Go Back

Low Calorie Meal Prep Honey Lime Chicken Bowls - Bright, Fresh, and Satisfying

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 tenderloins)
  • Lime: 3 limes (zest and juice)
  • Honey: 3 tablespoons
  • Low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos: 3 tablespoons
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 2 tablespoons (plus extra for cooking)
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
  • Chili powder or paprika: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
  • Vegetables: 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 red bell pepper, 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned), 1 small red onion
  • Greens (optional): 2 cups shredded cabbage or romaine
  • Base: 2–3 cups cooked brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
  • Fresh herbs: 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
  • Toppings: lime wedges, sliced jalapeño (optional), hot sauce (optional)

Method
 

  1. Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk lime zest, juice, honey, soy sauce, oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust sweetness or salt.
  2. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken dry and slice into bite-size pieces or thin cutlets for quick cooking. Add to a zip-top bag or bowl and pour in 2/3 of the marinade. Reserve the remaining marinade for drizzling. Marinate for 20–30 minutes (or up to 8 hours in the fridge).
  3. Cook the base: Prepare brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice according to package directions. Fluff and set aside. For lower calories, use cauliflower rice or half grains, half cauliflower.
  4. Roast or sauté the veggies: Toss broccoli, bell pepper, corn, and red onion with a little oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes until crisp-tender, or sauté in a large skillet until lightly charred. Keep the veggies slightly firm.
  5. Cook the chicken: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high with a light oil film. Add chicken in a single layer. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (165°F/74°C). Avoid crowding; work in batches if needed.
  6. Reduce the reserved marinade: In a small pan, simmer the reserved marinade for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. This becomes your sauce for drizzling.
  7. Assemble the bowls: Divide base into 4–5 containers. Top with chicken, roasted veggies, and shredded cabbage or romaine for crunch. Spoon over the reduced sauce. Add cilantro and lime wedges.
  8. Cool and store: Let bowls cool slightly before sealing. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.