Name: Healthy Mexican Chicken Meal Prep Bowls with Burrito Marinade Flavor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: mexican
Ingredients: 1.25 lbs chicken breasts or thighs; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 cloves garlic, minced; salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups cooked brown rice; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 avocado, sliced; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; optional toppings: salsa, Greek yogurt

Description

These make-ahead Mexican chicken bowls combine zesty burrito marinade chicken with brown rice, beans, and fresh veggies for a balanced, flavorful meal prep option. They stay vibrant and tasty all week, saving time and supporting healthy eating.

Ingredients

Scale

1.25 lbs chicken breasts or thighs

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

2 cloves garlic, minced

salt and pepper to taste

2 cups cooked brown rice

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 avocado, sliced

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

optional toppings: salsa, Greek yogurt

Instructions

1. In a bowl whisk lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper.

2. Place chicken and marinade in a sealed bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

3. Preheat grill, skillet, or oven to 400°F. Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side or bake 20–25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

4. Let chicken rest 5–10 minutes, then slice into strips.

5. Divide cooked brown rice among four meal prep containers.

6. Top rice with black beans and corn.

7. Place sliced chicken over beans and corn.

8. Add sliced bell pepper, avocado, and chopped cilantro.

9. Pack optional toppings separately to add before serving.

10. Store bowls in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze components for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: meal prep
Method: grill, skillet, bake
Cuisine: mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 450
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 550
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 3
Unsaturated Fat: 12
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 8
Protein: 35
Cholesterol: 85

Keywords: healthy, mexican, chicken meal prep, burrito marinade, burrito bowl, meal prep bowl, blackened chicken, healthy lunch, make ahead, protein bowl