Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls

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Author: Tessa
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No heading needs to be written for the introduction. Eating healthy during a busy week can feel like a monumental task, right? We all want those vibrant, nutritious meals, but finding the time to cook from scratch every single day often feels impossible. That’s exactly why I became obsessed with meal prepping, and these Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls have become my absolute favorite secret weapon in the kitchen. They transform simple, wholesome ingredients into something truly special that you’ll actually look forward to eating.

These bowls are a game-changer for anyone looking to simplify their routine without sacrificing flavor. They’re packed with lean protein from the chicken, essential nutrients from fresh veggies, and that irresistible creamy tang from a homemade hummus-yogurt dressing. Every bite is satisfying and keeps you feeling full and energized, making them perfect for busy work-from-home lunches or quick dinners after a long day. Over the years, I’ve honed my meal prep skills, always aiming for recipes that are not only delicious but also genuinely easy to assemble, and this one hits all the marks. Trust me, your future self will thank you for making these!

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Why You’ll Love These Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls

These Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls quickly became a staple in my kitchen, and I know they’ll be in yours too! They truly deliver on all fronts:

  • Effortless Convenience: Spend a little time once, enjoy healthy meals all week.
  • Flavor Explosion: A delightful blend of savory chicken, vibrant veggies, and creamy, tangy dressing.
  • Nutritionally Balanced: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you energized.
  • Endlessly Customizable: Easily swap veggies or grains to suit your taste and what’s in season.

The Convenience of Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls

The beauty of these bowls lies in their simplicity and the time they save you. Imagine having delicious, homemade lunches or dinners ready to grab from the fridge, day after day. No more last-minute cooking stress or unhealthy takeout temptations. These bowls streamline your weekly meal planning, giving you back precious time while ensuring you eat well.

Essential Ingredients for Your Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls

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Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delicious Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls. You’ll need 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces, along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil for cooking. For seasoning the chicken, have 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder ready, plus salt and black pepper to taste. The base of your bowls will be 1 cup of cooked quinoa or rice. For that irresistible creamy dressing, grab 1/2 cup of hummus, 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. To finish, you’ll need 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup of chopped cucumber, 1/4 cup of chopped cherry tomatoes, and 2 tablespoons of crumbled feta cheese (if you’re using it).

Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions

Part of the magic of these bowls is how flexible they are! If you’re short on time, feel free to use pre-cooked chicken or even shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking it fresh. For your grain base, brown rice or couscous work wonderfully if quinoa isn’t your favorite. If you’re avoiding dairy, simply omit the feta cheese and ensure your hummus is dairy-free. And don’t be afraid to experiment with your veggies – bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even a handful of spinach would be fantastic additions, adding more color and nutrients to your Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls.

Crafting Your Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls: Step-by-Step

Making these Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls is incredibly straightforward, even for a beginner cook. I’ve broken down each part into easy-to-follow steps to ensure your bowls turn out perfectly every time. We’ll start with the flavorful chicken, move on to that creamy, zesty dressing, and then bring it all together in your meal prep containers. The key is to have your ingredients prepped and ready to go, making the assembly process a breeze. Don’t worry about complicated techniques; this recipe focuses on simple, effective cooking methods that deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Pay close attention to the cooking times for the chicken to ensure it’s tender and juicy, not dry. And remember, the dressing is where a lot of the magic happens, so whisk it until it’s beautifully smooth!

  1. Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss your 1-inch chicken pieces with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, a good pinch of salt, and a grind of black pepper. Make sure every piece is evenly coated. This initial seasoning is crucial for building flavor.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, no longer pink inside, and has a lovely golden-brown sear on the outside. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
  3. Prepare the Hummus Dressing: While the chicken cooks, whisk together the hummus, Greek yogurt, and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl until it’s completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust with a tiny bit more lemon juice or a pinch of salt if needed. This dressing brings all the flavors together!
  4. Assemble the Bowls: Divide your cooked quinoa or rice evenly among four meal prep containers. This forms the base of your bowls.
  5. Add Chicken and Dressing: Top the grain in each container with the cooked chicken pieces. Then, generously spoon the creamy hummus dressing over the chicken. If you prefer, you can store the dressing in separate small containers to add just before eating, keeping everything super fresh.
  6. Finish with Fresh Toppings: Finally, add the chopped cucumber and cherry tomatoes to each container. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and the crumbled feta cheese, if you’re using it. Seal your containers tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Preparing the Chicken for Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls

The chicken is the heart of these Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls, so let’s make it perfect! Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch pieces; this ensures even cooking. Toss them generously with olive oil and a vibrant blend of smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Then, cook them in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes, until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through. This quick sear locks in the moisture and flavor.

Assembling Your Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls

Once your chicken is cooked and your creamy dressing is whisked to perfection, it’s assembly time for your Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls! First, divide the cooked quinoa or rice among your four meal prep containers. Next, top each portion with the perfectly seasoned chicken. Then, spoon that luscious hummus-yogurt dressing right over the chicken. Finish by adding the refreshing chopped cucumber and cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley and optional feta cheese. Seal them up, and you’re all set for delicious meals throughout the week!

Tips for Achieving Perfect Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls

To truly master your Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls, a few expert tips can make all the difference. For the freshest taste, especially if you’re prepping for several days, consider storing the creamy hummus dressing in a small separate container and adding it right before you eat. Don’t be shy about adjusting the spices on your chicken; if you love a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper would be fantastic! And always taste your dressing before adding it to ensure the lemon and seasoning are just right for your palate.

Customizing Your Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls

The beauty of these bowls is how easily they adapt to your preferences! Feel free to toss in other vegetables like thinly sliced bell peppers, red onion, or a handful of fresh spinach for extra greens and crunch. For an even bigger protein boost, a sliced hard-boiled egg makes a wonderful addition to your Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls.

Storing and Reheating Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls

Once assembled, your Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls should be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, you can enjoy them cold, or gently reheat the chicken and grain component in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through, being careful not to overheat the fresh vegetables or dressing. If you stored the dressing separately, add it after reheating for the freshest taste.

Frequently Asked Questions About Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls

I get a lot of questions about making meal prep as easy and delicious as possible, especially when it comes to recipes like these Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls. Here are some of the most common ones:

Can I make these bowls vegetarian? Absolutely! Instead of chicken, you could use roasted chickpeas, grilled halloumi cheese, or even seasoned baked tofu. Just follow the same seasoning steps for your protein of choice to ensure your vegetarian Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls are just as flavorful.

How long do Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls last in the fridge? When stored in airtight containers, these bowls are good for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. This makes them perfect for a typical work week!

Can I freeze these bowls? I wouldn’t recommend freezing the assembled bowls. The fresh vegetables and creamy hummus dressing don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing, often becoming watery or mushy. However, you could freeze the cooked chicken and cooked quinoa or rice separately, then thaw and assemble fresh when ready to eat.

What other grains can I use in these Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls? While quinoa and rice are fantastic, feel free to experiment! Farro, couscous, or even a blend of wild grains would work beautifully as a base for your Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls. Just make sure they are cooked according to their package directions.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Your Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls

For those tracking their intake, each serving of these Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls is estimated to contain approximately 450 calories, with 18g of fat (4g saturated), 35g of carbohydrates, and an impressive 35g of protein. You’ll also get around 6g of fiber and 8g of sugar. Please remember that these figures are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands, ingredient quantities, and any substitutions you choose to make.

Share Your Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls Experience

I absolutely adore hearing from you all! If you make these incredible Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls, please come back and leave a comment below, or better yet, rate the recipe! Share your creations on social media too – tag me and let’s spread the meal prep love! For more delicious and healthy meal ideas, check out BBC Good Food ME.

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Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls

Meal Prep Creamy Chicken & Hummus Bowls


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  • Author: Tessa
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Description

These creamy chicken and hummus bowls are perfect for meal prep. They are packed with flavor and nutrients, making healthy eating easy throughout the week.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
  • 1/2 cup hummus
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1/4 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the hummus, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice until smooth.
  4. Divide the cooked quinoa or rice among four meal prep containers.
  5. Top each container with cooked chicken.
  6. Spoon the hummus dressing over the chicken.
  7. Add chopped cucumber and cherry tomatoes to each container.
  8. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and feta cheese, if using.
  9. Seal the containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Notes

  • You can customize these bowls with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, red onion, or spinach.
  • For extra protein, add a hard-boiled egg.
  • To save time, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
  • Adjust the spices to your preference.
  • Store the dressing separately if you prefer a fresher taste.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
Tessa

Passionate home cook with a serious sweet tooth. I believe food should be simple, comforting, and shared. On this blog, you'll find fuss-free recipes that feel like home. the kind you make once and never forget. Come hungry and stay awhile!

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