Your ultimate guide to Chicken Meal Prep Ideas. These easy meal prep recipes are here to make your weekday meals simple, nourishing, stress-free, and delicious!
For my fellow meal preppers who dedicate mental space to pondering the best way to meal prep chicken, ponder no more.
I am here with 40+ meal prep chicken ideas to keep your taste buds tickled, your body nourished, and your soul at ease.
The best way to meal prep chicken is the way that is easiest and tastiest for you. Because this is highly subjective, I am here with plenty of variety from cuts of chicken, cooking methods, and flavors.
The keys to a good meal prep recipe are:
- Ease of preparation
- Can be made in bulk
- Saves well for at least 5 days
- Tastes delicious
The fourth is subjective, which is why I have gathered up all the best chicken meal prep recipes for healthy meals throughout the week.
Looking for a basic formula for making well-balanced meals? This is the formula I use for my own healthy lifestyle.
Formula For Meal Prep:
A simple formula for a balanced, healthy meal is:
- 30 to 40 grams of protein
- 1-2 cups of fibrous vegetables
- 1 cup (or one serving) of carbohydrates
For the carb selection, I like rice, mashed potatoes, or a couple slices of bread. You can absolutely replace the carbs with more vegetables if you follow a low-carb diet.
These easy chicken recipes are ideal for the busy work week to heat up a quick lunch or come home to dinner already prepared.
So break out your meal prep bowls and start whipping up these meal prep chicken recipes!
From baked chicken thighs to chicken and rice casseroles to chicken soup recipes, this guide has your busy weeknights infused with high protein meals.
I have broken the recipes out by the cut of chicken. First starting with chicken thigh recipes, followed by chicken breast recipes, and finally, whole chicken recipes.
Some of these healthy meal prep ideas are complete meals, while others require side dishes to complete the meal. I have included my favorite sides for chicken at the end of this post.
Let’s get cooking!
Bone-In and Boneless Chicken Thigh Recipes:
Copycat Chipotle Chicken – If you’re a fan of the fast food restaurant, Chipotle Mexican Grill, you will absolutely love this homemade copycat version of their chicken. Use it for tacos, burritos, or burrito bowls! I enjoy it with Cilantro Lime Rice, Corn Salsa, and The Easy Guacamole Recipe That Wins Every Time.
Crock Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken – This easy Mexican shredded chicken recipe requires just 5 basic ingredients! Use it for tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, enchiladas, and more! Here is the Instant Pot Version.
Cuban Mojo Chicken Thighs – Boneless thighs are marinated in a citrus marinade for the most amazing tender, flavorful chicken! Serve it with fried plantains, rice and veggies for a satisfying dinner!
Asian Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs – This was my most popular chicken recipe for over two years! You’ll love the sweet and savory glaze and the amazing texture of the chicken.
Sesame Garlic Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables – Tender, flavorful marinated chicken is cooked on a sheet pan with fresh veggies for a quick meal with easy cleanup!
Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs – I have a feeling many of you will turn this into a household favorite! I use bone-in thighs for this recipe, but you can also go boneless.
Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs – The absolute best air fryer chicken thighs recipe! If you love cooking in your air fryer, this amazing main dish is a must!
Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs – The baked version of the air fryer recipe above. These baked chicken thighs are a clear staple for any protein loving household!
The Best Grilled Chicken Thighs – If you’re a grilling fanatic, grilling chicken in bulk is a phenomenal idea! This amazing grilled chicken recipe comes with an earth-shattering marinade that you’ll want to use on everything.
One-Pot Mediterranean Chicken and Rice – Featuring sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and tender chicken, this easy chicken and rice meal prep recipe includes and infusion of Mediterranean flavors!
Baked Garlic Lemon Rosemary Chicken – If you enjoy rosemary chicken, this simple recipe is a goof-proof method for achieving amazing results! I use bone-in chicken thighs, but you can easily go boneless skinless.
Chicken Pesto Spaghetti Squash – A complete low-carb meal with lots of pesto deliciousness! This hearty recipe is packed with protein and fiber for a nourishing meal that is easy on the digestive system.
Saffron Chicken and Coconut Rice – If you’re into Middle Eastern or Indian food, this easy one-pot meal is a fusion of rich flavors!
Creamy Tuscan Chicken – Tuscan Chicken with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes in coconut milk sauce made in just one skillet!
Easy Honey Garlic Chicken – This sweet and savory chicken is perfect for those times you’re craving takeout but want something cleaner. To save time, you can make my Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs, which leaves the thighs whole.
Do note that chicken breasts and chicken thighs are almost always interchangeable. So if a recipe calls for breasts and you want to use thighs (or vice versa), go for it!
Just note that there can be a difference in cooking between the two cuts.
Chicken Breast Recipes:
Asian Baked Chicken Breasts – Boneless skinless chicken breasts are marinated in a sweet and savory Asian-inspired marinade, then baked to perfection in the oven. You’ll love the flavor and texture of this easy recipe! Serve it with your choice of rice and veggies for a balanced meal.
Meal Prep Chicken and Vegetables – My husband and I have made this recipe numerous times for our own meal prep. It results in a low-calorie, high-protein and high fiber meal, which is ideal for the times we’re looking to keep our calories in check but still feel full.
Thai-Inspired Chicken and Cabbage Bowls – This complete meal includes lean protein, lots of fresh vegetables and therefore plenty of fiber and micronutrients. Everything is tied together with an amazing sauce!
Immunity-Boosting Turmeric Chicken Soup – If you’re looking for a high-impact meal to take in a great deal of micronutrients, antioxidants, protein, and fiber, this soup is for you! It is loaded with anti-inflammatory ingredients to make you feel energized.
Chicken Marsala – Tender chicken filets are swaddled in a dairy-free creamy sauce for an Italian-inspired meal. Serve it with your choice of side dishes! Sprinkle with parmesan cheese for extra goodness.
Crock Pot White Chicken Chili – A healthier version of classic white chicken chili that is lower in calories and fat, yet still rich and delicious! Don’t forget your favorite toppings, like sour cream, avocado, and grated cheese! Chili recipes save very well and only become more flavorful the next day!
30-Minute Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Creamy Chicken Pasta – While we don’t always think of pasta as being a healthy meal, I make mine with whole grain brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta for a lower glycemic impact. This easy, quick recipe can be made at a moment’s notice and reheats well for work lunches or dinner.
Wild Rice Chicken Casserole – My most popular chicken and rice casserole recipe that has been tried by hundreds, if not thousands over the years! It contains everything you need – protein, fiber, complex carbs, and fats.
Crock Pot Thai Red Curry Chicken With Vegetables – Your favorite Thai curry recipe made easy in a slow cooker, complete with vegetables! Simply serve it with rice (or cook it with rice inside) for a complete meal. For an anti-inflammatory version, make my Nightshade-Free AIP Curry.
Air Fryer Chicken Breasts – The key to getting a squeaky clean meal on the table lickety split. This simple method for cooking chicken is a no frills recipe, but it certainly meets your protein needs!
Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole – If you love chicken noodle soup, you’ll adore this chicken noodle casserole! It is rich and creamy, yet dairy-free!
Turmeric Chicken Fried Rice – If you’re a chicken and rice lover, look no further! This fried rice recipe is squeaky clean with added vegetables and even turmeric for some anti-inflammatory properties. Make it in bulk!
Baked Chili Lime Chicken Breasts – This easy baked chicken recipe requires hardly any prep and can be made in bulk to feed large families or for leftovers.
Crock Pot Chicken Tikka Masala – This authentic version of Indian chicken tikka masala is otherworldly delicious! Plus, it saves well and results in a ton of food. Ideal for meal prepping weeknight dinners or weekday lunches.
Gluten-Free Breaded Baked Chicken – Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside breaded chicken takes the place of fried chicken! This versatile main entree can be paired with all sorts of sides for a healthy meal.
30-Minute Creamy Mushroom Chicken – This dairy-free creamy mushroom chicken recipe comes together quickly! Use chicken tenders or thin chicken cutlets for the best results! Add fresh herbs or spinach for more spunk!
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti Squash with Chicken – The ultimate meal prep recipe for a low-carb diet! This ultra clean dinner recipe includes everything you need for a satisfying meal. Save it in meal prep containers for work lunches! Feta cheese is an excellent addition here.
Dairy-Free Chicken Corn Chowder – Nothing slaps like corn chowder, am I right? Protein-packed, rich, creamy, and flavorful, this stellar soup is tasty no matter the time of year.
Healthy Sesame Chicken – Sweet, savory, sticky chicken made in 30 minutes flat! This is one of my personal favorite main dishes, and I love it with brown rice and asparagus.
Teriyaki Chicken and Cabbage Bowls – A complete meal, ready in 50 minutes or less! Cook once, eat 3 or 4 times with this hearty meal! Easy to customize using various fresh vegetables or protein sources.
Butternut Squash Ginger Chicken Stir Fry – An easy chicken stir fry recipe that can be customized using seasonal fresh produce regardless of the time of year! I love this one with winter squash during the fall and winter months.
Paleo General Chicken – A healthier version of the classic takeout recipe! This saucy pan-fried crispy chicken is the ultimate dream for Chinese food lovers.
The Best Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe – Marinate up a storm and get to grilling! This simple healthy recipe can be made in bulk and saved to be the source of protein at any meal.
Chicken and Rice Enchilada Casserole – If you’re a fan of Mexican food, this easy chicken and rice meal prep recipe is for you!
Creamy Rosemary Chicken Soup with Rice – This hearty chicken soup comes with an infusion of Vitamins as well as carbohydrates for a balanced high protein dinner.
Whole Chicken Recipes:
Instant Pot Whole Chicken – At first thought, it might sound strange to cook a whole chicken in the instant pot, but trust me on this one! It turns out so juicy, tender, and flavorful, just like rotisserie chicken!
Garlic Butter Roast Chicken – The key to this easy whole body chicken recipe is smearing garlic butter underneath the chicken skin for the most amazing juicy chicken and crispy skin. This may just be your new go-to oven-roasted chicken recipe!
Crock Pot Whole Chicken – I know. No one ever thought to cook an entire chicken in the crock pot, until, that is, a blogger told them it could change the way they cook chicken forever.
Whole Roast Chicken and Vegetables – Several days worth of chicken and vegetables is ready in one shot! Easy prep, easy cleanup, and a whole lot of clean nutrition!
Instant Pot Garlic Herb Rotisserie Chicken – Again, trust me…your life will never be the same.
Now that we’ve covered the main dishes, let’s discuss some side dish options! I personally love a side salad, roasted vegetables, rice, or soup to go alongside any main dish. Here are some of my favorite side dishes to serve with chicken.
Each of these side dishes saves well so that you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them during the whole week.
Side Dishes to Serve With Chicken:
- Garlic Herb Roasted Vegetables
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
- The Best Broccoli Salad
- Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan and Lemon
- Mediterranean Green Bean Salad
- Brussel Sprouts with Caramelized Onions and Bacon
- Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
- Broccoli Slaw
- Carrot Coleslaw
- Quick Pickled Vegetables
- Maple Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes
When in doubt, basics like black beans, basmati rice or brown rice, and your favorite fresh vegetables are an easy way to complement your delicious dish.
I hope these delicious chicken recipes simplify your weekly meal prep and keep you covered for weeks on end.
If you also love ground beef, be sure to check out my 36 Healthy Ground Beef Recipes.
These delicious meals are a great option to return to any time you’re looking for dinner inspiration.
Drop a comment below letting me know which of these easy meals you have tried!
Enjoy!
