Santa Fe Chicken Low Carb Meal Prep Bowls
Colorful and flavorful low-carb meal prep bowls made with riced cauliflower, fresh veggies, and seasoned chicken, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Santa Fe Chicken Low Carb Meal Prep Bowls
- Prep
- 30 MIN
- Cook
- 15 MIN
- Total
- 45 MIN
- Serves
- 4
01Ingredients
For the base and seasoning
For the veggies
For the chicken
For assembly and serving
02Method
- Preparation
- Serving
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0 OF 5 DONE03Recipe notes
- 01Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Avoid freezing chicken to maintain texture.
04Nutrition
Per serving- Calories
- 430
- Protein
- 31G
- Net carbs
- 10G
- Fat
- 26G
- Fiber
- 9G
Net carbs are total carbs minus fiber. Numbers are estimates from the ingredients listed.
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An Introduction to Santa Fe Chicken Low Carb Meal Prep Bowls
When life gets hectic, finding a healthy, delicious meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare can feel like a daunting task. I’ve been there, and that’s why I absolutely love making Santa Fe Chicken Low Carb Meal Prep Bowls. These colorful, flavorful bowls are perfect for busy weeknights and make lunch packing a breeze. Packed with fresh veggies and perfectly seasoned chicken, they provide a satisfying, nutritious meal that keeps you energized. Not only are they low in carbs, but they’re also customizable and can easily adapt to your flavor preferences!
Reasons to Try It
You might be wondering what makes this recipe stand out in a sea of meal prep options. For starters, these bowls are a low-carb alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. The combination of riced cauliflower as a base and vibrant bell peppers creates a colorful dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Here’s why you’ll want to give this recipe a try:
- Quick and Easy
- The preparation can be done in about 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Budget-Friendly
- With simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, this recipe won’t break the bank.
- Kid-Approved
- The flavors are mild yet delicious, making it appealing for younger palates and a great way to sneak in those veggies.
- Perfect for Meal Prep
- Store these bowls in the fridge and have instant meals ready for the week.
Preparing Santa Fe Chicken Low Carb Meal Prep Bowls
Creating these meal prep bowls is straightforward. You’ll want to start with the cauliflower rice and fresh veggies before moving on to the chicken, making it simple to layer everything together. Here’s a quick rundown of the process before diving into the ingredients.
Sauté the cauliflower rice with olive oil, garlic powder, and lime zest.
Cook the bell peppers and red onion until slightly softened.
Prepare the chicken breasts by seasoning them with taco seasoning and cooking until perfectly done.
Divide everything into meal prep containers, adding cheese to each before sealing them.
All this leads to vibrant, low-carb meals you’ll look forward to throughout the week!
Gather These Items
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your Santa Fe Chicken Low Carb Meal Prep Bowls:
- 4 cups cauliflower rice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup packed cilantro leaves
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
- 2 avocados
Feel free to swap out the bell peppers for any of your favorite veggies or adjust the taco seasoning to suit your spice tolerance.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sauté the Cauliflower Rice: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice, salt, garlic powder, and lime zest. Sauté until the rice is slightly softened. Stir in the cilantro and set aside.
Cook the Veggies: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and red onion, cooking for about 5 minutes until they’re just softened. Transfer them to a plate or meal prep containers and let them cool.
Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken horizontally to create thinner pieces. Brush with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and toss with taco seasoning. Cook in the same pan for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until fully cooked. Remove from heat, cover, and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cauliflower rice and sautéed vegetables evenly between four 3-cup meal prep containers. Top each with sliced chicken and sprinkle with cheese before sealing the lids.
To Serve: When you’re ready to eat, just pop a bowl in the microwave until steaming hot and the cheese is melty. Garnish with sliced avocado for an extra creamy finish!
How to Plate and Pair
These Santa Fe Chicken Low Carb Meal Prep Bowls are as gorgeous as they are delicious! When serving, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top for a bright kick. Pair them with a simple side salad or some fresh cucumber slices for extra crunch. You can also serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a homemade salsa for additional flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your bowls fresh throughout the week, store them in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll be safe for up to 4 days. When it’s time to enjoy one, simply reheat in the microwave until hot. To maintain optimal flavor and texture, avoid freezing the chicken, as it may become dry upon thawing. Always remember to handle food safely and keep everything stored at the proper temperatures!
Flavor Swaps
Feel free to mix things up! Try using different types of protein, like shrimp or turkey. You can also switch out the taco seasoning for a curry spice blend for an entirely different flavor profile. Add toppings like fresh jalapeños, pickled onions, or even a dollop of sour cream for indulgence!
Your Questions Answered
How long does prep take?
Preparation takes about 30 minutes, making this recipe ideal for busy schedules.
Can I substitute the chicken?
Absolutely! You can use tofu, shrimp, or any other favorite protein.
How do I safely store leftovers?
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer preservation, consider freezing portions right after cooking.
With the Santa Fe Chicken Low Carb Meal Prep Bowls in your weekly lineup, you’ll enjoy nutritious, flavorful meals that are easy to prepare and even easier to devour! Enjoy your delicious journey!
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