Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep – High Protein, $4 Per Serve

This chicken burrito bowl meal prep is high in protein, packed with flavour, and costs just $4 per serve. Perfect for weekly lunches or dinners, it’s a simple, budget-friendly recipe that helps you save time and stay on track with your goals. Includes storage, reheating tips, and full ingredient breakdown.

High Protein Chicken Burrito Bowls

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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: 697kcal
Servings: 5 Portions

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

  • 1 kg Chicken Thigh Boneless & Skinless
  • 15 ml Olive Oil
  • 4 g Smoked Paprika
  • 4 g Ground Cumin
  • 3 Garlic Cloves Minced
  • Salt & Pepper

Brown Rice

  • 350 g Brown Rice Washed
  • 700 ml Cold Water
  • ¼ Lime Juiced
  • 5 g Coriander (Cilantro) Chopped
  • Salt

Beans & Corn

  • 400 g Corn Kernels Rinsed
  • 400 g Black Beans Rinsed
  • Salt & Pepper

Garnish

  • Salsa of Choice
  • Coriander (Cilantro)
  • Lime Wedges Optional

Method

Cook the Brown Rice

  • Rinse the brown rice under cold water until it runs clear. Add the rice to a saucepan with water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce to low, and simmer for 22-25 minutes, until tender—fluff with a fork. Squeeze in the lime juice and add the chopped coriander, if using.

Marinate the Chicken

  • In a bowl, add chicken thighs, olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, minced garlic and salt and pepper. Mix to combine.

Beans & Corn

  • Rinse and drain black beans and corn. Sauté corn in a pan for 3–5 minutes until lightly browned. Add in the beans and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat.

Cook the Chicken

  • Place a pan over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side or until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 75°C-167°F). Rest for 5 minutes and slice or dice.

Assemble Bowls

  • In each container, add the cooked lime and coriander brown rice, sliced chicken thigh, black beans and corn, top with salsa of choice and coriander (cilantro). Dig in.
Chef's Tips
Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 15–20 minutes if you have the time, even though the method doesn't call for a rest. A short marinate helps the garlic and spices actually penetrate rather than just coating the surface before it hits the pan.
Sear the chicken undisturbed for the full 5–6 minutes per side, and check for 75°C (167°F) internally rather than judging by time alone — thigh thickness varies enough that timing alone isn't a fully reliable guide.
Sauté the corn on its own until lightly browned before adding the beans, as written — that browning is where the corn actually caramelises and picks up flavour, and adding the beans too early releases moisture that stops it from browning properly.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months, in an airtight container.
To reheat, microwave for 2–3 minutes until hot through, or warm in a pan over medium heat. Add the salsa and fresh coriander just before serving. Thaw frozen portions in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Serving 610gCalories 697kcalCarbohydrates 74gProtein 53gFat 13gSaturated Fat 3gPolyunsaturated Fat 3gMonounsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 188mgSodium 1032mgPotassium 1019mgFiber 10gSugar 9gVitamin A 1390IUVitamin C 32mgCalcium 50mgIron 1.2mg

The above nutrition guide is based on daily averages and is calculated for a single portion. 

Recipe Notes

Storage Instructions

Fridge

Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, use freezer-safe containers and let cool completely before freezing.

Reheating Instructions

Microwave (preferred)

Heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

From frozen

Thaw overnight in the fridge, then microwave as above.

Add a splash of water or a squeeze of lime to freshen it up before serving.

 

Watch How To Make The Recipe

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