Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper to form a paste. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken pieces. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes at room temperature.
- While chicken marinates, cook the rice. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a saucepan or rice cooker, combine rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender (about 18–20 minutes for white rice, 40–45 for brown). Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes.
- Fluff the cooked rice with a fork. Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Season with a pinch of salt. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer—do not overcrowd. Cook 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from pan and let rest 5 minutes, then dice into bite-sized cubes.
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté corn and bell peppers (if using) for 3–4 minutes until lightly charred and tender. This picks up the flavorful browned bits from the chicken.
- Assemble the meal prep containers. Start with a base of cilantro lime rice. Add a scoop of black beans and corn mixture. Top with diced chicken.
- Add cheese, pico de gallo, and other desired toppings. Note: Store cold toppings like lettuce, avocado, and sour cream in separate small containers if prepping ahead, and add them fresh before eating to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
Calories: 485kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 38gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 720mgFiber: 9gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1870IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 3.2mg
Notes
Storage: Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat rice and chicken, then add fresh toppings. Variations: Use rotisserie chicken to save time, or swap rice for cauliflower rice for low-carb. Make it dairy-free by omitting cheese and sour cream.
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