Are you tired of bland, boring meal prep that leaves you dreaming of restaurant-quality flavors? Get ready to revolutionize your lunch game with these mouthwatering Mexican Chicken Protein Bowls that are not just a meal, but a culinary adventure! Packed with protein, bursting with vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors, and ready in just 40 minutes, these bowls are about to become your new obsession. Whether you're a busy professional, fitness enthusiast, or just someone who loves delicious, nutritious food, this recipe is your ticket to easy, exciting meals that will have you looking forward to lunch all morning!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 avocado, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes, draining the black beans, and measuring out the corn and quinoa.
- Season the diced chicken with cumin, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Cook the chicken in the skillet, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and golden brown, approximately 7-8 minutes. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
- In the same skillet, add black beans and corn. Stir and heat through for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors and warm the ingredients.
- Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet and mix with the chicken, beans, and corn. Pour in the salsa and stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Divide the chicken and quinoa mixture evenly into four meal prep containers.
- Top each container with freshly sliced avocado just before serving or storing.
- If meal prepping, allow the mixture to cool completely before sealing containers and refrigerating. Bowls will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
Tips
- Chicken Cutting Hack: For perfectly uniform chicken cubes, partially freeze the chicken breast for 15-20 minutes before cutting. This makes slicing easier and more precise.
- Flavor Boost: Toast your cumin in the dry skillet for 30 seconds before adding oil to enhance its depth and aroma.
- Quinoa Pro Tip: Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove any bitter coating and ensure a fluffy, light texture.
- Meal Prep Storage: Use glass containers with tight-fitting lids to maintain freshness and prevent leaks.
- Avocado Preservation: Add avocado slices just before eating to prevent browning and maintain that fresh, creamy texture.
- Customization Option: For extra protein, consider adding a sprinkle of cotija cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Reheating Trick: When reheating, add a splash of water or extra salsa to keep the mixture moist and prevent drying out.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
