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Fresh Mason Jar Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep Layers

mason jar chicken burrito bowl - featured image

A quick, easy, and healthy layered chicken burrito bowl meal prep recipe perfect for busy weeks. Fresh veggies, seasoned chicken, cilantro-lime rice, and a tangy yogurt dressing keep flavors vibrant and textures crisp.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup cooked white or brown rice (preferably jasmine)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 1 avocado, sliced (added before eating)
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free coconut yogurt)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp honey or agave syrup
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack), fresh jalapeño slices, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced olives or pickled vegetables

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until water runs clear. Cook according to package instructions (about 15-20 minutes). Fluff with a fork and stir in juice of 1 lime, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken evenly with the spice mix.
  3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice or shred into bite-sized pieces.
  4. While chicken cooks, halve cherry tomatoes, dice bell peppers, chop red onion, prepare corn kernels, and drain and rinse black beans. Slice avocado just before assembling jars.
  5. Whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Assemble jars starting with 1/3 cup cilantro-lime rice at the bottom, then 1/4 cup black beans, followed by 1/3 cup cooked chicken. Add layers of corn, bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Spoon about 2 tbsp yogurt dressing on top. Seal jars and store in fridge.
  7. When ready to eat, add fresh avocado slices on top and mix everything thoroughly. Optionally add shredded cheese or jalapeño slices.

Notes

Keep dressing on top and avocado separate until serving to maintain freshness and crispness. Use wide-mouth jars for easier layering and eating. Chicken can be grilled or oven-baked as alternatives. For longer storage, freeze chicken and rice separately without veggies or dressing.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken burrito bowl, mason jar meal prep, healthy lunch, meal prep recipe, cilantro lime rice, layered burrito bowl, easy chicken recipe