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High Protein Chicken Enchilada Bowls - A Fast, Flavor-Packed Meal Prep Favorite

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Enchilada sauce: 2 cups (red preferred)
  • Rice: 2 cups cooked (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
  • Black beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • Corn: 1 cup (frozen, canned, or fresh)
  • Bell peppers: 2, any color, sliced
  • Onion: 1 medium, sliced
  • Cheese: 1 cup shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream: For topping (Greek yogurt boosts protein)
  • Avocado: 1–2, sliced or diced
  • Cilantro: Small bunch, chopped
  • Lime: 1–2, cut into wedges
  • Spices: Chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper
  • Olive oil: Or avocado oil for cooking
  • Optional add-ins: Jalapeño, pickled onions, hot sauce, shredded lettuce

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice. Prepare your rice according to package directions. For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime at the end. Keep warm.
  2. Season the chicken. Pat chicken dry and cut into bite-size pieces. Toss with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and a few grinds of black pepper.
  3. Sear the chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken in a single layer. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring once or twice, until browned and cooked through.
  4. Simmer in sauce. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in 1.5 cups enchilada sauce and simmer 3–4 minutes until the chicken is coated and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  5. Sauté the veggies. In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium. Add sliced peppers and onion with a pinch of salt. Cook 5–6 minutes until tender-crisp with a bit of char.
  6. Warm the beans and corn. In a small saucepan, stir together black beans, corn, and remaining 1/2 cup enchilada sauce. Warm over low heat for 3–4 minutes.
  7. Assemble the bowls. Start with a base of rice. Add a generous scoop of saucy chicken, then spoon on beans and corn. Top with peppers and onions.
  8. Add the cheese. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the warm ingredients so it melts slightly. If you want it extra melty, briefly cover the bowl with a plate for a minute.
  9. Finish with fresh toppings. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Include jalapeño or hot sauce if you like heat.
  10. Meal prep tip. For packed lunches, build bowls without avocado or yogurt. Store those toppings separately and add just before eating.