Meal-Prep Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls

5.0

(2)

2 Reviews

Prep all four servings of this easy recipe at once for ready-to-eat dinners or packable lunches for the rest of the week. If you don't like a lot of heat, try using mild chili powder, and leave out the jalapeño from the rice.

Carolyn Casner

Updated on April 22, 2024

Tested by

EatingWell Test Kitchen

Reviewed by Dietitian

Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

Prep Time:

45 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

Servings:

Yield:

4 servings

Nutrition Profile:

Nut-Free Healthy Aging Healthy Immunity Soy-Free High-Fiber High-Protein Egg-Free Gluten-Free Low-Calorie

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Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
¾ teaspoon salt, divided
½ teaspoon chipotle chile powder or mild chili powder
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 medium red onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped jalapeño pepper (Optional)
1 (15 ounce) can reduced-sodium black beans, rinsed
½ cup crumbled queso fresco (2 1/2 ounces)
1 lime, cut into 4 wedges

Directions

Toss chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt, chipotle (or chili) powder and pepper in a medium bowl. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a clean bowl and let cool slightly. Toss with cilantro and set aside.
Meanwhile, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Add onion, red pepper, green pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and are beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat if vegetables are getting too dark.
Combine rice, tomato, jalapeño, if using, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl.
To assemble: Divide equal portions of black beans, the chicken mixture, bell pepper mixture and rice mixture among 4 microwave-safe containers. Top each with queso fresco and a lime wedge. Refrigerate until ready to use (up to 4 days).
To reheat, remove the lime wedge. Microwave each container on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through. Squeeze the lime wedge over the top.

Tips

To make ahead: Prepare through Step 4 and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, March 2018

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

511	Calories
19g	Fat
49g	Carbs
37g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 2 cups
Calories 511
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 49g	18%
Dietary Fiber 8g	30%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 37g	74%
Total Fat 19g	24%
Saturated Fat 4g	22%
Cholesterol 93mg	31%
Vitamin A 1629IU	33%
Vitamin C 74mg	82%
Folate 94mcg	24%
Sodium 689mg	30%
Calcium 144mg	11%
Iron 3mg	16%
Magnesium 89mg	21%
Potassium 971mg	21%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Meal-Prep Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls

Ingredients

Directions

Tips

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

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