Chicken Black Bean Burrito Bowls

Recipe Introduction

Ever stared into your fridge wondering what to have for lunch? Then you need some meal prep ideas high protein in your life.

Honestly, these Chicken & Black Bean Burrito Bowls are about to become your new best mate. They're full of flavour and keep you going all day.

Quick High Protein Meals Hook

Are you ready to ditch sad desk lunches for something actually tasty? This recipe for Chicken & Black Bean Burrito Bowls is your passport to a flavor fiesta, offering a powerful punch of protein with a Tex-Mex twist.

Brief Overview

This recipe takes inspo from Tex-Mex cuisine. It's packed with goodness. These bowls are easy enough for a beginner cook.

They'll take around 45 minutes to make. This will give you four decent sized bowls. Think enough for the entire family or a work week of meals!

Main Benefits

The biggest win? These bowls are a high protein dinner powerhouse, clocking in at 45-55g of protein per serving. This makes them perfect for meal prep for weight loss high protein , or just fueling up after a gym session.

They're a total game-changer.

What's in these Healthy Bowls Anyway?

Alright, let's talk ingredients. We're talking juicy chicken, seasoned to perfection. Then, it's piled high with hearty black beans. Add in some colourful bell peppers and creamy avocado.

This is healthy high protein meals at its finest.

Where did this High Protein Meal Prep recipe come from?

I always struggled with midweek lunches. I was fed up with tasteless salads. I started experimenting with flavours and textures.

These bowls were born from a desperate need for decent grub! They quickly became a staple.

What About Dinner, Is this a High Protein Recipes Dinner Winner?

These bowls aren't just for lunch. They make a fantastic high protein dinner too. Imagine coming home after a long day. This bad boy is already waiting. Easy peasy.

Chicken Black Bean Burrito Bowls Recipe Card

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:25 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:4 Bowls

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained (approx. 850g total)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (180g) long-grain rice (brown or white)
• 2 cups (480ml) water or chicken broth
• Optional: 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained) (approx. 75g)
• Optional toppings: salsa, Greek yogurt or sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, pickled onions

Instructions:

• Combine chicken pieces with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).
• Rinse rice. Combine rice and water/broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes (or according to package directions) until all liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and stir in cilantro (if using).
• Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onion until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken until fully cooked and lightly browned on all sides (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).
• Divide rice, black beans, grilled chicken, bell peppers, avocado, and corn evenly among the four containers. Top with desired toppings (salsa, yogurt, cheese, etc.).
• Let the bowls cool completely before sealing and storing in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:550-650

Fat:20-30g

Fiber:50-60g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Tex-Mex

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Meal Prep Ideas High Protein Arsenal

Right, let's get down to brass tacks. You can't make a cracking burrito bowl without the right bits and bobs.

It's like trying to build a shed with only a spoon, innit? It just doesn't work. And if you're trying to find some high protein lunch ideas , you've got to start right.

Essential Ingredients: Measuring Up

First, the main players. These are your building blocks for some proper healthy high protein meals .

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Get decent chicken, not that watery stuff. It needs to be firm to the touch.
• Black Beans: Two 15-ounce cans (850g total), rinsed. Tinned is fine, but dried and cooked yourself? Even better flavour, honestly.
• Rice: 1 cup (180g) long-grain rice. Brown or white, your call. I prefer brown for that extra fibre kick.
• Olive Oil: Just a splash, about 1 tbsp for the chicken and 1 tbsp for the beans.
• Veggies: 1 red bell pepper , 1 green bell pepper , diced. Get the ones that are nice and firm. A bit of colour never hurt anyone. 1 avocado , diced. Check that it gives ever so slightly when you press it.
• Corn: ½ cup (75g), because who doesn't love a bit of sweetcorn?

Seasoning Magic: The Flavour Bomb

Okay, herbs and spices time. This is where we turn "meh" into "OMG!"

• Spice Mix: 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika. This is the holy trinity.
• Garlic & Onion: ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ onion chopped, 1 clove garlic minced. Don't be shy!
• Lime Juice: 1 tbsp . Freshly squeezed is ALWAYS better than bottled.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste. Don't be afraid to season generously.

Honestly, a good spice blend is key for quick high protein recipes dinner and helps to diversify your protein dinner options.

If you are trying meal prep for weight loss high protein then this is a key item.

Gadgets & Gizmos: Keep It Simple

Right, you don't need fancy gear. Keep it simple.

• Skillet or Grill Pan: For the chicken. Get that char, bruv.
• Saucepan: For the rice. A pot is a pot, right?
• Chopping Board & Knife: Pretty self-explanatory, yeah?
• Meal Prep Containers: Four of 'em. Airtight is a MUST to keep your food fresh and stop those burrito bowl smells from invading your fridge.

If you are doing high protein meal prep , get some stackable containers. It helps to reduce clutter.

Now get cracking!

Cooking Method: Grilled Chicken Goodness for High Protein Meal Prep

Honestly, who has time for boring lunches? Not me, and probably not you either! That's why I'm all about efficient cooking methods.

This recipe uses a great method: grilling chicken for our Chicken & Black Bean Burrito Bowls . It's quick, adds a smoky flavour, and keeps the high protein content sky-high! Here’s how we roll.

Prep Steps: Chicken Mise en Place

First, safety first. Sanitize your cutting board and knives. Chop those 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.

Now, for the magic: mix 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp each of garlic and onion powder, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, and 1 tbsp lime juice in a bowl.

Coat that chicken thoroughly. Letting it marinate for even 15 minutes makes a world of difference in flavour but feel free to leave the marinated chicken in the fridge overnight! This simple step elevates your High Protein Recipes Dinner game.

Step-by-Step: Grilling to Perfection

1. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Place the marinated chicken on the hot surface.
3. Cook for 5- 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
4. Use a meat thermometer! Aim for an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .
5. Remove from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
6. Chop grilled chicken into smaller pieces if you fancy.

Pro Tips: Avoid Dry Chicken Drama

Don’t overcook the chicken. Seriously, dry chicken is the WORST. Also, if you're doing meal prep for weight loss high protein , grilled chicken is way healthier than frying! You can even grill extra chicken on Sunday, then assemble your bowls during the week.

Super easy! And if you wanna speed things even more , this is one of the quick high protein meals you can have.

It makes meal prep a breeze.

Oh my gosh, I almost forgot a crucial tip! Letting the chicken rest is non-negotiable. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in more tender, flavourful chicken.

No one wants chewy chicken in their Healthy High Protein Meals . Trust me on this one.

And that's how we conquer the grill. Enjoy your protein dinner , friends!

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Chicken & Black Bean Bowls

Right then, let's talk shop about these Chicken & Black Bean Burrito Bowls . Honestly, a recipe is just a guideline. We'll tweak this to make your life easier. And tastier!

Plating & Presentation: Bowl Goals

Presentation matters. Don't just throw it all in. Layer those ingredients! Rice and beans at the bottom. Colourful veggies on top.

A sprinkle of coriander makes it look posh. I like a side of crispy tortilla chips. Adds some crunch, you know? Also, a dollop of Greek yogurt? Yes, please! It is a great way to add extra protein dinner .

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh

Cool the bowls completely before sealing. This is crucial . Stops soggy ingredients. Refrigerate for up to four days. Good meal prep ideas high protein last longer.

If you need to freeze them, skip the fresh avocado. It goes mushy. Reheat in the microwave. Job done!

Variations: Your Bowl, Your Rules

Got dietary needs? No worries! Vegetarian? Swap the chicken for halloumi. Low-carb? Cauliflower rice is your friend. Want a spicier kick? Add jalapeños. Seriously, play around with it. It's your bowl!

This recipe is a good base for high protein recipes dinner .

Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body

Each bowl has around 45-55g of protein. That's a decent punch. Calories are about 550-650, depending on toppings. It's a balanced, healthy high protein meal prep . Perfect for busy folks.

These bowls can be great meal prep for weight loss high protein .

Ultimately, remember that these healthy high protein meals are designed to make your life easier and healthier. The biggest thing is that they will add to your lifestyle not be another stressor, but if you take the time to get the right steps done you're golden! Get in that kitchen, put on your tunes, and get cooking!