Hey you, let’s talk about meal prep that actually tastes good. No boring, dry chicken over here. This spicy chicken meal prep with rice and beans is filling, packed with flavor, and saves you from last-minute food stress.
I have a little trick that makes the chicken extra juicy and flavorful. I’ll tell you all about it down below. Plus, this whole meal is budget-friendly, so you won’t break the bank eating well.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Medium pot with a lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Meal prep containers
Important Info
- Servings: 4 meal prep portions
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $12 for all ingredients
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 450 kcal
- Cook method: Stovetop
- Season: Any season
- Courses: Lunch, Dinner
- Cuisine: International
- Diets: High Protein, Gluten-Free
How to Make Spicy Chicken Meal Prep with Rice and Beans
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this meal and how to cook it.
Ingredients You Need
For the Spicy Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice level)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Rice and Beans
- 1 cup white or brown rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ cup diced onions
- 1 minced garlic clove
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | Chicken thighs or tofu (for a vegetarian option) |
| Black beans | Kidney beans or pinto beans |
| White rice | Brown rice or quinoa |
| Smoked paprika | Regular paprika |
| Cayenne pepper | Red pepper flakes |
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
- Add olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and lime juice. Mix well.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes (or overnight for more flavor).
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked. Remove from heat.
- Rinse the rice and add it to a pot with water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes (or until the rice is fully cooked).
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add black beans, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Once everything is cooked, divide the rice, beans, and chicken into four meal prep containers.
- Let cool before sealing the containers and storing.
Helpful Tips
- If you want extra juicy chicken, let it marinate overnight.
- Use chicken broth instead of water to cook the rice for better flavor.
- Want crispy chicken? Sear it on high heat for 1-2 minutes before lowering the heat.
- Store your meal prep properly so it stays fresh (see storage section below).
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
What to Serve with Spicy Chicken Meal Prep with Rice and Beans
This meal is filling, but if you want a little extra, try these:
- Steamed veggies like broccoli or bell peppers
- A fresh salad on the side
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- A drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
You can eat this straight from the meal prep container or serve it in a bowl with some fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or shredded cheese.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This meal is perfect for busy weekdays when you want something quick and homemade. It’s also great for:
- Office lunch – Pack it in a microwavable container and heat it up.
- Post-workout meal – High protein, balanced carbs, and healthy fats.
- Family dinner – Just make a bigger batch.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you’re eating within 2 hours, you can keep it at room temperature.
Refrigeration
- Store meal prep containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes before eating.
Freezing
- You can freeze this meal for up to 2 months.
- Store in airtight containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will take about 10 minutes longer to cook.
How spicy is this recipe?
It has a mild to medium spice level, but you can reduce or increase the cayenne pepper based on your taste.
Can I make this without beans?
Yes, you can skip the beans and just make spicy chicken and rice.
What’s the best way to reheat this meal?
Microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. If it seems dry, add a teaspoon of water before reheating.
Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh chicken?
I wouldn’t recommend it because canned chicken won’t have the same texture or flavor as freshly cooked chicken.
