Today I’m sharing another fast and simple meal prep recipe. These chili lime chicken meal prep bowls make a delicious spicy lunch with the addition of colorful bell peppers and rice.
Although I work from home, my days are busy busy busy and most of the time, I don’t have time to cook a fresh meal for lunch and dinner. Meal prep bowls have become a staple in our home. They’re super handy when you need a complete meal in minutes. My husband, kids and I just grab a bowl whenever we’re hungry and heat it in the microwave.
Today’s chicken recipe is packed full of the flavors of chili, lime, garlic, and cilantro. The chicken should marinate in this zesty mix for 20 minutes or up to 8 hours. The general rule is the longer you marinate the chicken, the better. When you’re ready to cook the chicken, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken. Don’t forget to cook some rice and sliced bell peppers to go along with the chicken.
Chili Lime Chicken and Rice Meal Prep Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs or 4 small pieces
- 2 cups sliced bell peppers optional
- 4 cups cooked rice of choice
- For the chicken marinade:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice or juice of 1 lime
- 2 teaspoons lime zest or zest of 1 lime
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced or crush
- 1/4 cup cilantro minced
- 4 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder optional
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 meal-prep containers
Instructions
- To Cook Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the marinade. Add the chicken and mix until fully coated. Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high; grease with a little oil. Transfer chicken to pan and discard remaining marinade. Grill chicken for 5-8 minutes on each side or until cooked through.Cool chicken for 5 minutes then slice.
- Remove chicken from the pan and immediately add sliced bell peppers to the same pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until charred.
- Let everything come to room temperature before assembling the meal prep boxes. To assemble, Add 1 cup of cooked rice into 4 meal prep containers. Divide chicken and bell peppers into each box. Shut the lid and refrigerate for up to four days.
This was so easy and SO good! Thanks for sharing.
Is this a weight loss recipe?
This was so simple to prepare and tasted soooooooooo good! I used brown rice and used half red bell pepper and half yellow bell pepper. We both loved it. Next time I’m thinking of skipping the rice, adding in some onions, cutting the chicken into smaller pieces and wrapping up in a flour tortilla. I think it would be delish that way, too. DEFINITELY on the make-again list.
This is one of our favorites. Even the kids love it.
how many calories are in each serving?
There are about 560 calories.
Any idea how much protein is in each serving?
I always make this in a pan because I don’t have a grill. I’ve made it a couple times now and it’s so packed with flavour! Keeping it in my regular rotation. It’s probably one of the best chicken recipes I’ve ever made.
It’s a favorite of ours as well, Christina! I’m glad you enjoyed it too <3
Have you prepared the chicken on the grill? If so how was it? Any suggestions on best grilling practices? Thank you. This looks awesome!
You can certainly make the on the grill. I would just grill the chicken as you would normally do, about 6-8 minutes per side then rest and slice. Enjoy! 🙂
Do you have the nutritional facts on these posted anywhere?
I am in love with this chicken! The lime keeps the chicken so juicy and gives great flavor 🙂
I want you make this but don’t have fresh lime or fresh cilantro. Is it okay to use store bought lime juice and dried cilantro?
Lime juice substitute would be ok. I would pick up some fresh cilantro though. It’s really cheap honestly and will be so much better than dried.
Yes that will work but the flavor won’t be as good as fresh!
Hi there! Was hoping to get some nutrition info on these!
Thanks!
Hi
Great recipe, can you tell me how many calories are included in each serving?
Thank you!
Hi! For reheating this in the following days I’m assuming to microwave ? How much would microwaving deviate from the original flavor/would it be dry after reheating? Thanks so much! Really looking forward to making this!
To re-heat, microwave for 2 minutes or until steaming. The microwave won’t change the flavor or dry it out. Enjoy!
Can These be frozen … If so for how long??
You can freeze the bowls for up to a month.
Hello, can you tell me please how long can you keep your food in the fridge after you cooked it? For example, this chicken bowls?
So delicious!!! I did not have brown sugar, so substituted honey. Served with basmati rice. Big hit with my kids! Thank you!