Packed with a combination of rice, black beans, corn, salsa, and a blend of spices, these Santa Fe chicken and rice bowls are a convenient option using pantry essentials, perfect for preparing make-ahead lunches that can last the entire week. Beyond their quick and effortless preparation, they offer a wholesome, satiating, and well-balanced meal due to their generous protein and fiber content.

In under 30 minutes, you can whip up these Santa Fe chicken bowls, an ideal solution for speedy meal prep, lunch, or dinner. Simply grill the chicken, cook the rice, combine all the ingredients in a bowl, and, voilà, you’re ready to dig in!

What Is Santa Fe Chicken?

Santa Fe chicken takes its inspiration from Tex-Mex flavors. This Santa Fe chicken recipe comprises chicken breasts, black beans, corn, salsa, chilies, and an assortment of spices, all tailored for quick and easy preparation, making it a meal prep dream.

Ingredients for Santa Fe Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to create these Santa Fe chicken and rice meal prep bowls:

– Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for their quick cooking time, although boneless, skinless chicken thighs or bone-in chicken breasts or thighs are viable alternatives if preferred. Adjust cooking time for bone-in cuts.

– Spices: A dash of ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and salt is used to season the chicken, infusing it with Tex-Mex flavor.

– Cheese: These bowls feature orange cheddar cheese, but you can opt for any melty cheese of your choice, such as Monterey Jack or Havarti.

– Rice: White rice, a source of complex carbohydrates, bulks up the meal. While the recipe suggests white rice, brown rice is also an option, though it may require additional cooking time.