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High Protein Chicken Enchilada Bowls - A Simple, Satisfying Meal Prep Favorite

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5–2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Enchilada sauce: 2 cups (red, medium heat; choose low-sodium if possible)
  • Rice base: 3 cups cooked brown rice or white rice (or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
  • Black beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • Corn: 1 cup frozen or canned (drained)
  • Bell peppers: 2 (any color), sliced
  • Red onion: 1 small, sliced
  • Tomatoes: 1 cup cherry or diced tomatoes
  • Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup (as a creamy, high-protein topping)
  • Cheese: 1/2–1 cup shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend
  • Spices: Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper
  • Lime: 1–2 for juice and zest
  • Cilantro: Small bunch, chopped
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 1–2 tablespoons
  • Optional add-ins: Jalapeño, avocado, pickled onions, hot sauce

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice base: Prepare 1.5 cups dry rice according to package directions to yield about 3 cups cooked. For cauliflower rice, sauté in a little oil with salt and pepper until just tender.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a few cracks of pepper.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until browned.
  4. Simmer in enchilada sauce: Pour in 1.5 cups enchilada sauce, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 8–12 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F and is cooked through.
  5. Shred or slice: Transfer chicken to a board and shred with two forks or slice thin. Return it to the skillet and toss with the sauce. If the sauce looks tight, add a splash of water or more sauce.
  6. Sauté the veggies: In a second skillet, warm 1 teaspoon oil. Add sliced peppers and red onion. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp. Stir in corn for the last 1–2 minutes.
  7. Warm the beans: Rinse and drain black beans. Stir them into the saucy chicken for 1–2 minutes to warm through, or heat separately with a splash of sauce.
  8. Build the bowls: Add 3/4 cup rice to each bowl. Top with a generous portion of chicken and beans, sautéed veggies, and tomatoes. Spoon over extra sauce from the skillet.
  9. Add toppings: Sprinkle cheese on hot bowls to melt. Finish with a dollop of Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Add jalapeño or hot sauce if you like heat.
  10. Taste and adjust: Add salt, pepper, or more lime to balance. If it needs richness, a bit more cheese or yogurt helps. If it needs brightness, add extra cilantro and lime zest.