Prep Ahead for Success: 6 Easy Chicken Meal Prep Recipes for Every Palate

One of the most versatile and reliable sources of protein is chicken, which offers a variety of cuts and flavors that can be easily adapted to suit any dietary need.

Whether you’re looking for high-protein meals to fuel your workouts or simply want to make life easier by preparing nutritious meals ahead of time, chicken meal prep recipes are an ideal solution.

In this guide, we’ll dive into six easy chicken recipes that will have you enjoying tender chicken, packed with grams of protein, in no time. These meals incorporate a variety of ingredients, including chicken breasts, chicken thighs, brussel sprouts, and brown rice, all of which are essential in creating protein-packed meals that are not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced.

1. Tender Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry (30 minutes)

Ingredients:

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
3. Add the halved brussels sprouts and sauté until tender, about 7-8 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with soy sauce if desired.
5. Serve immediately or divide into meal prep containers.

2. High-Protein Chicken and Brown Rice Bowls

Ingredients:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes.
3. While the chicken is roasting, cook the brown rice according to package instructions.
4. Steam or roast the brussel sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper for 15 minutes.
5. Once everything is ready, portion the chicken, rice, and brussel sprouts into meal prep containers.

3. Protein-Packed Chicken Salad with Avocado and Quinoa

Ingredients:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. Grill or bake chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper until fully cooked.
2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
3. Dice the avocado and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, quinoa, and avocado.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

4. 30-Minute Chicken Thighs with Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Place chicken thighs on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, toss carrots, bell peppers, and brussel sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the vegetables to the oven and roast alongside the chicken for 20 minutes.
5. Serve immediately or store in meal prep containers.

5. Chicken and Sweet Potato Meal Prep Bowls

Ingredients:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Roast the chicken breasts for 20-25 minutes.
3. Toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 25-30 minutes.
4. Steam or roast brussel sprouts for 15 minutes.
5. Once everything is cooked, portion into meal prep containers for the week.