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Easy Chicken Meal Prep Bowls

Easy chicken meal prep bowls with quinoa, fresh veggies, and lemon herb dressing.

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A simple, versatile system for effortless lunches. Juicy paprika-rubbed chicken pairs with hearty grains and crisp veggies, all held together with a bright lemon-herb dressing. Designed to stay fresh and delicious for days without reheating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1.5 cups uncooked quinoa, brown rice, or farro
  • 1 large English cucumber, diced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)
  • 0.33 cup olive oil
  • 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh chopped herbs (parsley, dill, or oregano)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the quinoa, rice, or farro according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
  2. Pat the chicken dry. Mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle chicken with 2 tbsp olive oil and rub the spice mixture all over each piece.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  4. While the chicken rests, whisk together all lemon-herb dressing ingredients: 1/3 cup olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, 2 tbsp fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked grain, diced cucumber, halved tomatoes, and chickpeas. Drizzle with about half of the dressing and toss to combine.
  6. Divide the grain and veggie mixture evenly among 4 meal prep containers. Top each with a portion of the sliced chicken. Store the remaining dressing separately. When ready to eat, drizzle with extra dressing and top with feta and fresh herbs.

Notes

For best texture, store the dressing separately and add just before eating. The chicken and grain base can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Customize with different veggies, beans, or a low-carb base like cauliflower rice.

Nutrition