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Easy Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls: Best 5-Day Lunches

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These easy meal prep chicken burrito bowls are perfect for busy weeks. With a smoky citrus marinade, cilantro lime rice, black beans, and corn salsa, they taste better on day three than day one and make weekday lunches something to look forward to.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 breasts)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1½ cups long-grain white rice (jasmine rice recommended)
  • 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1½ cups frozen corn, thawed (or fresh corn cut off the cob)
  • ½ cup red onion, finely diced
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, sliced (add fresh each day)
  • ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese or shredded Monterey Jack (optional)
  • Fresh lime wedges for serving
  • Hot sauce of your choice (e.g., Cholula)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Add chicken breasts and toss to coat. Cover and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate up to 4 hours.
  2. Cook the rice: Rinse rice in a fine-mesh strainer until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice with 3 cups water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then stir in cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place marinated chicken breasts in the skillet (work in batches if needed). Cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side until deep golden-brown, then flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let chicken rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain into strips or cubes.
  4. Prepare the black beans: In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add drained and rinsed black beans, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a tablespoon of water or broth if dry.
  5. Make the corn salsa: In a medium bowl, combine thawed corn, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeño, and lime juice. Stir well and season with salt to taste. For fresh corn, char in a dry skillet over high heat for 3-4 minutes before adding.
  6. Assemble the bowls: Divide cilantro lime rice evenly among 5 meal prep containers. Top each with equal portions of black beans, chicken, and corn salsa. Add halved cherry tomatoes. Store avocado and cheese separately and add fresh each day.
  7. Reheat: When ready to eat, remove container lid and microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of water or lime juice before microwaving to restore moisture. Add fresh avocado and a squeeze of lime before serving.

Notes

For best texture, use jasmine rice. Cool rice completely before assembling to prevent mushiness. Store avocado and cheese separately and add fresh each day. The flavors meld and improve over 3-5 days. For freezing, leave out corn salsa and tomatoes; freeze rice, chicken, and beans together for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: meal prep, chicken burrito bowls, easy lunch, healthy meal prep, Mexican bowl, cilantro lime rice, black beans, corn salsa

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/easy-meal-prep-chicken-burrito-bowls-best-5-day-lunches/