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Easy Mason Jar Chicken Burrito Bowls Meal Prep Recipe for Perfect Lunches

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A quick and easy meal prep recipe featuring layered mason jar burrito bowls with seasoned chicken, rice, beans, fresh veggies, and a zesty lime-cilantro dressing. Perfect for busy lunches that stay fresh and flavorful.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ cups cooked white or brown rice (about 285g)
  • 1 can (15 oz/425g) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 280g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
  • ½ cup shredded lettuce or baby spinach
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ avocado, sliced or cubed
  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook 1½ cups of rice according to package instructions (about 15-20 minutes). Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shredded chicken, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until heated through and fragrant. Remove from heat.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Rinse and drain black beans. Halve cherry tomatoes, dice red bell pepper, slice avocado, and shred lettuce or spinach.
  5. Assemble the mason jars starting with ½ cup cooked rice at the bottom, then ⅓ cup black beans, ¼ cup corn kernels, diced red pepper and cherry tomatoes, ⅓ cup seasoned chicken, shredded cheese, and a small handful of shredded lettuce or spinach on top.
  6. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of the lime-cilantro dressing on top of the greens, add avocado slices, and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
  7. Seal jars tightly and refrigerate. Keep avocado and dressing separate if preparing ahead to avoid sogginess. Consume within 4 days.
  8. To reheat, transfer contents to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Avoid microwaving the jar.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for speed and flavor. Add avocado and dressing just before eating to avoid browning and sogginess. Layer ingredients by moisture content to keep textures fresh. Rice can be cooked a day ahead to prevent mushiness. For reheating, transfer contents to a microwave-safe bowl instead of microwaving the jar.

Nutrition

Keywords: mason jar, chicken burrito bowl, meal prep, easy lunch, healthy, quick recipe, chicken, rice, black beans, avocado, lime-cilantro dressing

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/easy-mason-jar-chicken-burrito-bowls-meal-prep-recipe-for-perfect-lunches/