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Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowl | 35g Protein Meal Prep - Bright, Fresh, and Satisfying

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • Lemon: 2 lemons (zest and juice)
  • Garlic: 4–5 cloves, minced
  • Olive oil: For marinade and cooking
  • Herbs and spices: Dried oregano, paprika, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, black pepper
  • Grain base: 2 cups cooked brown rice, white rice, or quinoa
  • Veggies: 1 English cucumber, 1 red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion
  • Greens: 2 cups chopped baby spinach or kale
  • Add-ons: Fresh parsley, feta cheese (optional), plain Greek yogurt (for sauce)
  • Yogurt sauce (optional): Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, dill or parsley, salt, pepper

Method
 

  1. Make the marinade: In a bowl, combine the zest of 1 lemon, juice of both lemons, 3 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add red pepper flakes if you like heat.
  2. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken dry and slice into 1-inch pieces or thin cutlets for quicker cooking. Toss with the marinade and let sit 15–30 minutes (or up to 6 hours in the fridge).
  3. Cook your base: Make rice or quinoa according to package directions. Fluff and set aside. For extra flavor, stir in a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil.
  4. Chop the veggies: Dice cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Halve the tomatoes. Roughly chop spinach or kale. Finely chop parsley.
  5. Sear the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add a little olive oil. Cook chicken in a single layer 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Avoid crowding; cook in batches if needed. Spoon any pan juices over the chicken.
  6. Optional yogurt sauce: Mix 1/2 cup Greek yogurt with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 small grated garlic clove, 1 tablespoon chopped dill or parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  7. Assemble bowls: Add 3/4–1 cup cooked rice or quinoa to each container. Top with a handful of greens, a mix of chopped veggies, and a portion of chicken. Sprinkle with parsley and a little feta if using.
  8. Finish with freshness: Drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. Add the yogurt sauce on the side or in a small container.