Description
These meal-prep baked lime chicken bowls are a quick, nutritious option for busy weeknights or weekly meal planning. Juicy chicken marinated in fresh lime juice, roasted vegetables, and a customizable grain base make this a flavorful and flexible go-to dish. It’s naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt to low-carb or dairy-free diets.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowls:
2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1/2 red onion, sliced
1 avocado, diced (optional)
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional toppings: Greek yogurt or sour cream, cotija cheese, salsa verde, hot sauce
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
Mix lime juice, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl or ziplock bag. Add chicken and marinate for 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).Prepare the Vegetables:
While the chicken marinates, slice the bell peppers and onion and toss with olive oil and garlic powder.Bake the Chicken and Veggies:
Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Arrange marinated chicken and veggies on a lined baking sheet.Bake whole chicken pieces for 20–25 minutes.
Bake cubed chicken for 14–16 minutes.
Ensure internal temp reaches 165°F.
Assemble the Bowls:
Divide cooked rice or grains into 4–6 bowls. Top with baked chicken and vegetables. Add fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and a drizzle of pan juices or vinaigrette.
Notes
Swap rice for cauliflower rice to reduce carbs.
Use dairy-free yogurt in place of sour cream if desired.
Great for freezing—store in portions for easy reheating.
Add black beans, corn, or zucchini for extra variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Fusion
Keywords: lime chicken, meal prep, healthy bowl, baked chicken, gluten-free, low carb, chicken bowl, easy dinner, quick lunch, high protein meal