Naked Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep

Burritos are a great meal — carbs, protein, healthy fats — they've got it all. And just as tasty is their gluten-free sibling, the burrito bowl.

Better yet, burrito bowls are fresh, healthy, and completely customisable. Pack them full of all your favourite veggies and store cupboard essentials, and you’re on to a budget-friendly winner.

• What is meal prep?
• How to store
• How to reheat
• Variations and add-ins
• Equipment needed
• Naked Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe
• Perfect side dishes
• Dessert recipes

What is meal prep?

Meal prep (short for meal preparation) is the ultimate way to get ready for the week. You prepare whole meals and dishes ahead of schedule, so come mealtime all you have to do is reheat in the microwave or tuck straight in. Simple.

How to store

First things first, containers. You’ll need to be stocked up with containers with airtight lids before you even think about meal-prepping.

Load your containers up with your batch-cooked meals, in this case, chicken and beany goodness. Wait for the meal to cool before covering with a lid and popping it in the fridge until it’s time to enjoy.

How to reheat

A lunch that can be enjoyed both warm and cold is always a good idea. Queue for the microwave at work too long? Just eat it cold. Fancy a warming burrito bowl – get yourself into the queue. If you do choose to heat it through, make sure to give it a stir every now and then to avoid clumping, and make sure it’s piping hot all the way through before you eat it.

You might choose to eat your burrito bowl cold — saves queuing for the microwave in the lunchroom — or, if you’d rather, as a hearty, warming meal.

Variations and add ins

Sprucing up a meal with extras, or changing the protein source, is a great way to keep the recipe fresh, even if you have the meal more often than you’d like to admit. Just remember, adjusting the ingredients will affect the macros. So if you’re tracking, remember to adjust them.

Make it veggie/vegan

For a meat-free version, simply switch your chicken out for a chicken or mince substitute. Just as tasty and not only meat-free, but also vegan.

Extra toppings

You’ll know if you’ve ever had a burrito made for you that the topping options are endless. That’s my kind of meal.

First up, if you like a kick of spice, mix some chilli powder in at the same time as the paprika and garnish with some sliced chillis. Not for the faint-hearted, but it’s nice to have the option.

If you’re enjoying this burrito bowl recipe for two weeks on the run, switch up the protein to keep things interesting. You can go meat-free or swap the chicken for pork or beef.

If you’re trying to lower your carb intake, or you’re just not a fan of brown rice, switch to cauliflower rice. Or get rid of it altogether in favour of a wrap on the side or some tortilla chips.

In terms of extras, if you plan to eat it cold, add chopped tomatoes, avocado, lettuce and a chipotle-style sauce. If you’re serving it up hot add corn and top with plenty of cheese and guacamole. Trust me when I say you can’t go wrong with either.

Equipment needed

• Large non-stick pan for the protein
• Medium sized pan for the rice
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Large spoon for serving
• Air-tight meal-prep containers

Naked Chicken Burrito Bowl