A method for forming ceramic matrix composite (CMC) component includes forming a fiber preform (58), positioning the fiber preform (58) into a chemical vapor infiltration reaction chamber (18), and densifying the fiber preform (58). Densification includes infiltrating the fiber preform (58) with a first gas comprising precursors of silicon carbide and infiltrating the fiber preform (58) with a second gas comprising a first rare earth element, wherein the steps of infiltrating the fiber preform (58) with the first gas and infiltrating the fiber preform (58) with the second gas are conducted simultaneously to produce a first rare earth-doped silicon carbide matrix in a first region (86; 92, 96) of the component.