Let’s face it, weeknights can get hectic. Between work, family, and trying to squeeze in some ‘me time,’ figuring out what’s for dinner can feel like a chore. But what if I told you there’s a way to make delicious, healthy meals that are ready in a flash and taste amazing? That’s where smart meal prep recipes come in!
Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s a total game changer: a Chicken Taco Bowl. It’s packed with flavor, super satisfying, and incredibly easy to put together. This isn’t just about saving time; it’s about making your life a little bit easier and a lot tastier.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Taco Bowl is a winner for so many reasons. It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and is incredibly customizable. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get a hearty meal without a ton of effort.
It’s perfect for anyone looking for healthy low carb dinners or just generally easy high protein meals. You’ll find yourself reaching for this one again and again.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 3 cups cauliflower rice
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.5 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 0.5 cup sugar-free salsa
- 0.25 cup full-fat sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 jalapeño, minced
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Grab a large skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground chicken. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks.
Let it cook for about 5 to 6 minutes. You want it to be no longer pink and have a nice light brown color.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Drain off any extra fat from the skillet. Now, add your packet of taco seasoning. Pour in about 2 to 3 tablespoons of water.
Stir everything together constantly for about 2 minutes. The meat should be evenly coated, and most of the liquid should have evaporated.
Step 3: Let the Protein Rest
Take the seasoned chicken off the heat. Let it sit and rest for about 5 minutes. This is a good time to get your other ingredients ready.
Step 4: Prepare the Cauliflower Rice
If you’re using frozen cauliflower rice, pop it in the microwave for 4 to 5 minutes until it’s heated through.
For fresh cauliflower rice, get a dry skillet hot over medium heat. Sauté it for 3 to 4 minutes. You want it tender but still a little firm. Let it cool a bit so it doesn’t wilt your lettuce.
Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls
Start layering! Put the chopped romaine lettuce in your serving bowls. Add a portion of cauliflower rice next to it.
Top with your seasoned chicken, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
Now for the best part! Add dollops of sour cream. Spoon on a generous amount of salsa.
Sprinkle on the minced jalapeño if you like a little heat. Finish with a fresh squeeze of lime juice right before you dig in. These meal prep recipes are so satisfying!
How To Store Leftovers
Storing these Chicken Taco Bowls is a breeze, making them perfect for future healthy bowls recipes. If you’re prepping ahead, it’s best to keep the components separate until you’re ready to eat.
Store the seasoned chicken, cauliflower rice, chopped lettuce, and toppings in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the avocado, tomatoes, onion, cheese, cilantro, salsa, sour cream, lime juice, and jalapeño separate as well.
When you’re ready for lunch or dinner, simply assemble your bowl. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the ingredients from getting soggy, especially the lettuce and avocado. You can store the assembled bowls for up to 2 days, but keeping them separate ensures maximum freshness.
Tips
Want to make these high protein low carb recipes even better? Here are a few ideas!
Spice It Up: Adjust the jalapeño to your liking, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken while cooking for extra kick. For a milder flavor, skip the jalapeño entirely.
Swap Your Base: Don’t love cauliflower rice? Try regular rice, quinoa, or even a bed of spinach for a different take on these healthy bowls. If you’re staying low carb, shredded cabbage is a great alternative.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other favorite vegetables like bell peppers (sautéed or raw), corn (if not strictly low carb), or black olives.
Make it Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese and sour cream, or use your favorite dairy-free alternatives. A cashew-based sour cream works wonders!
Seasoning Hack: If you don’t have a taco seasoning packet, you can whip up your own blend with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little salt and pepper.
These little tweaks make these healthy high protein meals truly your own. They are fantastic bariatric recipes too, especially when portioned correctly.
Conclusion
There you have it! A simple, delicious, and healthy Chicken Taco Bowl that’s perfect for your weekly meal prep recipes rotation. It proves that eating well doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy the ease and flavor it brings to your table. It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking for flavorful low carb dinner ideas that are also packed with protein. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, shredded chicken breast, or even seasoned tofu would work wonderfully in this bowl. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How long does this recipe stay fresh?
When stored in separate containers, the components will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, assemble right before eating.
Is this recipe good for beginners?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for beginners! The steps are straightforward, and there’s not much that can go wrong. It’s a great way to build confidence in the kitchen.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this is an ideal make-ahead meal. Prepare all the components as directed and store them in separate containers. Assemble and dress just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
No problem! You can create your own taco seasoning blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Aim for about 1 to 2 tablespoons total for this recipe.
Chicken Taco Bowl
This Chicken Taco Bowl is the ultimate busy weeknight solution. It combines savory seasoned chicken with fresh veggies and cauliflower rice for a 30-minute meal that is packed with protein and flavor. Perfect for meal prep!
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grab a large skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground chicken. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks.
- Let it cook for about 5 to 6 minutes. You want it to be no longer pink and have a nice light brown color.
- Drain off any extra fat from the skillet. Now, add your packet of taco seasoning. Pour in about 2 to 3 tablespoons of water.
- Stir everything together constantly for about 2 minutes. The meat should be evenly coated, and most of the liquid should have evaporated.
- Take the seasoned chicken off the heat. Let it sit and rest for about 5 minutes. This is a good time to get your other ingredients ready.
- If you’re using frozen cauliflower rice, pop it in the microwave for 4 to 5 minutes until it’s heated through. For fresh cauliflower rice, get a dry skillet hot over medium heat. Sauté it for 3 to 4 minutes. You want it tender but still a little firm.
- Start layering! Put the chopped romaine lettuce in your serving bowls. Add a portion of cauliflower rice next to it.
- Top with your seasoned chicken, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.
- Add dollops of sour cream and spoon on a generous amount of salsa. Sprinkle on the minced jalapeño if you like a little heat. Finish with a fresh squeeze of lime juice right before you dig in.
Notes
Storage: Store the seasoned chicken, cauliflower rice, lettuce, and toppings in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble right before eating to keep everything fresh.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your taste, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken for an extra kick. Omit for a milder version.
Variations: Swap cauliflower rice for quinoa, brown rice, or a bed of spinach. Add extra veggies like bell peppers or corn if desired.
Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese and sour cream or use your favorite dairy-free alternatives to make this recipe compliant.
DIY Seasoning: If you don’t have a packet, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
Protein
