Are you looking to simplify your weeknight dinners? Chicken meal prep is one excellent solution can lean on! Not only is chicken a staple protein for any meal, but it is one of the best sources of lean protein. Also, it is ideal to have a fridge loaded with some pre-cooked chicken ready to be added to meals of your choosing—think salads, stir-fries, bowls, and more.
Whether your aim is to eat healthier, save time, or just reduce the stress of cooking every single day, these chicken meal prep ideas will help you become efficient in your day-to-day life. Let’s dive into some simple but delectable recipes that will keep your taste buds happy while you manage a streamlined nutrition schedule!
To help you set up a proper meal prep process, this article will provide some recipes for some of the best chicken meal prepping that you can go with. So, let’s get started with your chicken meal-prepping journey.
Chicken Meal Prep Recipe Starter
One of the simplest chicken meal prep recipes is Sheet-Pan Chicken and Veggies. This recipe allows for a great deal of timesaving. Also, it is one prepping technique that really does not take much effort.
Here’s how it can be made in bulk:
- Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chop, dice, or cut up (scissors help a ton)
- 1 cups broccoli
- 1 cup nicely chopped potatoes
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped, sliced or diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or diced garlic
- Pink salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220 Celsius)
- Spread the cut-up chicken breasts and vegetables on a large baking sheet.
- Drizzle with oil choice and sprinkle with garlic powder (or chunks), salt, and pepper.
- Mix around to coat evenly.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken completely cooked (browned on top) and the vegetables are tender.
Once it’s all cooked up, portion it into meal prep containers and store it for up to 7 days.
Stepping Up Chicken Breast Recipes for Meal Prep
Chicken breasts are one of the most common staples for sources of protein. One of the common and favorite recipes is Lemon Herb Chicken. The reason behind this is due to the flavor it offers.
The breakdown for a bulk prep is outlined here:
- Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup of lemon juice
- 2 or 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (browned).
Let the chicken rest before slicing and storing it in meal prep containers.
An Idea for Prepared Chicken Recipes
Pre-cooked chicken can make meal prep even easier and time-saving. There are endless varieties for meal preparation when using pre-cooked chicken, but we’ll focus on one right here.
Try this chicken Caesar salad wrap:
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/8 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 2 large whole wheat tortillas
- Instructions:
- Mix up the shredded chicken with Caesar dressing and Parmesan cheese.
- Lay out the tortillas and divide the chicken mixture among them.
- Top with chopped romaine lettuce.
- Roll up the tortillas and divide down the middle
Make several of these to mix into your dietary routine. It’s fast and efficient prep, and it will add an alternative taste if your chicken meal prepping gets boring.
Spice Up Your Chicken Meal Prep Recipe
For a flavorful and nutritious option, there’s always the spicy options. Now, please be advised that if you are not into spicy foods, this one is not for you. But, if spice is what you find appealing, this recipe will surely spice up your chicken meal prep routine.
Here’s your spice recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup cherry or hot house tomatoes, halved or chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Instructions:
- Cook the quinoa in chicken broth or according package instructions.
- Mix the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper together.
- Add the chicken thighs and coat evenly.
- Grill or pan-fry the chicken until fully cooked.
- Slice the chicken and mix with quinoa, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro. Distribute into meal prep containers
Keep this one stored for that day you want to spice up the week.
Best Meal Prep Chicken Recipe
One of the best meal prep chicken recipes is the honey garlic chicken. Not as spicy as the last recipe, but it sure is packed full of flavor. Add this meal prep item to sweeten up your week.
The recipe breakdown for your convenience:
- Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
- Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, and olive oil (or coconut).
- Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken and marinade in a baking pan or other option for meats.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is properly cooked.
- Remove the chicken and set aside. Pour the marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer.
- Slice the chicken and drizzle with the sauce. Place into meal prep containers.
Set this meal on an alternate day to your spicy meal, if you make the spicy option. Also, you can simply always make this one your everyday option.
Rounding It All Out
Easy meal prep chicken recipes can make meal planning for the week a breeze and stress-free. These chicken meal prep ideas are easy to prepare and delicious and nutritious. Go for the basics to start, and mix in the alternate options to get a feel for the process that works best for you. As you get comfortable, take all your chicken meal prep ideas and materialize them into a solid meal prep plan. Happy cooking! so delicious and nutritious. Happy cooking!