Easy Greek chicken and Rice Meal prep recipe

Welcome to my easy Greek chicken and rice meal prep recipe! Oh my, it’s so good. If you’re looking to add some Mediterranean flavors to your work lunches or dinners, this recipe is perfect for you. In just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and nutritious meal that will keep you satisfied throughout the week or if like me you have a family to feed it’ll last a day or so.

Key Takeaways:

• Create a flavorful Greek chicken marinade with simple ingredients.
• Cook the marinated chicken and prepare the rice separately.
• Assemble the meal prep bowls by combining the cooked chicken, rice, and your favorite chopped salad.
• Serve once cooled and store!

Why Choose Greek Chicken Meal Prep

It has everything, Greek chicken meal prep offers a variety of benefits. It is a balanced nutritious option that provides protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the rice, and essential vitamins and minerals from the salad.

The Mediterranean flavors of the chicken marinade add a unique and delicious taste to the meal.

How to Make Greek Chicken Meal Prep

To create this delicious Greek chicken and rice meal prep, follow these step-by-step instructions:

Step 1 – how to cook The chicken

Prepare the Chicken Marinade:

• Combine all the ingredients for the marinade in a large bowl or dish.
• Once combined, add the diced chicken pieces to the marinade mixture. Ensure that all chicken pieces are coated evenly with the marinade.
• Cover the bowl or dish with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes. For richer flavor, you can marinate it for up to 4 hours or even overnight.

Cooking the Marinated Chicken:

• Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium to high heat. You can add a tablespoon of olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice to the pan if desired, although it’s not necessary if your marinade already contains oil.
• Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated diced chicken to the pan. Try to spread the chicken pieces out evenly in the pan to ensure they cook uniformly.
• Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on one side until it develops a golden brown crust. Use tongs to flip the chicken pieces over and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes on the other side.
• Continue cooking and flipping the chicken pieces occasionally until they are fully cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C), and the juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.
• If you notice the chicken is browning too quickly on the outside but not fully cooked inside, you can reduce the heat to medium and cover the skillet with a lid to help the chicken cook through more evenly.
• Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful.

step 2 – how to cook the perfect fluffy basmati rice.

The next step to making this delicious Greek chicken meal prep is of course the rice. Just follow the next 7 steps for the best basmati rice.

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

• Measure out the desired amount of Basmati rice using a measuring cup and place it in a fine-mesh sieve or colander.
• Rinse the rice under cold water, gently swishing it around with your fingers. This helps remove excess starch and any debris.
• Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, indicating that the rice is clean.

Step 2: Measure Water

• For fluffy Basmati rice, the standard ratio is 1 part rice to 2 parts water.
• Measure the water using the same measuring cup you used for the rice.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

• In a heavy-bottomed saucepan or pot, add the rice and water (1:2 ratio).
• Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor (we add about 1 tbsp/ cup rice)
• Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer

• Once the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
• Let the rice simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, without lifting the lid. Cooking time may vary depending on the quantity of rice and your stovetop.

Step 5: Steam

• After 10-15 minutes, turn off the heat but leave the pot on the burner.
• Allow the rice to steam in the covered pot for an additional 5-10 minutes. This helps to finish cooking the rice evenly and makes it fluffier.

Step 6: Fluff with a Fork

• Once the steaming is complete, remove the lid from the pot.
• Use a fork to gently fluff the rice, loosening any clumps and allowing steam to escape. Be careful not to mash the grains.

Step 7: Serve

• Your perfectly cooked Basmati rice is now ready to be served!
• Enjoy it as a side dish with your favorite curries, stir-fries, grilled meats, or vegetables.

By following these simple steps, you’ll achieve fluffy, aromatic Basmati rice every time, perfect for elevating any meal with its delicate texture and fragrance.

Greek Chicken and Rice Meal prep Recipe

Variations of Greek Chicken Meal Prep

The Greek chicken meal prep recipe can be easily customized to suit individual preferences. Here are some variations you can try:

1. Grain Options

You can swap the rice for other nutritious grains, such as:

• Quinoa
• Barley
• Farro
• Pasta
• Potatoes

2. Vegetarian Options

If you prefer a vegetarian version of this meal prep, consider these options:

• Replace the chicken with protein-rich chickpeas for a plant-based protein source.

By experimenting with these variations, you can create new and exciting flavors while still enjoying the convenience of Greek chicken meal prep.

Serving and Storage Tips for Greek Chicken Meal Prep

Once your Greek chicken meal prep is ready, it’s important to know the best way to serve and store it to ensure maximum freshness and taste. Here are some serving tips and storage tips to get the most out of your meal prep:

Serving Tips:

• Mix the warm chicken and rice with the cold ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying meal.
• Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the bowl to enhance the flavors.
• Sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley on top for added taste and presentation.

Storage Tips:

When it comes to meal prep, proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and safety of the food. Follow these storage tips for Greek chicken meal prep:

• Store the cooked chicken and rice in separate airtight containers to prevent cross-contamination and maintain their individual textures and flavors.
• If you plan to consume the meal prep within the next 5 days, refrigerate it at temperatures below 40°F (4°C). This will keep it fresh and safe to eat.
• If you want to extend the shelf life of your Greek chicken meal prep, you can freeze it. Place the chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• When ready to consume frozen meal prep, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Ensure it is completely defrosted before reheating or consuming.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy delicious Greek chicken meal prep throughout the week without compromising on taste or quality. Bon appétit!

Reheating Greek Chicken Meal Prep

When it comes to reheating your delicious Greek chicken meal prep, there are a couple of options you can choose from to ensure that it remains flavorful and satisfying. You can either microwave the entire bowl or heat the chicken and rice separately before combining them with the cold ingredients.

Note: It is recommended to sprinkle a little bit of water over the dish before microwaving to prevent it from drying out.

If you prefer to use the microwave method, follow these reheating instructions:

1. Place the Greek chicken meal prep bowl in the microwave.
2. Set the microwave to medium-high heat.
3. Reheat for 2-3 minutes, or until the meal reaches the desired temperature.
4. Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the contents to ensure even reheating.
5. Finally, get that siracha sauce or mayo out and give it a nice squeeze before enjoying it.

If you prefer to heat the chicken and rice separately before combining them with the cold ingredients, follow these instructions:

1. First, transfer the chicken and rice to separate microwave-safe containers.
2. Increase the microwave’s power to high.
3. Reheat the chicken for 45-60 seconds, or until it is heated through.
4. Next, reheat the rice for 1-2 minutes, or until it is steaming hot.
5. Combine the reheated chicken and rice with the cold ingredients in a separate bowl.
6. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and sprinkle with feta cheese and parsley.

Remember, reheating times may vary depending on your microwave’s power settings. It’s always best to check the temperature of the meal before consuming to ensure it is hot and safe to eat.

Conclusion

Greek chicken and rice meal prep is a fantastic choice for individuals seeking a flavorful and nourishing meal that can be prepared in advance. With its Mediterranean-inspired tastes and the convenience of meal prepping, this recipe is bound to become a favorite among busy individuals. You’ll savor a burst of Greece’s flavors in every bite while streamlining your meals for the upcoming week.

By incorporating protein-rich chicken, whole grains from the brown rice, and an array of essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, Greek chicken meal prep provides a wholesome and balanced option.

Not only is Greek chicken and rice meal prep a delicious choice, but it also offers practicality. By prepping your meals in advance, you can save time and effort throughout the week. Simply divide the chicken, rice, and chopped salad into separate containers, ensuring that the warm ingredients are kept separate from the cold ones. This way, you can effortlessly assemble your Greek chicken bowls on the go, making it an ideal option for work lunches or dinners.

FAQ

Why should I choose Greek chicken meal prep?

Greek chicken meal prep offers a variety of benefits. It is a nutritious option that provides protein from the chicken, whole grains from the rice, and essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. The Mediterranean flavors add a unique and delicious taste to the meal.

How do I make Greek chicken meal prep?

To make Greek chicken meal prep, start by marinating the chicken. Cook the chicken and prepare the rice. Finally, assemble the bowls by combining the chicken, rice, and salad. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, or get the mayo out.

Can I customize the Greek chicken meal prep recipe?

Yes, the Greek chicken meal prep recipe can be easily customized to suit individual preferences. You can use different grains like quinoa, barley, or farro instead of rice. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can omit the chicken and add more vegetables or substitute it with chickpeas.

How should I serve and store Greek chicken meal prep?

Once the rice and chicken have cooled you can start assembling your meals in your storage containers and pop them into the fridge or freezer. The meal can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat Greek chicken meal prep?

To reheat the Greek chicken meal prep, either microwave the entire bowl or heat the chicken and rice separately and then combine with the cold ingredients. It is recommended to sprinkle a little bit of water over the dish before microwaving to prevent it from drying out.

Is Greek chicken meal prep a good option for busy individuals?

Yes, Greek chicken and rice meal prep is an excellent option for those looking for a delicious and nutritious meal that can be prepared ahead of time. With the Mediterranean flavors and the convenience of meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for busy individuals. Enjoy the taste of Greece in each bite while simplifying your meals for the week ahead.