10 Chicken Meal Prep Ideas
Embarking on a journey of meal prepping is not just a time-saver but a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Chicken, a protein powerhouse, stands out as the perfect ingredient for meal prepping. Its versatility and compatibility with various flavors make it an ideal choice. One thing I often hear about chicken is that it gets boring (and meal prep in general) so then we are all left with a bunch of food in the fridge that doesn’t get eaten...
What I don’t want for you is to go through all this effort and dedicate time to make meals that you don’t eat. That’s money and time wasted in so many ways! Whether you are a busy working woman or a mom running a house hold, no one has time for that. My hope is that this post helps get you excited about your meals at home and makes things simple and easy for your busy life style! Today, I'm thrilled to share a variety of Chicken Meal Prep Ideas that will not only excite your taste buds but also simplify your weekly meal game plan and last you all week long.
Chicken Meal Prep Ideas
When trying to mix things up with your chicken, here are some categories of things to consider.
Consider what part of the chicken you’re using (breast, thighs, tenders, etc.)
Consider how you cook it (grilled, bake, slow cooker, air fryer, etc.)
Consider the way in which it’s eaten (on top of a salad, with a side of veggies/grains, in a soup, marinated in different sauces etc.)
Below I’ve shared 10 different recipes from a favorite food blogger and cookbook author of mine Molly Thompson. She has an incredible background in creating recipes that are simple, healthy, and delicious for you and your family! I picked out some of my favorites that I feel provide a great variety, and keep your health in mind! Each recipe is linked in the title. Take a look at this awesome list below. :)
Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetable Skewers
Kick off your meal prepping adventure with these flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Skewers. Use seasonal vegetables or common skewer veggies (think onions and peppers) to enhance the taste and nutritional value. Mix it up by using chicken thighs, breast, or tenders and my favorite substitute for teriyaki, coconut aminos for great flavor without sacrificing health (way less sodium than traditional teriyaki).
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chilli
With all the fancy kitchen gadgets around, the slow cooker is still one of my favorites. And if you like a little spice like me, and like making a recipe that is easily reheat worthy, this is a great go to recipe!
Another bonus about this one is it takes little time to toss all the ingredients in the crockpot and let the gadget do the cooking for you. On top of this, you’re getting great nutritional content from the chicken and a mix of beans and a great blend of flavors with all the seasonings! When I hear buffalo chicken I think of traditional wings with ranch dressing on the side. This is a great way to get those flavors without feeling like your stomach might be upset after!
Crispy Cilantro Lime Chicken
Anyone a Chipotle fan over here? Check out this recipe for a mix of sweet, savory, and simple!
This one is all about creating a nice marinade to create a great mix of flavor with both wet and dry ingredients. Toss it in the oven to bake, and wala! Add in your favorite grain and veggie on the side, and you got a simple and tasty meal!
Pesto Chicken
If you like Italian food but tend to steer clear due to it’s heavier nature, here is a simple Italian inspired dish that should leave you feeling great afterwards! Especially if you can find a simple and healthy store bought pesto, this one is EASY and ready to go in just under 30 minutes.
I’ve seen trends in the nutrition world over the years to avoid cheese from a “healthy dietary” perspective. Cheese is a great source of protein, healthy fats, and dairy! Unless you’re aware of a lactose intolerance or severe dairy allergy, there is nothing wrong with adding cheese here and there in the mix of your routine!
Paired nicely with some rice and sun dried tomatoes on the side for a little extra pow to your pallet!
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Do we have any New Orleans/Cajun fans here? This recipe has an amazing burst of flavors with spices to give you that cajun feel. It is also paired with chicken breast and sausage! A great way to mix up the types of chicken you’re having.
Especially after a busy day on top of a great workout, this dish will help satisfy the energy you need to take on the day or replenish from it.
Greek Chicken Meatballs
Mediterranean food is some of my favorite cuisine! I feel that meatballs are commonly done with beef, but this is a great way to mix up the format with chicken as your protein source! There is also some bonus protein with some greek yogurt blended into the Tzatziki sauce!
This one is a little bit more elaborate in the preparation so save it for a weekend day to enjoy or meal prep before your work week starts.
Chicken Pad Thai
If you’re like Michael in The Office and never had pad thai, this is a great way to kick off that journey!
Pad Thai is a great way to experience a unique blend of carbs with an asian style noodle, a nice mixture of vegetables, a little healthy fats with the nuts, and a great source of protein! If you traditionally find yourself leaning on chicken breast or find it to be your favorite source of chicken, this is a great way to make it more interesting!
Chicken Sheet Pan Burrito Bowl
I love one sheet pan recipes! It’s a great way to let the flavors cross over each other and make it easy to have less dishes stacking up in your sink.
This recipe is a great way to mix up how you have your chicken (sausage format) and get those Spanish like flavors plugged in! Sheet pan recipes are also awesome for meal prepping. It makes a lot, easy to portion out in containers, and you’re ready to go! Very similar feel to soups. :)
Maple Dijon Sausage with Veggies
This recipe is a great fall inspired recipe with the sweet potatoes, apples, and brussels sprouts on this awesome sheet pan meal that is done baking in just 20 minutes! If you are ready for a protein packed AND fiber packed meal. Look no further!
It’s another way to mix the sweet and savory blend with the sweet apple chicken sausage and a tiny drizzle of maple syrup on top. If you are a natural sweet tooth craver, this is a great one for you!
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast
Ready to use another one of your kitchen gadgets that take up a lot of pantry/kitchen space and hardly gets used? Whip out that air fryer, pull out your favorite bacon stripes from your childhood Sunday morning breakfast, and let’s get cooking on this last recipe!
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can make these in the oven as well.
The bacon is a nice additional protein source and makes a nice complimentary flavor as you dive into that chicken breast! The common complaint I get about chicken breast is that it’s dry. Wrapping it in bacon will definitely solve that problem! Bacon might not be on the “let’s have it every day” list, but it is a great compliment from time to time! Again, a simple recipe where you can add your favorite grain (rice, quinoa, orzo, etc.) with a veggie on the side.
Conclusion
I hope this post encouraged and inspired you to make a seemingly boring and basic food item into a very diverse option for you! Chicken is a really great and easy way to incorporate protein in your meal plan, but it doesn’t have to be plain!
If you are finding that your attempts to create a healthy meal routine are being robbed by boring and basic meal prep options, let’s talk more together about how we can mix things up, keep food fun, AND still see results!
