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Easy Flavor-Packed Grilled Chicken Meal Prep Bowls for Healthy Eating

grilled chicken meal prep bowls - featured image

Juicy, well-seasoned grilled chicken paired with fresh veggies, grains, and a zingy yogurt dressing, perfect for quick and healthy meal prep bowls that keep well in the fridge.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g), trimmed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Juice of half a lime
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice (about 185g cooked quinoa or 195g cooked rice)
  • Optional: cauliflower rice for low-carb option
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
  • 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, honey, and lime juice until well combined (about 3 minutes).
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, coat well, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2-3 hours.
  3. Cook the grain base: Cook quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions (15-20 minutes). Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
  4. Prepare the veggies: Wash and chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, carrots, and herbs (about 10 minutes).
  5. Grill the chicken: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and discard leftover marinade. Grill chicken 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
  6. Make the dressing: Whisk Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth (about 3 minutes). Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Assemble the bowls: Divide quinoa or rice evenly among 4 meal prep containers. Top with sliced grilled chicken and mixed veggies. Drizzle with yogurt dressing or pack separately.
  8. Store and enjoy: Cover and refrigerate up to 4 days. Enjoy cold or gently reheat chicken and grain before adding veggies and dressing.

Notes

Marinate chicken at least 30 minutes for best flavor; use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let chicken rest before slicing to retain juices. Cook grains and prep veggies ahead to save time. Adjust chili powder to spice preference. Dressing can be packed separately to keep veggies crisp.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, meal prep, healthy bowls, quinoa, brown rice, yogurt dressing, easy dinner, healthy eating