Are you looking to simplify your weeknight dinners? Chicken meal prep may very well be the solution! Not only is chicken versatile and delicious, but it is one of the best sources of lean protein. Imagine having a fridge loaded with pre-cooked chicken ready to be used for a variety of meals—think salads, stir-fries, bowls, and more.
Whether you’re aiming to eat healthier, save time, or just reduce the stress of cooking all the time, these chicken meal prep ideas will have you covered. Let’s dive into some tasty and easy recipes that will keep your taste buds happy while you manage a streamlined schedule!
To help with the 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 meal prepping journey.
Chicken Meal Prep Recipe
One of the simplest chicken meal prep recipes is Sheet-Pan Chicken and Veggies. This recipe allows to a great deal of timesaving. Here’s how it can be made:
- Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chop or dice
- 1 cups broccoli
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 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.
- Portion into meal prep containers and store for up to 7 days.
Chicken Breast Recipes for Meal Prep
Chicken breasts one of the most common staples for sources of protein (refer to Low Calorie Meal Prep for more). One of my favorite recipes is Lemon Herb Chicken:
- 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 in meal prep containers.
Prepared Chicken Recipes
Pre-cooked chicken can make meal prep even easier and time saving. 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 store in meal prep containers.
Good Chicken Meal Prep Recipes
For a flavorful and nutritious option, try Spicy Chicken and Quinoa Bowls:
- 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
Best Meal Prep Chicken Recipe
One of the best meal prep chicken recipes is Honey Garlic Chicken:
- 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 (or coconut) olive oil.
- 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 dish or storage bag.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- 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.
Conclusion
Easy meal prep chicken recipes can make meal planning for the week a breeze. These chicken meal prep ideas are not only easy to prepare but also delicious and nutritious. Happy cooking!