan so they roast evenly. Pop them into the oven for about 10 minutes or until they start to get soft and just a little caramelized around the edges. This step softens the veggies beautifully while coaxing out their natural sweetness.

Step 2: Add the Shrimp

Now push those beautifully roasted veggies to one side of the pan. It’s time to add the shrimp. Toss them in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the rest of the fajita seasoning so every little shrimp is flavorful. Slide them onto the empty side of your sheet pan and pop it back in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the shrimp turn bright pink and curl up slightly. For a lovely charred touch, switch your oven to broil for the final 30 to 60 seconds, keeping a close eye so nothing burns. Once out, finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice over everything for a fresh zing.

Step 3: Whip Up the Chipotle Sauce

While your shrimp and peppers are roasting, mix together the sauce that makes this dish truly unforgettable. In a bowl, whisk plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers in adobo, paprika, salt, and another squeeze of fresh lime until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and packed with smoky, spicy goodness. This sauce perfectly complements the roasted shrimp and veggies and brings all the flavors into harmony.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls

Bring it all together by dividing the fluffy cooked rice between two bowls. Pile on that gorgeous roasted shrimp and fajita veggies, then dollop on guacamole, sprinkle corn kernels, crumble cotija cheese over the top, and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Drizzle a generous amount of that smoky chipotle sauce over everything, and you have a beautiful, mouthwatering bowl that’s ready to devour!

How to Serve Shrimp Fajita Bowls with Chipotle Sauce Recipe

A white bowl filled with a base layer of white rice, topped with three main sections: bright yellow corn kernels on the left, a green scoop of guacamole towards the back center, and a group of orange cooked shrimp mixed with red and green grilled bell peppers on the right. A light pink creamy sauce is drizzled over the shrimp, corn, and rice. Small bits of white cheese and chopped green cilantro are scattered evenly on top. In the background, another similar white bowl sits on a wooden board, partially visible with more rice, vegetables, and sauce. To the side, a small white cup holds a dark red sauce with whole tomato pieces. The whole setting is on a white marbled texture surface, with loose cilantro leaves and bits of cheese scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Feel free to get creative with your garnishes! Fresh cilantro is a classic and adds brightness, but sliced avocado or a few pickled jalapeños can up the freshness or spice factor. A sprinkle of extra cotija cheese or crunchy tortilla strips can also add texture and richness to your bowl. These small touches elevate your presentation and flavor experience.

Side Dishes

Though this Shrimp Fajita Bowls with Chipotle Sauce Recipe is a hearty, well-rounded meal on its own, pairing it with a light side salad or some crisp jicama slaw can add a refreshing crunch. Chips and salsa or warm corn tortillas also make fantastic companions if you want a little more variety at the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the shrimp fajita filling inside crisp taco shells for handheld enjoyment. Alternatively, try layering everything in mason jars for grab-and-go lunches or party-friendly presentations. You could also mix the shrimp and veggies into quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version that still shines with flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the shrimp and veggies separate from the rice and the chipotle sauce to preserve the freshest textures. When it’s time to eat, simply reheat gently and drizzle on the sauce fresh for maximum flavor.

Freezing

While shrimp can be frozen, it’s best to freeze the components separately. Cooked shrimp and veggies freeze better without the rice and toppings. Store them in airtight containers for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat your shrimp and veggies in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, being careful not to overcook the shrimp. Warm the rice separately in the microwave with a sprinkle of water to keep it fluffy. Add fresh toppings and chipotle sauce only after reheating to enjoy their full flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and roasting to get the best texture and flavor.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Shrimp Fajita Bowls with Chipotle Sauce Recipe?

Yes! Swap the shrimp for mushrooms, tofu, or even seasoned chickpeas, and roast with the same fajita seasoning for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

How spicy is the chipotle sauce?

The chipotle sauce has a smoky heat that is medium in spice; it offers warmth without overwhelming the dish, but you can adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to suit your taste.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! All the ingredients here are naturally gluten-free, but just double-check your fajita seasoning packet and other pre-packaged items to ensure there’s no hidden gluten.

What type of rice works best for this dish?

Any cooked rice will work well—long grain white, jasmine, or brown rice all suit this recipe beautifully. Choose your favorite and enjoy the comforting base it provides.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Shrimp Fajita Bowls with Chipotle Sauce Recipe, it will likely become a staple in your meal rotation. It offers a fantastic mix of textures and flavors that feel both comforting and exciting, and the ease of making everything on one sheet pan plus a quick sauce means less time fussing in the kitchen and more time enjoying a wholesome, satisfying meal. Don’t hesitate—get cooking and savor the delicious magic of this dish!

Shrimp Fajita Bowls with Chipotle Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need