Ugh, the struggle is real, right? You *want* to eat healthier, save time during the week, and ditch those sad desk lunches, but the thought of making the same bland chicken and rice for days on end? No thanks! I totally get it. I remember staring into my fridge one Sunday night, utterly overwhelmed by the week ahead and totally uninspired by the idea of meal prepping. I’d cooked up some plain rice, some steamed veggies… it felt like a chore, not a solution. But then, I had this “aha!” moment. What if meal prep could actually taste AMAZING? What if it could be vibrant, flavorful, and something you genuinely look forward to? That’s exactly how these Rice Bowls Recipes Meal Prep That Actually Tastes Great came to be. They’re my answer to delicious, healthy, and super easy meal prep that won’t bore your taste buds!
Why You’ll Love These Rice Bowls Recipes Meal Prep That Actually Tastes Great
Seriously, why wouldn’t you adore these bowls? They’re ridiculously easy to throw together, bursting with flavor thanks to those zingy pickled onions and savory chicken, and they’re actually good for you! Plus, think of all the time you’ll save during your busy week. It’s meal prep that truly tastes great, I promise!
Gather Your Ingredients for Delicious Rice Bowls
Alright, let’s get our game faces on and gather everything we need to make these bowls sing! It might look like a few things, but trust me, it all comes together like a dream. Having everything prepped makes the actual cooking super smooth sailing.
For the Pickled Red Onions:
- 1 medium red onion, sliced nice and thin
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey (or you can use sugar if that’s what you have)
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Rice:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup onion, diced small
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1.5 cups rice (any kind you like works, but long-grain is great!)
- 3 cups broth (chicken or vegetable broth will do!)
- 3-6 tsp beet juice, just to give it a fun color – totally optional but pretty!
For the Ground Chicken:
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced really fine
- 1 lb ground chicken (ground turkey is a good swap too!)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped up (fresh is key here!)
To Assemble:
- 6 avocados, just one half for each bowl
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Rice Bowls Recipes Meal Prep That Actually Tastes Great
Alright, ready to whip up these amazing rice bowls? It’s way easier than you think, and the payoff for your week is HUGE. Let’s get cooking!
Prepare the Pickled Red Onions
First things first, let’s get those gorgeous pink onions going! Just grab a medium bowl or a cute glass jar. Toss in your thinly sliced red onion, the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, honey (or sugar!), and that pinch of salt. Give it all a good stir so everything is happy and coated. Let this party sit for at least 30 minutes while we do the other stuff. They’ll soften up and get that perfect tangy-sweet kick.
Cook the Flavorful Rice
Now, let’s make some rice that’s anything but boring! Grab a medium pot and heat up a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and let it get nice and soft, about 4-5 minutes. Add your salt, then dump in the rice. Stir it all around for about a minute until the grains are coated in that oily goodness. Pour in the broth and bring it up to a simmer. Once it’s bubbling, turn the heat down low, pop a lid on, and let it cook until all the liquid is gone and the rice is tender, usually around 15-18 minutes. Take it off the heat, stir in that beet juice if you want a fun pop of color (it’s totally optional!), cover it again, and let it steam for 10 minutes. Then, fluff it all up with a fork. Easy peasy! For more ideas on flavorful chicken and rice, check out these easy chicken street tacos.
Sauté the Ground Chicken
Time for the star protein! Get a large skillet hot over medium heat with a tablespoon of oil. Add your diced red onions and minced garlic. Sauté those gems until they’re soft and smell amazing, about 3-5 minutes. Now, add the ground chicken, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook it all up, breaking up the meat with your spoon, until it’s cooked through and no pink is left. Taste it – does it need a tiny bit more salt? Go for it! Once it’s perfectly cooked, stir in that fresh, chopped cilantro. Yum! If you’re looking for more amazing chicken and rice bowl inspiration, you’ll love this chicken rice bowl recipe.
Assemble Your Meal Prep Rice Bowls
This is the fun part! Grab your meal prep containers – you’ll need 6. Now, just divide everything evenly: scoop in some of that colorful rice, a good portion of the savory chicken, some of those lovely pickled onions, and of course, half an avocado per container. Seal ’em up tight and voilà! You’ve got delicious, healthy lunches or dinners ready to go for the week. So much better than a sad sandwich, right?
Tips for Perfect Rice Bowls Recipes Meal Prep That Actually Tastes Great
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but let’s talk about making these rice bowls absolutely perfect every single time. My top tip? Don’t skip that resting time for the rice and the onions! Seriously, it makes all the difference. That little bit of patience lets the flavors meld and textures develop. Also, when you’re picking out your chicken, fresh is always best, but if you’re in a pinch, good quality ground turkey is a fantastic swap. And for the rice, try not to overcook it – al dente is what we’re aiming for so it doesn’t get mushy in the fridge. I’ve found that using broth instead of just water for the rice adds a whole other layer of flavor, so don’t cheap out there if you can help it! For even more speedy and tasty dinner ideas, you’ve got to check out my fast and flavorful healthy dinner ideas. It’s all about making good food easy!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Let’s chat about some of the ingredients here! If you’re not sure about the beet juice for coloring the rice, don’t sweat it! It’s totally just for fun and makes the bowls look super pretty, but if you don’t have it or aren’t keen, just skip it. The rice will be delicious without it. Now, for the ground chicken – if you’re not a fan or can’t find it, ground turkey is a practically perfect substitute and cooks up just the same. For anyone looking for a plant-based option, you could totally swap the chicken for crumbled firm tofu or even some seasoned lentils. Just make sure to cook them through until they’re nicely browned and flavorful! Need more ideas for healthy eats? You’ll love my healthy fruit breakfast smoothie recipe – it’s so easy and refreshing!
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Alright, so you’ve packed these beauties into your meal prep containers. Great job! Now, to keep them tasting as fresh as possible, just pop them into the fridge. They’ll stay wonderfully delicious for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, you can either enjoy them cold – which is honestly pretty great, especially the tangy onions and creamy avocado! – or you can gently reheat the rice and chicken. I usually pop mine in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, stopping to stir halfway through, until everything’s warmed through. Just remember to add the avocado fresh right before you eat it if you’re reheating, okay? For more meal prep magic, check out my protein-packed breakfast burritos!
Frequently Asked Questions About These Rice Bowls
Got more questions buzzing around your head about these awesome rice bowls? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Meal prep should be easy and totally doable, so let’s clear things up.
Can I use a different protein in these rice bowls?
Absolutely! While the ground chicken is fantastic and quick, feel free to swap it out. Cooked shredded chicken, lean ground turkey, crumbled tofu, or even some seasoned black beans would be delicious alternatives. Just make sure whatever protein you choose is cooked and seasoned well to keep that flavor punch going!
How long do these rice bowls last in the fridge for meal prep?
These beauties are best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days of making them. I always recommend storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The avocado is best added fresh right before you eat, especially if you’re reheating, to prevent browning. Everything else holds up perfectly for those mid-week meals!
Can I make these rice bowls vegetarian or vegan?
You totally can! For a vegetarian version, swap the ground chicken for crumbled firm tofu or tempeh sauteed with the same seasonings. If you’re aiming for vegan, use tofu or lentils and ensure your honey substitute is a vegan-friendly sweetener like maple syrup. Also, make sure your broth is vegetable-based. These rice bowls are super adaptable!
What if I don’t have beet juice for the rice color?
Oh, don’t stress about the beet juice at all! It’s purely for aesthetics – makes the rice a pretty pink, but it doesn’t affect the flavor one bit. If you don’t have it, or just prefer plain rice, feel free to skip it. The taste will still be amazing! For other simple and healthy recipe ideas, check out my easy smoothie recipes.
Estimated Nutritional Information
So, what’s the damage – or rather, the *goodness* – in these bowls? While it can totally vary depending on your exact ingredients and portion sizes, a rough estimate for one of these flavor-packed rice bowls is around 450-550 calories. You’re looking at a solid 30-40g of protein, roughly 40-50g of carbs (hello, energy!), and about 20-25g of healthy fats. It’s a fantastic balance for a satisfying meal! For more healthy recipe inspo, check out my smoothie recipe!
Share Your Creations!
Alright, you’ve made these incredible rice bowls, so now I want to hear all about it! Snap a pic and tag me on social media – I’d love to see your delicious creations and any fun twists you came up with. Seriously, drop a comment below to tell me how they turned out, and if you loved them, give them a star rating! Your feedback helps so many other home cooks find amazing recipes like these. You can find even more tasty ideas over at my recipes page!
Rice Bowls Recipes Meal Prep That Actually Tastes Great
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- For the pickled red onions: Combine the thinly sliced red onion, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and salt in a glass jar or bowl. Stir well and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- For the rice: Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in salt, then stir in the rice and cook, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute until evenly coated. Stir in the broth and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15-18 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in beet juice to your desired color, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- For the ground chicken: Heat oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Add diced red onions and minced garlic and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened, stirring often. Add ground chicken, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook, breaking up the meat, until cooked through. Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro. Set aside.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide all ingredients evenly between 6 meal prep containers. Add half an avocado to each container.
