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Healthy High-Protein Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep

healthy high-protein chicken burrito bowl - featured image

A quick and easy high-protein chicken burrito bowl perfect for meal prep, combining seasoned chicken, brown rice, black beans, and fresh toppings for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup brown rice (uncooked)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 medium avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free substitute)
  • Fresh jalapeño slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of brown rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes until tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  2. While rice cooks, mix cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat dry chicken breasts and rub evenly with olive oil and spice mix. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked brown rice, rinsed black beans, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Slice avocado, halve cherry tomatoes, and shred lettuce. Slice jalapeño thinly if using.
  5. Divide rice and bean mixture into four meal prep containers. Layer sliced chicken on top, then add avocado, tomatoes, lettuce, and a dollop of Greek yogurt. Finish with jalapeño slices if desired. Cover and refrigerate until ready to eat.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to ensure proper searing. Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Rinse rice before cooking to avoid mushiness. Layer ingredients separately to maintain texture. Store avocado separately or add lime juice to prevent browning. Reheat gently to avoid drying out chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken burrito bowl, high-protein meal prep, healthy dinner, easy chicken recipe, meal prep bowl, brown rice, black beans, healthy fats, weight loss meal