why make this recipe

Meal prep can be a game changer for busy weeks. The Easy Flavor-Packed Meal Prep Chicken Buddha Bowl is not only delicious but also healthy and satisfying. With its vibrant mix of ingredients and creamy tahini dressing, this bowl makes sure your meals are packed with flavor and nutrition. It is great for maintaining energy throughout your day and saves you cooking time later on.

how to make Easy Flavor-Packed Meal Prep Chicken Buddha Bowl

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, diced
1 cup shredded carrots
2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
1 small avocado, sliced
1/4 cup tahini
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3-4 tbsp water
1 clove minced garlic
1 tsp maple syrup or honey
Salt, to taste

Directions:

Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water and then combine it with 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool slightly. (If you are using brown rice, cook it according to package instructions, which takes about 40-45 minutes.)
In a bowl, mix together olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to this mixture and coat it evenly.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is browned. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly.
While the chicken cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, shred the carrots, slice the avocado, and rinse and dry the spinach or greens.
In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, maple syrup, and salt. Gradually add water one tablespoon at a time until the dressing is creamy but pourable. Adjust the salt or lemon as needed.
Divide the quinoa or rice among 3-4 meal prep containers. Arrange sliced chicken, chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, spinach, and avocado over the grain base.
Spoon the tahini dressing over each bowl or keep it separate in small containers for prep ahead. Seal the containers and refrigerate. The bowls remain fresh for up to 4 days.

how to serve Easy Flavor-Packed Meal Prep Chicken Buddha Bowl

Serve the Buddha bowl cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can warm the chicken slightly before adding it to the bowl. Drizzle extra tahini dressing on top for added flavor just before eating.

how to store Easy Flavor-Packed Meal Prep Chicken Buddha Bowl

Store the meal prep bowls in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 4 days. If you’re keeping the dressing separate, store it in a small container to maintain its creaminess and freshness until ready to eat.

tips to make Easy Flavor-Packed Meal Prep Chicken Buddha Bowl

Feel free to adjust the spices used on the chicken based on your personal preferences.
You can swap out the veggies with whatever you have on hand or prefer.
For extra protein, consider adding more chickpeas or even some nuts or seeds.

variation

If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with roasted tofu or tempeh. You can also add roasted vegetables for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze the Chicken Buddha Bowl?
It is not recommended to freeze the bowls as the fresh vegetables and avocado do not freeze well. Instead, keep them in the fridge.

2. How can I make the tahini dressing thicker?
You can make the tahini dressing thicker by reducing the amount of water you add. Start with 2 tablespoons of water and adjust according to your preference.

3. Can I use other grains instead of quinoa or brown rice?
Absolutely! You can use farro, barley, or even couscous if you prefer. Each will bring a unique texture and taste to the bowl.