Make-Ahead Chicken Fajita Bowls

Discover the vibrant flavors of Mexican-inspired cuisine with these Make-Ahead Chicken Fajita Meal Prep Bowls. Featuring tender grilled chicken seasoned with a smoky blend of spices, combined with sautéed bell peppers and onions, all served over a bed of wholesome rice. Perfectly suited for quick lunches or healthy dinners throughout the week, this recipe balances convenience and nutrition without sacrificing taste.

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This meal prep bowl captures all the essence of classic fajitas in a convenient, ready-to-eat format. By marinating the chicken with zesty lime juice and smoky spices, each bite bursts with flavor. Combining fresh vegetables and wholesome grains completes the dish to provide a satisfying, nutritious meal.

Ingredients

• For the Chicken
  • 500 g (1.1 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 ½ tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lime
• Vegetables
  • 2 medium bell peppers (1 red, 1 yellow), sliced
  • 1 medium red onion, sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
• For the Bowls
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice (or white rice or quinoa)
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1.

In a large bowl, combine chicken strips, 2 tbsp olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator).

2.

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced peppers and onion, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and sauté until softened and slightly charred, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3.

In the same skillet, add marinated chicken. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove from heat.

4.

Divide the cooked rice evenly between four meal prep containers. Top each portion with sautéed peppers and onions, cooked chicken, black beans, and cherry tomatoes.

5.

Add sliced avocado and fresh cilantro just before serving to maintain freshness.

6.

Serve with lime wedges. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For best results, keep avocado and cilantro separate until ready to eat.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Marinating the chicken ahead of time intensifies the flavors and tenderizes the meat. Use a high-quality olive oil and fresh lime juice to brighten the dish. When sautéing the peppers and onions, aim for a slight char to add depth and a hint of smokiness. Store components separately when possible to maintain freshness throughout the week.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp to switch up the protein while keeping the same delicious seasonings. For a lower-carb meal, replace rice with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables. Adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or shredded cheese on top is a tasty option for extra creaminess. Adjust spice levels by increasing or reducing chili powder to your preference.

Serviervorschläge

Serve your Chicken Fajita Meal Prep Bowls with fresh lime wedges to add a citrusy zing. Garnish with sliced avocado and chopped cilantro just before eating to enhance the presentation and freshness. Pair with a side salad or tortilla chips for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.

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With a perfect balance of protein, fresh vegetables, and hearty grains, these Make-Ahead Chicken Fajita Meal Prep Bowls are a flavorful and nutritious addition to your weekly meal rotation. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, they make staying healthy both convenient and enjoyable.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I substitute the chicken with other proteins?

Yes, tofu or shrimp work well as alternatives and can be seasoned similarly to maintain the dish's bold flavors.

→ What rice options can I use in the bowls?

Brown rice, white rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice offer great bases for these bowls depending on your preference.

→ How should I store the bowls for best freshness?

Refrigerate prepared bowls for up to four days, keeping avocado and cilantro separate until serving to preserve their freshness.

→ Can I add extra toppings to enhance flavor?

A dollop of Greek yogurt or some shredded cheese makes a tasty addition to these bowls for extra creaminess.

→ Are these bowls gluten-free and high protein?

Yes, the combination of chicken, beans, and fresh ingredients makes this meal naturally gluten-free and rich in protein.