Savory Chicken and Rice Meal Prep Jars

Meal prepping can be a game-changer for busy weeknights, but sometimes the recipes can feel a bit boring or uninspired. Not this one! My Savory Chicken and Rice Meal Prep Jars are a flavor-packed, stress-free solution to getting a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table, even on your craziest days. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a cozy, comforting dinner ready to grab and go.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Chicken and Rice Meal Prep Jars

These meal prep jars are the ultimate busy-day savior. They’re quick and easy to make, with no-mess prep and minimal cleanup. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a savory, aromatic sauce is seriously satisfying, and the single-serve portions make it a cinch to portion out and enjoy throughout the week. Plus, the recipe is endlessly customizable to suit your tastes or whatever you have on hand. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a make-ahead lunch, or a grab-and-go meal, these Savory Chicken and Rice Meal Prep Jars are sure to become a new staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients (Single-Serve)

To make these Savory Chicken and Rice Meal Prep Jars, you’ll need just a handful of simple, real-food ingredients: boneless, skinless chicken breasts, uncooked long-grain white rice, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and a few pantry staples like olive oil and salt and pepper. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s endlessly customizable, so feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to your taste.

  • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast – diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Protein: Cubed tofu or cooked shrimp (both work well as chicken alternatives)
  • Grain: Brown rice or quinoa (for a healthier swap)

How to Make Savory Chicken and Rice Meal Prep Jars

Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe is a breeze, with just a few simple steps to the ultimate savory, satisfying meal prep.

Step 1: Prep Work

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While that’s heating up, grab a cutting board and knife and dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Then, measure out the rice and get it cooking according to the package instructions.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process

In a large skillet or wok, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and sauté until it’s cooked through and starting to brown, about 6-8 minutes. Throw in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute or until fragrant.

Next, pour in the soy sauce and honey, and stir to coat the chicken. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside.

Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly

Grab your meal prep jars or containers and start assembling the Savory Chicken and Rice Meal Prep Jars. First, add a scoop of the cooked rice to the bottom of each jar. Top that with a generous portion of the saucy chicken.

If you want to get a little fancy, you can add some chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on top. But these jars are delicious as-is!

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Once your jars are all assembled, simply seal them up and pop them in the fridge. These Savory Chicken and Rice Meal Prep Jars will keep for up to 4 days, making them the perfect quick and easy dinner or lunch option.

Variations & Time-Saver Tips

  • Make-Ahead Tip: Make a double batch of the chicken and sauce so you can easily assemble these meal prep jars throughout the week without having to do all the cooking from scratch each time.
  • Veggie-Packed Variation: Stir in some sautéed broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers for an extra veggie boost.
  • Flavor Booster: Drizzle in a teaspoon of sesame oil or a splash of rice vinegar for a little extra zing.
  • Protein Swap: Try cubed tofu or cooked shrimp instead of chicken for a different twist.
Savory Chicken and Rice Meal Prep Jars
Savory Chicken and Rice Meal Prep Jars

Serving, Storage & Reheat

Serve with: a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a complete, balanced meal.

Storage: The assembled jars will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. They’re designed to be grab-and-go friendly, so you can enjoy them straight from the jar.

Microwave Reheat: When you’re ready to eat, simply remove the lid and give the jar a quick zap in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. The microwave = magic, I tell ya!

Make-Ahead: Make a batch at the beginning of the week and you’ll have delicious, home-cooked meals ready to go throughout your busy days.

Nutrition Info

These Savory Chicken and Rice Meal Prep Jars are not only delicious, but they’re also a pretty well-balanced meal. Each serving provides a good source of protein, complex carbs, and a touch of healthy fats, all wrapped up in a cozy, comforting package.

  • Serving Size: 1 jar
  • Calories: 425 kcal
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Carbs: 47 g
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Sodium: 725 mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen chicken works great in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it completely before dicing and cooking. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, but the end result will be just as delicious.

How long will these meal prep jars keep in the fridge?

The assembled jars will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. The rice and chicken hold up really well, so you can make a batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy them throughout.

Can I freeze these meal prep jars?

Yes, you can definitely freeze these Savory Chicken and Rice Meal Prep Jars! Just allow the jars to cool completely before sealing them up and popping them in the freezer. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave.

Do I need to reheat the jars before eating?

Nope! These meal prep jars are designed to be enjoyed straight from the fridge. The chicken and rice will be perfectly tender and flavorful, no reheating required. But if you prefer a warm meal, just give the jar a quick zap in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of the oven?

Absolutely! You can easily make the entire dish on the stovetop. Just sauté the chicken in a skillet, then stir in the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens, then assemble the meal prep jars with the cooked rice.

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How to make Savory Chicken and Rice Meal Prep Jars — key cooking step

Savory Chicken and Rice Meal Prep Jars

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  • Author: Emma Brookstone
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Meal Prep Recipes
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Savory Chicken and Rice Meal Prep Jars are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a healthy meal throughout the week. Packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, these jars make meal prep easy and enjoyable.


Ingredients

Scale

2 cups brown rice

4 cups chicken broth

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup diced bell peppers

1 cup diced onions

1 cup frozen peas

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

1. 1. Rinse the brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

2. 2. In a large pot, combine the rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes or until rice is tender.

3. 3. While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

4. 4. Cook the chicken in the skillet for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and let it rest.

5. 5. Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and mix in the diced bell peppers, onions, and frozen peas.

6. 6. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and layer it on top of the rice mixture in meal prep jars.

7. 7. Divide the rice and vegetable mixture evenly among the jars, topping each with sliced chicken.

8. 8. Seal the jars and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

9. 9. Reheat in the microwave before serving, if desired.

10. 10. Enjoy your healthy meal prep jars throughout the week!


Notes

These jars can be customized with your favorite vegetables or sauces. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for extra flavor.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 jar
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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