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Southwest Grilled Chicken Bowl Meal Prep

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A quick and easy Southwest grilled chicken bowl perfect for meal prep, featuring smoky grilled chicken, fresh corn and black bean salsa, and a base of rice. This flavorful and wholesome dish keeps well in the fridge and is great for busy lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooked long grain white or brown rice
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 large avocado or 2 small, sliced
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese (optional)
  • ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
  • Hot sauce or salsa verde (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  2. Rinse 1 cup uncooked brown or white rice under cold water. Cook according to package instructions (usually 2 cups water to 1 cup rice), then fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a bowl, combine corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Toss with fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
  5. Divide cooked rice between 4 meal prep containers. Top each with sliced grilled chicken, a scoop of salsa, and avocado slices. Add shredded cheese and sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired. Seal containers and refrigerate.

Notes

Marinate chicken at least 30 minutes but no longer than 2 hours to avoid ‘cooking’ the meat with lime juice. Preheat grill or pan well before cooking. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing. Add avocado fresh after reheating to prevent browning. For dairy-free, omit cheese and sour cream or use plant-based alternatives. Can substitute rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice. Chicken thighs can be used but require longer cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southwest grilled chicken bowl, meal prep, healthy lunch, grilled chicken, black bean salsa, corn salsa, easy meal prep, protein bowl

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/southwest-grilled-chicken-bowl-meal-prep-5-easy-steps-for-perfect-lunches/