Description
High-Protein Chicken Enchilada Bowls are a one-pan, nutrient-dense meal featuring shredded chicken, brown rice, cabbage, beans, corn, and enchilada sauce. Packed with protein and flavor, this meal-prep-friendly recipe fuels workouts, supports muscle recovery, and keeps you full for hours.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Base:
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
3 cups cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice
2 cups shredded purple or green cabbage
For the Enchilada Sauce & Toppings:
1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
Optional: fresh cilantro, diced avocado, jalapeños, Greek yogurt or sour cream
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with taco seasoning and cook 6-7 minutes per side until 165°F internal temp. Let rest, then shred.
2. Divide cooked rice and shredded cabbage evenly between bowls or meal prep containers.
3. In the same skillet, warm black beans and corn for 2-3 minutes. Add enchilada sauce and simmer 1 minute.
4. Add shredded chicken back to the skillet and coat with sauce.
5. Spoon chicken mixture over rice and cabbage in each bowl. Top with shredded cheese to melt.
6. Add optional fresh toppings like cilantro, avocado, or Greek yogurt just before serving.
Notes
Store assembled bowls (without fresh toppings) in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Store avocado and Greek yogurt separately and add before eating.
Freeze chicken and sauce mixture up to 3 months; thaw in fridge overnight before reheating.
For dairy-free option, omit cheese or use a substitute.
Protein swaps: ground turkey, lean beef, or shrimp.
Grain swaps: quinoa, cilantro-lime rice, or cauliflower rice.
Vegetable swaps: sautéed peppers, onions, or lettuce instead of cabbage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Meal Prep, High Protein
- Method: Skillet / Assemble
- Cuisine: Mexican, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg