Happy Meal Prep Monday, y’all! Well, in a perfect world, we would be making these Meal Prep Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls on Sunday because #MealPrepSunday is apparently a thing. But I’ve never been much of a rule follower, so here we are! let’s do this!
Meal Prep Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls Video
Today, we’re going the meal prep chicken route. Don’t get me wrong, I love splurging, but I start to feel crazy after not working out or eating a single vegetable (or fruit for that matter) for several days in a row. Thankfully, these Meal Prep Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls are pretty easy to make!
Here’s how to make these Meal Prep Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls:
- Roast A Chicken
This is something that I literally do once a week. I use this roaster, place a whole organic chicken in there with about 1.5 inches of water, sprinkle some seasoning over it, and roast it at 425 degrees for about 2-3 hours (until the internal temperature reaches 170 degrees and it looks fully cooked).
I love doing this because then I have leftover meat for the entire week! Hello Healthy Sriracha Shredded Chicken Tacos, Chicken Fajita Casserole, and One-Pot Basil Chicken Baked Ziti!
Another great option is to order high quality, organic chicken (delivered to your doorstep, might I add) through Butcher Box. Get $20 off HERE or read my honest Butcher Box review HERE!
- Make The Rice
Umm….definitely optional! You can totally buy a packet of pre-made Mexican rice and just heat it up if you’re limited on time. In this case, I made a massive batch of rice (like triple this recipe) because I wanted to make several of these meal prep bowls (or Pyrex rectangles? Whatever, you know what I mean)!
The recipe for this Mexican rice is included below, but you can add whatever type of grain works best for you. Also, I claim no authenticity to a proper Mexican rice recipe here, folks! This is evidence of my lazy girl/quick cooking concoctions at it’s finest. 😉
- Put The Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls Together
Literally: lettuce, tomatoes, chicken, corn, beans, rice, and an optional but necessary drizzle of the Avocado Lime Dressing. Pack ’em up and take ’em with you when you’re ready! Super easy. One time a week. DONE.
The beauty of meal prep. It’s a way of life and I love it! Oh and by the way, these bowls don’t have to be meal prep bowls. They can totally be an easy weeknight dinner recipe, too!
If you find yourself making these Meal Prep Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls (as I will be!), tag #JarOfLemons to let me know. I love seeing what you guys are cooking up! 🙂
Top Tips For Making Burrito Bowls
- Make these burrito bowls low carb by replacing the rice with cauliflower rice
- You can also use leftover cooked chicken or buy a rotisserie chicken to speed things up
- You can pick and choose any vegetables and greens you like, they are super versatile and are perfect for using up leftovers in your fridge
- If you are making these for lunch or dinner later on or the next day then add any dressings and sauces last. If you can, put them in a separate container and take it with you to keep the veggies fresh and crisp.
More Easy Chicken Recipes You Might Like:
- Skinny Creamy Chicken Enchiladas (Freezer Meal)
- Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole ( Freezer Meal)
- Healthy Chicken Cobb Salad
- Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole
Meal Prep Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls
Ingredients
- 2 cups kale (or lettuce of choice)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes
- 3 cups shredded or cubed chicken (cooked (about 2 chicken breasts))
- 3/4 cup corn, canned
- 1 1/2 cup black beans, canned
- 1 cup rice, cooked
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- drizzle Avocado Lime Dressing (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to directions. Mix in paprika, cumin, cayenne, and pepper when the rice has about 5 minutes left. Set aside.
- Layer each bowl or container with kale, tomatoes, shredded chicken, corn, beans, and rice. Top with optional dressing and enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later!
Video
Notes
- Make these burrito bowls low carb by replacing the rice with cauliflower rice
- You can also use leftover cooked chicken or buy a rotisserie chicken to speed things up
- You can pick and choose any vegetables and greens you like, they are super versatile and are perfect for using up leftovers in your fridge
- If you are making these for lunch or dinner later on or the next day then add any dressings and sauces last. If you can, put them in a separate container and take it with you to keep the veggies fresh and crisp.
Gillian Thompson says:
I agree this sounds like the perfect healthy and tasty meal to get the week started off on the right track. I love how you roast a chicken and use for all those meals. Planning ahead is such a good way of saving time and money.
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks, Gillian! I agree, a great way to save time and money!
Priya Srinivasan says:
pretty colors there!! love the way you have served them!!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you, Priya!
Amy says:
I love burrito bowls and having things lined up ahead of time, especially when I’m trying to eat healthier. The flavors in these beautiful bowls must be wonderful!
Christine McMichael replied:
Me too, Amy! 🙂 Definitely for healthy eating!
Adriana Lopez Martn says:
Easy and so delicious. Who doesn’t love a nice bowl with rice chicken and fresh ingredients. Just lovely!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks, Adriana!
Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts says:
I must get into meal prep more!!
My partner works from home so I don’t have to think about packing him up a lunch. But invariably come 12:30 he is looking for lunch and whatever I am cooking for the blog isn’t ready yet so he end up picking on bread and butter!!! This would be a much better option!
Christine McMichael replied:
It saves so much time! That’s really nice that he works from home. Haha YES! Meal prep is the best!
Veena Azmanov says:
I love the idea of making them a head of time. Oh who doesn’t love a good bowl of burrito – Right? PERFECT!
Christine McMichael replied:
Haha, right!! Thanks, Veena! 🙂
Dene' V. Alexander says:
LOL – I love that you said your Latin grandmother cooked up a carb loaded dinner! Seems like you found a good way to balance it out with these yummy burrito bowls!! Lovely colors!!
Christine McMichael replied:
Hahaha YEP! She’s the best 🙂 Thank you!
Stephanie@ApplesforCJ says:
I really like the idea of Meal prep but have never been very good at it. I kind of just look in the fridge and go with what I have. But I would so make something similar to this minus the chicken. Looks great!
Christine McMichael replied:
It takes a lot of planning ahead! It’s a lot of work upfront, but saves time in the long run. 🙂 Enjoy the recipe!
Pam Wattenbarger says:
I love a good burrito bowl. These look great and I love the Pyrex storage you’re using for your meal prep.
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks, Pam!
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says:
Yes! Yes! Yes! for burrito bowls. I like the ingredients you have included. It would certainly be a lunch I’d look forward to.
Christine McMichael replied:
Enjoy, Marisa!
Byron Thomas says:
That is just absolute perfection and just answered my ‘what to bring to work for lunch’ question. I love that it makes 4 portions and can easily get me from Monday to Thursday! I’m so making this!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks, Byron! 🙂 Enjoy!
Kelly @ Trial and Eater says:
Meal prep! I love the range of colors, definitely makes it look so healthy and fresh. Also, I’m adding that avocado lime dressing to my list!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks, Kelly!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says:
I need to get organized like this! These bowls look so delicious, especially with the Avocado Lime Dressing!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you, Amy! 🙂
Noel Lizotte says:
Meal prep can happen any day of the week! It’s all about when you have the time to put things together.
Sometimes, that’s Saturday for me. Other times, it’s Tuesday.
I love the burrito bowl idea here. Will have to incorporate that to my regular plan.
Christine McMichael replied:
I agree, Noel! 🙂 Enjoy!
Megan Marlowe says:
Yum, these bowls look delicious and a great way to get back on track. I definitely had 1 too many slices of Irish soda bread and green beer over the weekend and it’s got me jumping back on the healthy eating bandwagon. These burrito bowls are just what I needed today! Love the tip about roasting a whole chicken too for leftovers all week long!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you, Megan! Yes, love roasting a chicken for the week, saves so much time!