Easy Chicken Burrito Bowl (Perfect for Meal Prep)
Ingredients (4–5 servings)
Chicken
• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
Bowls
• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime)
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1½ cups bell peppers & onions, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Optional: shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, salsa
Instructions
1. Cook the chicken
Toss chicken with olive oil and spices. Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice.
2. Sauté veggies
In the same pan, sauté peppers and onions for 4–5 minutes until soft and lightly charred.
3. Heat beans & corn
Warm black beans and corn in a small pan or microwave.
4. Assemble for meal prep
Divide rice into containers. Top with chicken, veggies, beans, corn, and tomatoes. Add cold toppings (like avocado) just before eating.
Storage Tips
• Store in airtight containers up to 5 days
• Keeps best without avocado added
• Reheats well in the microwave in 1–2 minutes. #mealprep #lemon8challenge
Preparing meal prep bowls is a game-changer when trying to maintain a healthy diet amidst a busy schedule. One tip I've found especially helpful when making chicken burrito bowls is to use a mix of spices like chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to create a flavorful chicken without relying on heavy sauces. Cooking the chicken in olive oil over medium heat helps keep it juicy and tender, so it doesn't dry out during reheating. When it comes to veggies, sautéing bell peppers and onions in the same pan adds extra flavor while saving time on cleanup. I also like to add corn and rinsed black beans for fiber and protein, making the bowl more filling. For a bit of freshness, halved cherry tomatoes brought into each serving provide a nice contrast to the warm ingredients. A useful storage tip is to hold off on adding avocado or sour cream until just before eating. These toppings don’t store well and can make the meal soggy if added too early. Dividing your ingredients in airtight containers keeps the bowls fresh for up to five days, making them ideal for weekly meal plans. For variety, you can swap out white rice for brown rice or cilantro-lime rice to add different textures and flavors. Adding shredded cheese or salsa just before serving can elevate the taste further without compromising the convenience of meal prep. Lastly, reheating in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes ensures everything is warmed thoroughly without overcooking.
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