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High-Protein Winter Lunch Meal Prep Bowls


  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 4-5 servings 1x

Description

These high-protein winter lunch meal prep bowls are a game-changer for busy weeks, offering a delicious and satisfying way to stay on track with healthy eating. Featuring tender chicken and a colorful array of vegetables, these oven-baked bowls are designed for convenience and flavor. Each serving provides about 35 grams of protein. They’re perfect for packing into containers and enjoying throughout your work week, making healthy lunches effortless and enjoyable.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
  • 1 red bell pepper, cored and diced
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice (for serving)
  • optional: fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
  • optional: lemon wedges for serving

  • Instructions

    1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Start by preheating your oven to 400 F (200 C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This prevents sticking and makes transferring your cooked ingredients much simpler.

    2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. Cut them into 1-inch cubes. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

    3. Prepare the Vegetables: In a separate large bowl, combine the diced sweet potato, broccoli florets, and diced red bell pepper. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss until the vegetables are lightly coated.

    4. Arrange and Roast: Spread the seasoned chicken evenly on one prepared baking sheet. On the second baking sheet, spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer. Ensure there’s enough space between pieces for even cooking and browning. Place both baking sheets in the preheated oven.

    5. Cook Until Tender and Golden: Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165 F (74 C)) and the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized. Halfway through cooking (around 12-15 minutes), gently flip the chicken and stir the vegetables to ensure even cooking. The chicken should have a nice golden-brown exterior, and the sweet potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork.

    6. Assemble Your Meal Prep Bowls: Once cooked, remove the chicken and vegetables from the oven. Divide the cooked quinoa or brown rice among 4-5 meal prep containers. Then, evenly distribute the roasted chicken and vegetables into each container. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired, and add a lemon wedge for a bright squeeze of flavor just before eating.

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
    • Category: main dish
    • Cuisine: american

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 bowl
    • Protein: 35

    Keywords: meal prep, chicken, healthy, winter, lunch, high protein, oven baked, easy, vegetables, weeknight