Meal-Prep Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls

Prep all four servings of this easy recipe at once for ready-to-eat dinners or packable lunches for the rest of the week. If you don't like a lot of heat, try using mild chili powder, and leave out the jalapeño from the rice.

Prep/Cook Time: 45 Minutes, Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ¾ teaspoon salt, divided
• ½ teaspoon chipotle chile powder or mild chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped jalapeño pepper (optional)
• 1 15-ounce can reduced-sodium black beans, rinsed
• ½ cup crumbled queso fresco (2½ ounces)
• 1 lime, cut into 4 wedges

Directions

1. Toss chicken with ¼ teaspoon salt, chipotle (or chili) powder and pepper in a medium bowl. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a clean bowl and let cool slightly. Toss with cilantro and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Add onion, red pepper, green pepper and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and are beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat if vegetables are getting too dark.
3. Combine rice, tomato, jalapeno, if using, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl.
4. To assemble: Divide equal portions of black beans, the chicken mixture, bell pepper mixture and rice mixture among 4 microwave-safe containers. Top each with queso fresco and a lime wedge. Refrigerate until ready to use (up to 4 days).
5. To reheat, remove the lime wedge. Microwave each container on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through. Squeeze the lime wedge over the top.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving: 511 Calories, Total Fat: 19 g, Saturated Fat: 4 g, Cholesterol: 93 mg, Carbohydrates: 49 g, Fiber: 8 g, Total Sugars: 8 g, Added Sugars: 0 g, Protein: 37 g, Sodium: 689 mg, Potassium: 971 mg, Folate: 94 mcg, Calcium: 144 mg

© Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission.