Meal prep chicken burrito bowls

Name: Meal prep chicken burrito bowls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup cooked brown rice; 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned); 1/2 cup salsa; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional); 1 avocado, diced (optional)

Author: Tessa

Published: August 19, 2025

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Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls have been my secret weapon for staying on track with healthy eating during the busiest weeks. I used to dread the “what’s for lunch?” question every morning, often resorting to expensive and not-so-nutritious takeout. But then I discovered the magic of meal prepping, and it completely transformed my approach to food. The joy of opening the fridge to a perfectly portioned, delicious, and homemade meal is truly unparalleled.

These bowls are a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy solution for anyone looking to simplify their week without sacrificing taste or nutrition. With just a little bit of planning, you can whip up a batch of these beauties on a Sunday, and enjoy satisfying lunches or dinners all week long. They’re packed with protein, fiber, and fresh ingredients, making them a healthy choice that actually keeps you feeling full and energized. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them!

Why You’ll Love These Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls

These Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls aren’t just another recipe; they’re a lifestyle upgrade! I genuinely believe they’ll become a staple in your kitchen once you experience their incredible benefits. They effortlessly combine deliciousness with practicality, making your busy week a whole lot smoother and tastier. Here’s why I’m so passionate about them:

Effortless Weekday Meals: Say goodbye to last-minute cooking stress!
Packed with Flavor: Every bite is a burst of fresh, zesty Mexican-inspired taste.
Nutrient-Rich: Wholesome ingredients keep you feeling full and energized.
Highly Customizable: Easily adapt to your preferences and what you have on hand.
Budget-Friendly: Much cheaper and healthier than eating out.

The Convenience of Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls

The biggest game-changer for me with these Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls is the sheer convenience. Imagine coming home after a long day, or facing a chaotic lunch break, and having a perfectly balanced, ready-to-eat meal waiting for you. This recipe eliminates decision fatigue and saves precious time during those hectic weekdays, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.

Healthy and Flavorful Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls

Taste and nutrition go hand-in-hand with these Healthy and Flavorful Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls. We’re talking lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the beans and rice, and vibrant freshness from the corn and salsa. It’s a meal that satisfies your cravings without any guilt, fueling your body with goodness while delighting your taste buds with every spoon.

Essential Equipment for Your Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls

To whip up these amazing Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls, you won’t need a professional chef’s kitchen, just a few basics! You’ll definitely want a good quality large skillet for cooking the chicken evenly. Beyond that, a sturdy chopping board and a sharp knife are essential for prepping your ingredients. For the “meal prep” part, invest in some airtight, microwave-safe containers – glass ones are my favorite because they don’t stain or hold odors, but good plastic ones work great too. These will keep your bowls fresh and ready to go!

Ingredients for Perfect Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls

Crafting delicious Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls starts with a careful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. I’ve found that using the best components you can find really elevates the final taste and makes all the difference in your meal prep experience. We’ll be using boneless, skinless chicken breast for its lean protein, alongside pantry staples like olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder to build our flavor base. For the heart of the bowls, we’ll need cooked brown rice, a can of black beans, and some vibrant corn. And to finish, fresh salsa and optional cilantro and avocado add that perfect touch of freshness and healthy fats.

Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls - detail 1

Preparing Your Chicken for Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls

For the chicken in these Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls, I always opt for boneless, skinless chicken breast. One pound, diced into bite-sized pieces, works perfectly. This ensures quick and even cooking, making it ideal for meal prepping. We’ll season it simply but effectively with 1 teaspoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of cumin, and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. This spice blend gives us that classic, warm burrito flavor without being overly complicated.

Fresh Components for Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls

The fresh components truly bring these Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls to life! We’ll need 1 cup of cooked brown rice, which provides a wholesome base. A 15-ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained, adds fiber and protein. For a burst of sweetness and texture, 1 cup of corn (fresh, frozen, or canned all work beautifully) is essential. Finally, for that vibrant finish, ½ cup of your favorite salsa, ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro (if you love it like I do!), and one diced avocado are the perfect additions to spoon on when you’re ready to eat.

How to Prepare Your Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls

Making these Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls is incredibly straightforward, even for beginner cooks. The beauty lies in the simplicity of the steps and how easily everything comes together. I’ve broken it down into two main parts: cooking our flavorful chicken and then assembling all the vibrant components into your meal prep containers. Follow these steps, and you’ll have delicious, healthy meals ready to go for days!

The key here is to work efficiently. While the chicken cooks, you can be rinsing your beans or getting your containers ready. This minimizes your time in the kitchen and maximizes your meal prep success. Don’t worry about perfection; just focus on getting those delicious ingredients cooked and combined. Let’s get cooking!

Cooking the Chicken for Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls

First things first, we need to get our chicken perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor for these Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls. Grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. You want it shimmering, but not smoking. Once hot, add your diced chicken breast. Now for the magic: sprinkle the chicken generously with 1 teaspoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of cumin, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper.

Stir the chicken to ensure all pieces are coated evenly with the spices. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is beautifully browned on all sides and cooked through. To check for doneness, cut into the largest piece – there should be no pink inside. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in two batches to ensure it browns nicely instead of steaming.

Assembling Your Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls

Once your chicken is cooked, it’s assembly time for your Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls! This is where your meal prep containers come in handy. Divide your 1 cup of cooked brown rice evenly among four separate meal prep containers. This forms the base for each bowl. Next, distribute the perfectly seasoned cooked chicken, the rinsed and drained black beans, and the corn equally over the rice in each container.

Finally, top each bowl with a generous spoonful of salsa. I like to put the salsa right on top so it can meld with the other ingredients. If you’re adding chopped fresh cilantro or diced avocado, save those until just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant. Secure the lids tightly, and your delicious, ready-to-eat Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls are good to go into the refrigerator for up to four days!

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Tips for Success with Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls

Making these Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls is already a win, but a few extra tips can elevate your experience even further! I’ve learned these little tricks over time, and they really help ensure your bowls are perfect every single time. From making them uniquely yours to keeping them fresh, these pointers will help you maximize flavor and convenience.

Customizing Your Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls

The beauty of Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls is how easily they adapt to your taste! Don’t be afraid to get creative. Try adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra richness, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy tang. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before eating brightens all the flavors beautifully. For an extra kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper in the chicken seasoning works wonders. You could even swap the brown rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for different textures and nutritional profiles!

Storing and Reheating Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls

Proper storage is key to making your Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls last. Always ensure they are cooled completely before placing them in airtight containers and refrigerating them. This prevents condensation and keeps everything fresh for up to 4 days. When it’s time to eat, simply pop a container in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. If you added avocado or cilantro, add those fresh after reheating for the best texture and flavor!

Common Questions About Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls

I get a lot of questions from fellow home cooks about these Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls, and I love answering them! It shows you’re thinking ahead and want to make the most out of your meal prepping efforts. Here are some of the most common inquiries I receive, along with my best advice to ensure your burrito bowl experience is always top-notch.

Can I make these Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls vegetarian?

Absolutely! Making these Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls vegetarian is super easy. Instead of chicken, you can use extra black beans, pinto beans, or even some seasoned tofu or tempeh. Roasted sweet potatoes or bell peppers also make a fantastic addition, adding more flavor and nutrients to your vegetarian burrito bowls. Just load up on your favorite veggies and plant-based protein!

How long do Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls last in the refrigerator?

When stored properly in airtight containers, your Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I always recommend eating them within this timeframe to ensure the best taste and food safety. Make sure to cool them completely before sealing the containers and placing them in the fridge.

Can I freeze these Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls?

Yes, you can freeze components of these Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls, but with a few caveats. The seasoned chicken, rice, black beans, and corn all freeze well. However, I’d recommend adding fresh salsa, cilantro, and avocado after thawing and reheating, as these don’t hold up as well in the freezer. Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls

I know many of you are curious about the nutritional breakdown, so here’s an estimate for one serving of these Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls. Please remember, these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. One bowl typically contains around 400 calories, with 12g fat, 45g carbohydrates, and a fantastic 30g protein, making it a truly satisfying and balanced meal!

Share Your Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls Experience

I absolutely adore hearing from you! If you whip up these Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls, please come back and tell me all about it in the comments below. Did you try a fun customization? What did you think? Your feedback and shared experiences inspire me and our whole community of home cooks. Don’t forget to leave a rating!