21 Summer High Protein Lunch Ideas for Kids
When you want a dependable set of recipes without searching through dozens of pages, this collection brings the ideas together in one place. The recipes are arranged in a new order, and each entry includes ingredients and step-by-step instructions so you can choose what fits your kitchen and schedule.
1. Pizza Bowls
Pizza Bowls is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Recipe details: Prep: PT15M · Cook: PT20M · Total: PT40M · Yield: [‘6’, ‘6 bowls’]
This pizza bowl recipe is loaded with melty cheese, savory toppings, and bold flavors. A delicious low-calorie, gluten-free, low-carb and high-protein alternative for pizza lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup leeks (sliced)
- ½ cup chicken mince
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce (low sugar)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup salami slices
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F. Prepare 6 (8-9 oz) ramekins and spray them with oil.
- Heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in olive oil, leeks, chicken mince, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well until the chicken is covered with seasonings, and cook until the mince is no longer pink. It should take around 5-7 minutes to cook.
- Divide 1 cup of marinara sauce among 6 ramekins. It should be around 2.5 tbsp each. Now, divide the chicken mixture between them.
- Next, divide 1 cup of mozzarella cheese amongst the ramekins (around 2.5 tbsp each) and top up with the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce.
- Add salami slices to each one of them and cover with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the oven for around 10-15 minutes until the cheese completely melts and turns golden brown.
- Garnish with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
2. Honey Garlic Shrimp Meal Prep
Honey Garlic Shrimp Meal Prep is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Recipe details: Prep: PT15M · Cook: PT17M · Total: PT32M · Yield: [‘4’, ‘4 meal prep containers’]
Craving a balance between sweet and savory? Our honey garlic shrimp meal prep has got you covered! A perfect meal prep lunch idea anyone can make and pack away for work. It’s a glutenfree recipe as well as a high protein meal prep!
Ingredients
- 1 cup white basmati rice
- 1 lb shrimp
- salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tbsp red chili flakes
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 3 medium carrots (finely chopped)
- 1 head of broccoli (chopped)
- 1 cup corns
- 1 cup snow peas
- salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to the instructions provided on the packaging.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic honey sauce ingredients.
- Pat dry the shrimp, season it with salt and pepper. Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the frying pan, heat it up, and add in minced garlic.
- Sear shrimp on high heat for 2-3 minutes on one side and then cook for 2-3 minutes on another side. Remove the shrimp and set it aside.
- Lower the heat to medium-high, add in the carrots, and sauté them for 2-3 minutes. Add a little bit more olive oil if needed. Then add in broccoli and let it sauté for another 2-3 minutes. Finally, add in the corn and snow peas, salt, and black pepper and pour in the sauce. Sauté for 5 minutes until all the veggies are cooked and fully covered with the sauce.
- Divide cooked ingredients into 4 different food containers.
3. Easy Orange Chicken
Easy Orange Chicken Meal Prep is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Recipe details: Prep: PT10M · Cook: PT25M · Total: PT35M · Yield: [‘4’, ‘4 containers’]
Enjoy a hearty meal with this healthy orange chicken recipes that is great to make ahead for a busy week.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
- 1/2 tbsp orange zest
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- chopped green onion
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 cup rice
- 1.5 cup water
- salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 small heads of broccoli
Instructions Chicken
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
- In a frying pan, heat up sesame oil and cook the chicken until it’s brown. It will take around 12-15 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, mix all of the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Remove the cooked chicken and add the sauce to the empty frying pan.
- Cook the sauce until it thickens, stirring throughout. It will take around 5-10 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the frying pan and stir all the ingredients together to coat the chicken.*
- Sprinkle with chopped green onion and sesame seeds.
Broccoli and Rice
- While cooking the chicken, cook the rice. Wash the rice and add it to a saucepan, then pour in the water. Add some salt.
- Bring the rice to boil and reduce to simmer for 10 minutes. Make sure you cover the saucepan with a lid. Let it sit for another 10 minutes (make sure you cook the rice as per instructions on the packet).
- Fluff your rice and leave it be.
- Fill a pot with water and bring to a boil. Add a pinch of salt.
- Wash the broccoli, cut away the stems from the crown, and slice your florets into pieces.
- Add florets into the boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Remove and drain your broccoli.
Assemble Meal Prep Bowls
- Divide rice into 4 meal prep containers, and divide the orange chicken and broccoli. Your meal prep is ready! Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and reheat before eating.
4. Chicken Tzatziki and Rice
Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki and Rice is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Recipe details: Prep: PT25M · Cook: PT60M · Total: PT105M · Yield: [‘4’, ‘4 bowls’]
This dump-and-bake recipe is a mix of bright lemon, savory herbs, and creamy tzatziki to create a delicious one-pan meal. It’s high protein (48 grams per serving) and gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts or chicken thighs (boneless and skinless, diced into bite-size pieces)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 medium zucchini (grated)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup cucumber (finely chopped)
- 1 cup thick Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh mint (chopped)
- 1 lemon (cut into wedges)
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 375F. Lightly grease a 9 × 13–inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
- Add the diced chicken to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the sea salt and black pepper, then pour over the lemon juice and olive oil. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine all the seasonings. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken and toss again until all pieces are well coated. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 30 min.
Rice
- Once marinated, add the uncooked rice to the baking dish, followed by the grated zucchini. Pour in the chicken broth and gently stir to evenly distribute the rice and vegetables among the chicken.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil, sealing the edges well to prevent steam from escaping. Bake for 45–50 minutes if using a metal pan, or 50–60 minutes for a glass or ceramic dish, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Tzatziki Sauce
- While the chicken and rice bake, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, combine the chopped cucumber, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, sea salt, dill, and mint. Mix well until smooth and evenly combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Once the chicken and rice are done, remove from the oven.
- Divide into 4 bowls, top up with tzatziki sauce, lemon wedge and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
5. Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep
Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Recipe details: Prep: PT5M · Cook: PT20M · Total: PT25M · Yield: [‘4’, ‘4 meal prep containers’]
Chicken sausage meets tender veggies, with a rich pasta sauce. This easy, gluten free meal prep bowl is packed with 31 grams of protein, perfect for a busy night or when you need to take lunch the next day.
Ingredients
- 1 box Banza pasta
- 2 cups pasta sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large bag frozen mixed vegetables
- 4 fully cooked chicken sausage links (sliced)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the frozen vegetables and sliced chicken sausage to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp and the sausage is heated through.
- Divide the cooked pasta evenly among 4 glass meal prep containers.
- Spoon the vegetable and sausage mixture over the pasta.
- Top each container with about ½ cup of pasta sauce.
- Cover with lids and store in the fridge.
6. Salsa Shredded Chicken
Salsa Shredded Chicken Meal Prep Bowls is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Recipe details: Prep: PT15M · Cook: PT40M · Total: PT55M · Yield: [‘2’, ‘2 meal prep bowls’]
Try these high protein salsa shredded chicken meal prep bowls and have your high protein meals ready for the week to come. Bring those Spanish flavors into your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 3 boneless (skinless chicken breasts (1lb, 450g))
- 16 oz mild salsa sauce (450g)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- 1 lb cauliflower floret (450g)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Take out your chicken breasts and add them to a pot. Pour in the chicken broth and salsa sauce. Add paprika and chili powder. Give it a stir.
- Cover the pot with a lid and bring it to boil. Once that’s done, lower the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425F (220 C). Cut all the bell peppers into ½ inch (1.3 cm) thick strips. Afterward, place them on a baking sheet and spray them with olive oil. Make sure it covers the peppers well and sprinkle a little bit of salt. Then, roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until slightly browned.
- While chicken is boiling and peppers are baking, take out your cauliflower floret. Wash it and break it apart. Shred-it in the food processor and let it steam for around 10 minutes. Add some salt to your taste once finished.
- Once the chicken has simmered for 30 minutes, shred it with forks inside the pot and give it a stir afterward. Turn off the heat.
- Once all the cooking is finished, salt the cauliflower and add it into the food storage containers. Divide all the portions in half and add chicken followed roasted pepper into the container.
- You can store this meal prep in a fridge for up to 4 days. Glass containers tend to keep the food fresh for longer.
7. Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl
High Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Recipe details: Prep: PT10M · Cook: PT8M · Total: PT18M · Yield: [‘1’, ‘1 meal prep container’]
This creamy, high-protein cottage cheese pizza bowl is packed with bold pepperoni flavor, herbs, and spices. Low-carb, gluten-free, and 43g of protein per bowl!
Ingredients
- 1 cup of low-fat cottage cheese (smooth or blended)
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp almond flour
- 1/2 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1/4 red onion (sliced)
- 1/8 cup black olives (chopped)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup light mozzarella cheese (grated)
- 4-5 pepperoni slices
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- Parmesan (grated)
- Fresh basil (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F.
- In an oven-safe bowl, combine cottage cheese, marinara sauce, almond flour, red bell peppers, red onion, black olives, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Level out the mixture and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Top up with pepperoni slices.
- Bake in the oven for 5-8 minutes until the cheese melts, the sides of the container are bubbling, and the pepperoni crisps up.
- Garnish with parmesan and basil before serving.
8. Chicken Salad Meal Prep
Chicken Salad Meal Prep is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Recipe details: Prep: PT15M · Cook: PT15M · Total: PT30M · Yield: [‘4’, ‘4 meal prep bowls’]
Crunch, flavor, and convenience all rolled into one dish. Our chicken salad meal prep is here to prove that healthy eating can be exciting and easy!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- 2 lbs chicken breasts (skinless, boneless (cut into 1-inch cubes))
- sea salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 8 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
- 1/2 red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 avocado (chopped)
- 1/2 English cucumber (sliced)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes (halved)
- 4 tbsp salad seed mix
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- chopped dill
Instructions Chicken
- Add olive oil to a frying pan and heat to medium-high heat. Add in the garlic powder, paprika powder and give it a stir.
- Add in the chicken, salt it, and black pepper it.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes until it’s fully done.
Dressing
- Add all of the honey mustard ingredients into a jar and give it a good shake. Your dressing is done. It will last in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Meal Prep
- Divide romaine lettuce, onion, avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and salad seed mix into food containers.
- Top up each food container with chicken.
- Pour over the dressing. Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and mix before eating.
9. Chicken Burrito Bowl
Chicken Burrito Bowls is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Recipe details: Prep: PT15M · Cook: PT15M · Total: PT30M · Yield: [‘4’, ‘4 meal prep bowls’]
These healthy chicken burrito bowls are flavorful, nutritious, and delicious. Filled with Mexican flavors, they’re a perfect high protein lunch or meal prep to bring to work. Can be made in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 cup grape tomatoes (halved)
- 7 ounce can corns (drained)
- 14 ounce can black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1.5 cups water
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne (check notes)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp Caesar dressing (use dairy-free option if dairy-free)
Instructions Chicken
- Place chicken breasts at the bottom of a pot. Season with salt and black pepper. Cover the chicken with 1 inch of water.
- Place the pot on the stove, bring to boil. Then, reduce the heat, and let it simmer until the chicken is fully cooked (no longer pink in the center) or reaches the temperature of 165 F. It will take around 15 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the water. Let it cool down before shredding.
Rice
- Rinse your rice using a mesh strainer.
- Place rice and water into a saucepan. Bring to simmer without the lid on, and once the surface is bubbling, place the lid and lower the heat. Cook for another 7 minutes. Now mix in paprika, cumin, cayenne, and black pepper. Cover the rice and cook for another 5 minutes. (Or just cook your rice according to instructions and mix in the spices 5 minutes before the rice is fully cooked).
- Remove from the stove and rest for 10 minutes. Fluff before serving.
Meal Prep Assemble
- Divide the cold ingredients, rice, and chicken between 4 food containers. Drizzle with Caesar dressing, especially the chicken to give it more flavor.
10. Keto Chicken Salad
Keto Chicken Salad Recipe is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Recipe details: Prep: PT15M · Cook: PT40M · Total: PT55M · Yield: [’12’, ’12 salad leaves’]
With just 1g net carbs, this chicken salad is super delicious, nutritious, and most important keto-friendly. It’s a lovely lunch or dinner meal that could be easily meal prepped. While it’s ketogenic, the salad is refreshing and filling.
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 boiled eggs (peeled and chopped)
- 1/2 cup greek yogurt
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 stalk celery (diced)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- pinch salt and black pepper
- Sweet gem lettuce (for serving)
Instructions
- Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Place your chicken on a baking tray and season it with salt and pepper. Then, cover it in olive oil.
- Bake the breasts in the oven for 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Once the chicken cools down, shred it with a fork.
- Salad
- Add the rest of the ingredients except for sweet gem lettuce leaves into a bowl. Mix in the chicken and combine all the ingredients.
- Fill the lettuce leaves with the chicken salad and enjoy it!
11. Keto Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
Keto Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Recipe details: Prep: PT10M · Cook: PT23M · Total: PT33M · Yield: [‘3’, ‘3 bowls’]
Bring in the Asian flavors into your kitchen with this keto chicken and broccoli stir fry. It’s a flavorful, umami meal that will keep you in ketosis.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breasts (skinless, boneless, cut into strips)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- ¼ cup Chicken broth
- ½ cup Soy sauce (low sodium)
- 3 tbsp erythritol
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp ginger (grated)
- ¼ tsp xanthan gum
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Add sesame oil and olive oil to a skillet and heat up to medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the heated skillet and cook for 7-10 minutes until the chicken is brown and cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and add in the broccoli florets, reduce the heat, cover and let the broccoli steam until it’s cooked.
- Add the chicken back to the skillet.
- In a separate bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients.
- Pour the sauce all over the chicken and broccoli and stir it in.
- Cook until the sauce coats the chicken and broccoli.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
12. Chicken Tenders
Keto Fried Chicken Tenders is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Recipe details: Prep: PT15M · Cook: PT6M · Total: PT81M · Yield: [‘8’, ‘8 chicken tenders’]
These chicken tenders are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. The perfect crunchy texture without the carbs. Keto-approved, high in protein and gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken tenderloins
- 24 oz jar dill pickles (we’ll use only the juice)
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups pork panko
- Avocado oil
Instructions
- Add chicken tenderloins into a food container, pour over the pickle juice, close the lid, give it a good shake, and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- In a small bowl, combine almond flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.
- In another small bowl, whisk the eggs.
- In a third bowl, pour in your pork panko.
- Line up all of the bowls. Cover the chicken tenderloins with the almond flour mixture, then drench in the egg, and finally, coat it with pork panko. Do that with all of the chicken tenderloins.
- Cover your pan with 2 inches of avocado oil and put it over medium-high heat. Let the oil heat up to a point where if you drop in a little bit of the leftover flour mixture, you can see it frying up.
- Once the oil is hot, place chicken tenderloins in the oil and cook for 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve with your favorite low-carb sauce.
13. Southwest Chicken Salad
Southwest Chicken Salad is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Recipe details: Prep: PT25M · Total: PT25M · Yield: [‘6’, ‘6 bowls’]
This high-protein Southwest chicken salad is bursting with smoky, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors, finished with a refreshing citrus twist. High protein and gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1 can (15.5 oz black beans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (15.25 oz corn, drained)
- 1 fresh jalapeño (deseeded, finely chopped)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (cut into quarters)
- 1 small red onion (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 fresh limes (juiced)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine all of the dressing ingredients.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, black beans, corn, jalapeno, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and pumpkin seeds.
- Now, cover with the dressing and stir to combine.
- Serve immediately.
14. Chicken Corn Rice Bowls
Chicken Corn Rice Bowls is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Recipe details: Prep: PT15M · Cook: PT10M · Total: PT25M · Yield: [‘4’, ‘4 bowls’]
This flavorful bowl features juicy chicken, sweet corn, and fluffy rice with a zesty dressing. A high-protein, low-calorie meal that’s also gluten-free!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast (skinless and boneless, diced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp paprika powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp lime zest (grated)
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice
- 1 15 oz can whole kernel corn (drained and rinsed)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1 lime (cut into wedges)
Instructions Chicken
- Place a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil to it.
- Once hot, add in the chicken, cover with paprika powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, chili powder, salt and black pepper.
- Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes until it has fully cooked. Flipping the chicken throughout. Remove from heat.
Dressing
- In a small bowl mix together all of the dressing ingredients.
Assemble Rice Bowls
- Divide rice into 4 bowls. Top up with corn, cooked chicken and then feta cheese.
- Drizzle with the dressing, garnish with cilantro and lime wedges on top.
- Serve warm or cold.
15. Burger in a Bowl
Healthy Burger in a Bowl is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Recipe details: Prep: PT13M · Cook: PT7M · Total: PT20M · Yield: [‘4’, ‘4 bowls’]
This burger in a bowl is a healthier, low carb version of your regular burgers. Just as packed with flavor but without the carbs. Makes for a perfect high protein, low carb, low calorie, gluten-free lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 large head romaine lettuce (chopped)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 4 tbsp sour cream
- 4 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- 1/2 red onion (sliced)
- 2 large pickles (sliced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
Instructions
- Heat up your skillet and add in beef mince. Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper. Cook until browned for about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove excess liquid and remove from the heat.
- Combine all the sauce ingredients to make burger sauce.
- Assemble your bowls. Add in a layer of lettuce, ground beef, cover with avocado, red onion, pickles and cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle the bowls with burger sauce and add a sprinkle of salt and black pepper.
16. Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep
Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Recipe details: Prep: PT15M · Cook: PT20M · Total: PT35M · Yield: [‘4’, ‘4 meal prep bowls’]
Efficiency meets taste with this teriyaki chicken meal prep. Flavorful, umami, and filling. It’s high protein and dairy-free.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (skinless, boneless (cut into 1-inch cubes))
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp ginger (minced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 4 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 tsp cornstarch
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions
- 1 cup white rice
- 1.5 cup water
- salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 small heads of broccoli
Instructions Teriyaki Chicken
- Add olive oil to the frying pan and heat it to medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and cook on both sides until it’s cooked. It will take around 10 minutes.
- Combine all the teriyaki sauce ingredients in a bowl. Pour over the chicken and cook until it thickens, stirring throughout to coat the chicken with the sauce. It will take around 5-6 minutes.
- Sprinkle the chicken with sesame seeds and green onion
Broccoli and Rice
- While cooking the chicken, cook the rice according to the packaging instructions.
- Fluff your rice once finished.
- Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt.
- Now, wash the broccoli. Then, cut the broccoli into florets and slice them up so they boil up faster.
- Add florets into the boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are tender. Remove and drain them before serving.
Assemble Meal Prep Containers
- Divide the rice into the containers, do the same with broccoli and then chicken. Your meal prep bowls are ready! Keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, and enjoy! Eat it cold or heated up.
17. Hawaiian Pizza Chicken
Hawaiian Pizza Chicken Bowls is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Recipe details: Prep: PT15M · Cook: PT25M · Total: PT40M · Yield: [‘4’, ‘4 meal prep bowls’]
This Hawaiian pizza chicken meal prep combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors in one delicious dish. A high-protein, gluten-free meal you’ll love!
Ingredients
- 4 medium chicken breasts (skinless and boneless)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup ham (chopped)
- ½ cup pineapple (diced)
- 4 cups steamed broccoli (cut into halves)
- Pineapple (diced)
- Parmesan (grated)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F. Prepare a 9×13 casserole dish and spray it with oil.
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Add them to the baking dish. Cover with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to combine.
- Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, then take the dish out.
- Cover the chicken cubes evenly throughout the dish with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, chopped ham, and ½ cup of diced pineapple.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes until the cheese melts and starts to brown and bubble.
- Once the chicken is ready, divide it into 4 meal prep bowls and add in the broccoli. Top up the chicken with diced pineapple and grated parmesan.
18. Chicken Meatballs Meal Prep
Chicken Meatballs Meal Prep is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Recipe details: Prep: PT20M · Cook: PT22M · Total: PT42M · Yield: [‘4’, ‘4 meal prep bowls’]
These chicken meatball bowls are flavorful, slightly spiced and garlicky. Filling, yummy, low carb, high protein, gluten-free and low in calories with just 400 kcal per bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 3 tbsp butter (divided)
- 1/2 fresh lemon (juiced)
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
- 2 medium cauliflower heads (grated into rice)
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon slices
Instructions Cauliflower Rice
- Make cauliflower rice by grating the cauliflower heads or pulsing cauliflower florets in a food processor.
- Cover a large plate with the cauliflower rice, add 1 cup of water, and cook on the highest setting in the microwave for about 5-7 minutes. It’ll steam the cauliflower rice.
- Alternatively, you can steam cauliflower florets and then pulse in a food processor to make the rice.
Chicken Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken with cheddar cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper. Combine well with your hands.
- Roll up 12 meatballs out of the mince and set aside.
- Heat up a large skillet to medium-low heat. Add 2 tbsp of butter and cook the chicken meatballs for 8-10 minutes on all sides until they have browned and cooked through. While cooking, baste the meatballs with the butter juices so they thoroughly cook through.
- Add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter to the skillet, squeeze in the lemon juice, and pour in the chicken stock and sriracha sauce. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring regularly until some of the water evaporates.
Meal Prep Assembly
- Divide cauliflower rice into 4 food containers. Top each container with 3 chicken meatballs, and pour the sauce over the meatballs and cauliflower rice. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and reheat in the microwave before eating.
19. Hawaiian Chicken Bowl
Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Recipe details: Prep: PT15M · Cook: PT35M · Total: PT50M · Yield: [‘4’, ‘4 bowls’]
This low-calorie, gluten-free, and dairy-free Hawaiian chicken sheet pan meal is naturally sweet, smoky, tangy, and tropical! Loaded with juicy chicken, bell peppers, and sweet pineapple.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp coriander powder
- 2 tsp ginger powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 red onion (cut into chunks)
- ½ cup Hawaiian-style BBQ Sauce (use Primal Kitchen for dairy-free option)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (drained if canned)
- 1 fresh lime (juiced)
- Sesame seeds
- Cilantro (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Spray a large baking sheet with oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, coriander, ginger powder, salt and black pepper. Give them a mix. Now, add the chicken and toss until the chicken is fully covered with the spices.
- Now, add in the bell peppers, red onion, and BBQ sauce. Coat all of the ingredients with the sauce. Use your hands for the best effect.
- Spread the mixture onto the baking sheet as evenly as possible. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, then remove and top up with pineapple chunks throughout the whole baking sheet. Pop back into the oven for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven; garnish with fresh lime juice, sesame seeds, and cilantro before serving.
20. Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice
Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice and Tomatoes is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Recipe details: Prep: PT15M · Cook: PT15M · Total: PT30M · Yield: [‘4’, ‘4 bowls’]
Savor Mediterranean flavors in one pan! This high protein, gluten-free Greek chicken with lemon rice and tomatoes, featuring juicy chicken, zesty rice, fresh veggies, and creamy feta.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 lb chicken breasts (skinless and boneless, diced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup spinach (chopped)
- 2 cups basmati rice (cooked)
- 15 oz can chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 1 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
- Lemon (cut into wedges)
- Fresh dill (chopped)
Instructions Chicken
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper.
- Cover diced chicken with the mixture of spices.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the olive oil.
- Once hot, add in the chicken and sear for 4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 4 minutes on the other side.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet once it’s fully cooked.
Lemon Rice
- Add olive oil into the same, now empty skillet. Add in the cherry tomatoes, garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
- Add in spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until it wilts.
- Add cooked basmati rice, chickpeas and give it a stir.
- Finally, squeeze over all the juice from the lemon. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Assembly
- In a bowl, combine feta cheese, olive oil, oregano and fresh dill.
- Add half of the cheese mixture into the skillet and stir it in.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and cook until the chicken reheats.
- Remove from heat, and sprinkle with the remaining cheese mixture. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh dill before serving.
- When eating, squeeze some of the lemon juice from the wedges for a little more acidity. Enjoy!
21. Greek Chicken Bowls
Greek Chicken Bowls is a practical addition to this collection, with a straightforward method and adaptable serving options.
Recipe details: Prep: PT30M · Cook: PT9M · Total: PT59M · Yield: [‘4’, ‘4 bowls’]
These Greek Chicken Bowls are so delicious, refreshing and herby. They’re high protein and gluten-free, and super filling!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cubed)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 8 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 English cucumbers (cubed)
- 1 lb cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 red onion (sliced)
- 1/2 lemon juice (freshly squeezed )
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ English cucumber (diced)
- 2 cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh mint (chopped)
- salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups basmati rice (cooked)
Instructions
- In a larger bowl, add in cubed chicken breasts and cover with olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Combine all ingredients together to cover the chicken thoroughly. Marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes up to 12 hours before cooking.
- While the chicken is being marinated, combine all of the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Give it a good mix.
- In a separate bowl, make tzatziki sauce by simply combining all of the ingredients.
- Drain the chicken from the marinade.
- Heat up a skillet and add some olive oil. Add in the chicken cubes and cook for 7-9 minutes. Make sure you’re removing excess liquid while you’re cooking the chicken. There is going to be quite a bit of it. Then, remove from heat.
- Divide the cooked rice into 4 containers. Add in the salad, chicken and cover with tzatziki sauce.
Save this collection for the next time you need practical meal inspiration. Start with the recipe that best matches your ingredients, then return to try the others throughout the week.
