Quick and Easy Chicken Burrito Bowls for Weekday Meal Prep

Benefits and Advantages of meal prep chicken burrito bowls

Meal prep chicken burrito bowls are a fantastic choice for those looking to combine convenience with nutrition. Designed to be quick and easy to assemble, this recipe allows you to cook in bulk and enjoy ready-to-eat meals throughout a busy week. The inclusion of lean chicken provides a high-protein base, essential for muscle repair and sustained energy.

Complemented by fiber-rich ingredients like black beans and colorful vegetables, these bowls support digestive health and promote a feeling of fullness. Their flexibility to accommodate different spice preferences and dietary needs makes them suitable for a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re following a low-carb, gluten-free, or calorie-conscious lifestyle, you can adjust this recipe accordingly. With its portability and balanced nutrients, meal prep chicken burrito bowls help maintain energy and satisfaction during hectic weekdays.

This meal prep solution offers both wholesome flavor and practical convenience, ideal for anyone seeking nutritious meals on the go.

Essential Ingredients for meal prep chicken burrito bowls

Gather these key ingredients to prepare fresh and tasty chicken burrito bowls:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 3 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 1 large red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (store-bought or a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 jar salsa or homemade salsa (diced tomatoes, minced onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice)
• 3 cups cooked brown rice or cilantro-lime rice (cooked with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can or 1½ cups fresh or frozen corn
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or alternative (optional)
• 1 large avocado, diced or mashed as guacamole
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro for garnish
• Optional toppings: sour cream, pickled jalapeños, pickled red onions

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your meal prep chicken burrito bowls

Personalize your burrito bowls to suit dietary needs with these easy substitutions:

• Vegan/Vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or seasoned jackfruit to retain protein and texture.
• Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free brown rice and ensure all canned goods and seasonings are free from gluten.
• Low-Carb: Substitute brown rice with cauliflower rice or extra vegetables such as zucchini.
• Dairy-Free: Omit cheese or use plant-based cheese alternatives and replace sour cream with dairy-free options.
• Nut Allergies: Double-check seasoning blends to avoid nut-derived ingredients for safe consumption.

These adjustments keep the dishes inclusive and enjoyable for a wide range of dietary preferences.

How to Prepare the Perfect meal prep chicken burrito bowls: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Marinate the Chicken: Coat chicken breasts with olive oil, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let sit for at least 15 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and browned. Let rest, then slice into strips.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: While chicken cooks, slice bell peppers and red onion. Sauté with remaining olive oil for 3-4 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse black beans and corn.
4. Cook the Rice: Prepare 3 cups cooked brown or cilantro-lime rice according to package directions.
5. Assemble the Bowls: Divide rice evenly into four meal prep containers. Layer with black beans, corn, sautéed peppers and onions, and sliced chicken.
6. Add Toppings: Spoon salsa, shredded cheese if using, and diced avocado or guacamole over each bowl.
7. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh cilantro and add a wedge of lime to each serving.
8. Store: Cover containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Reheat chicken and rice for 2-3 minutes before serving to enjoy these flavors at their best. Customize bowls with optional toppings based on your preferences.

Mastering meal prep chicken burrito bowls: Advanced Tips and Variations

To truly master meal prep chicken burrito bowls, start by marinating chicken breasts overnight in a blend of lime juice, olive oil, taco seasoning, and garlic. This deepens the flavor and tenderizes the meat for juicy, flavorful bites. Experiment with grains by swapping out brown rice for quinoa or a mix of both to increase protein and add texture variations.

Enhance your bowls with roasted or sautéed vegetables such as sweet potatoes, zucchini, or extra bell peppers for a colorful and nutrient-dense meal. To add spice, stir in diced jalapeños or a smoky chipotle sauce before serving. For creamy elements, prepare a homemade avocado crema or tahini-based dressing to drizzle over your bowls. Vegan options can include grilled portobello mushrooms or spiced seitan to keep plant-based meals satisfying.

When freezing meal prep burrito bowls, store components separately grains, proteins, and vegetables to maintain their texture and freshness upon reheating. Always garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice just before serving to brighten the flavor profile.

How to Store meal prep chicken burrito bowls: Best Practices

Proper storage is essential to keep your meal prep chicken burrito bowls fresh and delicious throughout the week. Store the bowls in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To preserve the texture of fresh ingredients, keep toppings like diced avocado, salsa, sour cream, and cheese separate and add them just before eating.

For longer storage, freeze the cooked components such as chicken, rice, beans, and roasted vegetables in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing fresh toppings or cheese as they can lose quality. When reheating, microwave or warm the chicken and rice thoroughly, then add fresh toppings afterward for the best taste and texture.

Labelling containers with preparation dates helps you manage freshness and avoid waste. Reheating ingredients gently on the stove or microwave preserves moisture and flavor while maintaining food safety.

Nutritional Value of meal prep chicken burrito bowls

Meal prep chicken burrito bowls offer a well-balanced nutritional profile, supporting energy and satiety.

With wholesome ingredients combining lean protein, complex carbs, and fiber-rich vegetables, these bowls make an ideal balanced meal for meal prep enthusiasts.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About meal prep chicken burrito bowls

Quick and Easy Chicken Burrito Bowls for Weekday Meal Prep

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🌯 Dive into these Quick and Easy Chicken Burrito Bowls for a nutritious burst of flavor and energy for your busy weekdays! 🍗 With a balance of protein, grains, and fresh vegetables, they are perfect to enjoy any day.

• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
3 bell peppers, sliced
1 large red onion, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 jar salsa
3 cups cooked brown rice
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can corn (or 1 ½ cups fresh/frozen corn)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1 lime, cut into wedges
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, for garnish
Optional additions: diced avocado, sour cream, pickled jalapeños

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Place chicken, bell peppers, and onion on the sheet; drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
3. Coat chicken with taco seasoning. Season peppers and onions with salt and pepper.
4. Top each chicken breast with salsa and bake for 25 minutes until cooked.
5. Let chicken rest for 10 minutes, then slice.
6. Divide rice into meal prep containers; top with beans, corn, salsa, cheese, peppers, onions, and chicken.
7. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.

Last Step:

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Notes

🌶️ Avoid adding avocado or sour cream until serving to keep them fresh.
🍅 Customize your bowl with toppings like guacamole for added flavor.
💡 Sauté corn for a richer taste and add it just before serving.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Resting Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 5 grams
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 22 grams
• Saturated Fat: 8 grams
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 grams
• Trans Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 70 grams
• Fiber: 8 grams
• Protein: 42 grams
• Cholesterol: 100 mg