Meal prep can be a game changer, right? It saves time, cuts down on stress during busy weeks, and keeps you on track with your healthy eating goals. That’s why I’m absolutely thrilled to share my Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep with you! This recipe is not only super simple but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Imagine tender chicken, fluffy brown rice, creamy avocado, and vibrant veggies all in one bowl—what’s not to love?
Each bowl is a delightful combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. Plus, you can easily customize it to your liking! I usually toss in some extra toppings like jalapeños or fresh cilantro for a little kick. It’s honestly so satisfying knowing I have these colorful, hearty bowls ready to go in the fridge. Trust me, once you try this Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen! Let’s dive into how to make this delicious meal prep together.
Ingredients List
To create the most delicious Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast – cut into cubes. I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option that cooks up tender and juicy.
- For the Rice:
- 1 cup brown rice – uncooked. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and is a great source of fiber, making your meal more filling.
- For the Toppings:
- 1 cup black beans – cooked. These are great for protein and fiber, and they add a creamy texture to your bowl.
- 1 cup corn – canned or frozen. Sweet corn brings in a burst of color and flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- 1 cup salsa – your choice. I love using a zesty salsa for extra flavor, but you can go mild or spicy depending on your taste.
- 1 cup shredded cheese – optional. A sprinkle of your favorite cheese adds creaminess and richness to each bite.
- 1 cup avocado – sliced. Avocado provides healthy fats and a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with all the other ingredients.
Feel free to adjust these ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. The beauty of this Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep is that it’s completely customizable! Enjoy making it your own!
How to Prepare Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! This Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep is so straightforward; I can practically guarantee you’ll make it on repeat. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have delicious, healthy meals ready to go!
Cooking the Chicken
First up, let’s cook that chicken! Heat your skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Once the oil is hot, toss in the 1 lb of cubed chicken breast. Cook it for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s golden brown and no longer pink in the center. I like to season my chicken with a pinch of salt, pepper, and maybe a sprinkle of chili powder for extra flavor. Use a meat thermometer if you have one—your chicken is ready when it hits 165°F (75°C). The aroma of seasoned chicken sizzling is just heavenly!
Preparing the Rice
While the chicken is cooking, it’s the perfect time to get your brown rice going! Rinse 1 cup of uncooked brown rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess starch. Then, follow the instructions on your rice cooker—typically, you’ll add the rice and 2 cups of water (or broth for extra flavor) to the cooker and set it to cook. Brown rice usually takes about 30-40 minutes to fluff up perfectly, so let it do its thing while you focus on the chicken. The smell of the rice cooking will make your kitchen feel so inviting!
Assembling the Bowls
Once the chicken is cooked and the rice is fluffy, it’s time to assemble your burrito bowls! Grab your meal prep containers and start by dividing the cooked rice evenly among them. Next, add the chicken on top—feel free to use a generous portion! Now layer on the black beans, corn, salsa, shredded cheese, and avocado. I like to make it colorful, so I arrange the toppings in sections. This way, you get a little bit of everything in each bite! It’s like a fiesta in a bowl!
Storing the Meal Prep
Now that your bowls are assembled, let them cool to room temperature before sealing them up. Store your Chicken Burrito Bowls in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just be sure to keep the avocado separate if you want to maintain its freshness longer. Trust me, you’ll want to enjoy these throughout the week—they’re so satisfying!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional benefits of this Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep! Each serving is roughly estimated to contain around 450 calories, making it a satisfying yet healthy option for lunch or dinner. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Potassium: 800mg
These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. The combination of protein from the chicken and beans, healthy fats from the avocado, and fiber from the brown rice makes this meal both nourishing and filling. You’ll feel great knowing you’re fueling your body with wholesome ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep keeps you satisfied while fueling your body right.
- Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps and minimal cooking time, you can whip up these flavorful bowls in no time!
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the toppings or ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand—add some spicy jalapeños or fresh cilantro for a personal twist!
- Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for busy weeks, these bowls store well in the fridge, making healthy eating a breeze when life gets hectic.
- Deliciously Satisfying: Each bite is a burst of flavor, combining tender chicken, creamy avocado, and zesty salsa, making it a meal you’ll look forward to!
Tips for Success
To make your Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep truly shine, here are some handy tips that I’ve picked up along the way:
- Seasoning is Key: Don’t shy away from seasoning your chicken! A good mix of salt, pepper, and spices like garlic powder or cumin can elevate the flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh toppings like cilantro, lime, or jalapeños can really brighten the dish. They add that extra zing that makes each bite pop!
- Cook Rice in Broth: For even more flavor, consider cooking your brown rice in chicken broth instead of water. It makes a world of difference!
- Cool Before Storing: Always let your bowls cool before sealing them up. This helps prevent condensation, keeping everything fresh and delicious.
- Mix Up the Proteins: Feel free to swap the chicken for other proteins. Ground turkey, beef, or even plant-based options like tofu work beautifully!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this fabulous meal prep! Enjoy every bite!
Variations
The beauty of this Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep is how easily it adapts to your tastes and what you have on hand! Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Different Proteins: Swap out the chicken for shredded beef, ground turkey, or even diced tofu for a vegetarian option. Each protein brings its own unique flavor and texture!
- Grains Galore: Try using quinoa instead of brown rice for a lighter, protein-packed base. Or go for cauliflower rice if you want a low-carb twist!
- Creative Toppings: Mix up your toppings with fresh veggies like diced bell peppers, chopped green onions, or radishes. You could even add pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick!
- Different Beans: Instead of black beans, feel free to use pinto beans or chickpeas for a different taste and texture.
These variations keep me excited to make this meal prep! Get creative and tailor the bowls to your cravings!
Serving Suggestions
To round out your Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep, consider serving it with a refreshing side salad or some crispy tortilla chips for that perfect crunch. A zesty lime vinaigrette can add a bright touch to your salad and complement the flavors in the bowl beautifully. If you’re in the mood for a drink, a chilled glass of iced tea or a fruity agua fresca pairs wonderfully with this meal. Trust me, these additions will elevate your dining experience and make your flavorful burrito bowls even more satisfying!
Your Turn!
I’d love to hear how your Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep turns out! Have you added any of your favorite toppings or made your own variations? Please share your experiences in the comments below! I’m always excited to swap meal prep ideas and get inspired by what you create. If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends! Let’s keep the deliciousness going and inspire each other to make healthy eating fun!
For more easy chicken recipes, check out this link. If you’re interested in the health benefits of brown rice, you can read more here.
Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep
Equipment
- Skillet
- Rice Cooker
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into cubes
For the Rice
- 1 cup brown rice uncooked
For the Toppings
- 1 cup black beans cooked
- 1 cup corn canned or frozen
- 1 cup salsa your choice
- 1 cup shredded cheese optional
- 1 cup avocado sliced
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the chicken over medium heat until fully cooked, about 10-15 minutes.
- Prepare the brown rice according to package instructions in a rice cooker.
- Assemble the bowls by dividing the rice, chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, cheese, and avocado into meal prep containers.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
If you loved this recipe, you’ll want to explore more of our easy dinner favorites! Check out our collection of easy casserole recipes for more one-pan wonders, browse these easy chicken breast recipes that transform plain chicken into something amazing, or try our crockpot chicken soup recipes for ultimate comfort food. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest so you can find it again later, and follow us on Pinterest for hundreds more delicious recipes and meal ideas!