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High Protein Chicken Taco Meal Prep - Easy, Flavor-Packed, and Ready for the Week

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

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)
  • Marinade/Seasoning: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Base: 3 cups cooked brown rice (or white rice or cauliflower rice)
  • Beans: 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Veggies: 2 bell peppers (any color), 1 red onion
  • Fresh add-ons: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 avocado, fresh cilantro, 1–2 limes
  • Optional extras: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (as a sour cream swap), your favorite salsa, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, pickled jalapeños
  • Pantry staples: Olive oil spray or a drizzle for roasting, salt, pepper

Method
 

  1. Mix the marinade: In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and slice into 1-inch strips for faster, even cooking. Toss with the marinade and let rest 15–30 minutes (or up to 8 hours in the fridge).
  3. Preheat and prep veggies: Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Slice bell peppers and red onion into strips. Toss with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper on a sheet pan.
  4. Roast the veggies: Roast for 15 minutes, then push them to one side of the pan.
  5. Add the chicken: Lay marinated chicken strips on the empty side. Roast another 10–14 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the veggies are tender with charred edges.
  6. Warm the beans: While the sheet pan finishes, heat black beans in a small pot over low heat with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime. Add a splash of water if needed.
  7. Cook your base: If you haven’t already, cook rice according to package directions. For cauliflower rice, sauté in a skillet with a little oil, salt, and lime juice for 5–7 minutes.
  8. Chop the fresh stuff: Halve cherry tomatoes. Dice avocado just before packing or serving. Roughly chop cilantro. Cut extra lime wedges.
  9. Assemble bowls: Divide rice among 4–6 meal prep containers. Top with chicken, roasted peppers and onions, and black beans. Keep tomatoes, avocado, and yogurt/salsa in separate small containers if possible.
  10. Finish with flavor: Add a squeeze of lime over the chicken. Sprinkle cilantro over everything. Let containers cool slightly before sealing.