Description
Zesty lime chicken bowls blend Mexican-inspired flavors with easy meal prep convenience. Quick protein-packed lunches deliver fresh, tangy notes that elevate weekday dining for busy home cooks seeking delicious, nutritious solutions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds (900 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning and Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Accompaniments and Extras:
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- ½ cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
- Sliced avocado
- Crumbled feta or cotija cheese
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Create a zesty marinade by combining olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, honey, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing vessel.
- Immerse chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring complete coverage, and refrigerate for a minimum of half an hour to maximize flavor infusion.
- Heat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Transfer marinated chicken onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading pieces to ensure uniform heat distribution.
- Roast the chicken for 20-25 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches a safe 165°F, indicating thorough cooking.
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven, which helps retain moisture and makes slicing easier.
- Portion cooked rice or quinoa evenly into four meal prep containers as a foundational layer.
- Slice or dice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces for convenient eating.
- Layer the chicken over the grain base, creating a protein-rich foundation.
- Distribute black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, corn kernels, and fresh cilantro across each container.
- Garnish with lime wedges to enhance flavor and provide a bright, citrusy finish.
- Seal containers and refrigerate until ready to enjoy, keeping meals fresh and convenient.
Notes
- Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let chicken marinate overnight in the refrigerator to develop deeper, more complex lime and spice notes.
- Protein Flexibility: Swap chicken with tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken alternatives for vegetarian and vegan diet variations.
- Meal Prep Magic: Prepare multiple batches and freeze chicken portions for quick weeknight dinners, maintaining maximum freshness for up to 3 months.
- Heat Control: Adjust chili powder quantity to customize spice levels, ensuring the dish suits everyone’s taste preferences without overwhelming heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg