Chipotle Chicken Meal Prep: A step-by-step guide

This step-by-step guide walks you through preparing a delicious and satisfying chipotle chicken meal prep, complete with flavorful sides for a week’s worth of lunches or dinners.

Step 1: Prepare the chipotle chicken

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 (7-ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 2 tbsp adobo sauce (from the can)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper 

Instructions

1. Create the marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine the chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Marinate the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl or a resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before chopping it into smaller, bite-sized pieces. 

Step 2: Cook the cilantro-lime rice

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice or brown rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• Salt to taste 

Instructions

1. Cook the rice according to package directions.
2. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the lime juice, cilantro, and salt. 

Step 3: Prepare the fajita vegetables

Ingredients

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning 

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, toss the sliced bell peppers and red onion with olive oil and taco seasoning until evenly coated.
3. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Roast for 15–20 minutes, or until tender. 

Step 4: Assemble your meal prep containers

1. Gather your components: You will need your cooked chipotle chicken, cilantro-lime rice, roasted fajita vegetables, and other optional toppings like black beans, corn, and salsa.
2. Divide the base: Place an equal portion of cilantro-lime rice in each of your meal prep containers.
3. Add protein and vegetables: Layer the chipotle chicken and fajita vegetables next to the rice in each container.
4. Add sides: Portion out black beans and corn into each container.
5. Pack toppings separately: For best results, store fresh toppings like salsa, guacamole, cheese, sour cream, and lime wedges in separate, smaller containers to maintain their freshness.
6. Refrigerate: Place the sealed containers in the refrigerator. The meal prep bowls will stay fresh for 3–4 days. 

What are other good sides for chipotle chicken meal prep?

There are many delicious and flavorful side dishes that complement chipotle chicken meal prep, from refreshing salsas to hearty roasted vegetables. 

Fresh and creamy options

• Easy corn salsa: Mix corn (fresh, frozen, or canned), diced red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro. You can also add black beans and diced avocado for a heartier “cowboy caviar” style salad.
• Quick guacamole: Combine ripe, mashed avocados with minced garlic, fresh lime juice, and salt. Add diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños for a more classic style. For meal prep, seal the container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent browning.
• Creamy chipotle slaw: Shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a dressing of mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, and chipotle powder creates a cool and tangy contrast to the spicy chicken.
• Pico de gallo: This classic fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice offers a bright, acidic flavor profile. 

Hearty and wholesome sides

• Chipotle black beans: For a smoky and slightly spicy side, simmer canned black beans with onion, garlic, cumin, and chipotle powder or peppers in adobo sauce. Add a squeeze of lime juice at the end for brightness.
• Mexican street corn (elote) salad: For a less messy meal prep version, create a street corn salad by mixing charred corn kernels with a creamy dressing of mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and chili powder.
• Roasted sweet potato wedges: For a boost of color and fiber, roast sweet potato wedges tossed in oil and spices like chili powder and cumin until tender and browned.
• Spicy roasted cauliflower: Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, chipotle powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt before roasting at 400°F until caramelized and tender. 

Top with extra flavor

To add texture and freshness when serving your meal prep, remember to pack these ingredients separately:

• Cheese: Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or crumbly cotija cheese.
• Sauces: Store salsa, sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a creamy avocado salsa in a separate, small container.
• Fresh garnishes: Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or sliced avocado will elevate your meal when you’re ready to eat. 

For a detailed guide on building a nutritious and delicious bowl recipe, check out our Healthy Chipotle Chicken Bowl.