Meal-prep chicken recipes
Looking for meal-prep chicken recipes? Here are 8 tested ideas to cook tonight. Each one keeps to everyday ingredients and a single skillet or sheet pan where possible, with rough prep and cook times so you can pick by how much time you have. Prefer to cook with exactly what's on your shelf? Tell Cache & Cook what you have and it drafts a recipe free.
Braised Chicken Thighs with Root Vegetables and Thyme
50 min Serves 4comfort foodweeknightone-pot
Poached Chicken with Green Goddess Drizzle
18 min Serves 4meal-preplightfresh
Harissa-Roasted Chicken Thighs with Charred Lemon
40 min Serves 4weeknightspicymeal-prep
Harissa Chicken with Roasted Chickpeas and Carrots
30 min Serves 4weeknightmeal-prepone-pan
Chicken and Root Vegetable Braise with Herbs
55 min Serves 4weeknightcomfort-foodgluten-free
Citrus-Cilantro Chicken Thighs with Charred Lime
35 min Serves 4meal-prepweeknightcitrus
Braised Chicken Thighs with Root Vegetables and Thyme
55 min Serves 4comfort foodweeknightone-pot
Poached Chicken with Bright Herb Salsa Verde
18 min Serves 4meal-preplightfresh
More ideas
Common questions
- Can I use frozen chicken for meal prep, and does it affect the recipe?
- Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but thaw it completely in the refrigerator first (about 24 hours) before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety. Frozen chicken will take slightly longer to cook than fresh, so add 5-10 minutes to your cooking time if cooking from partially thawed.
- How long can I store cooked chicken in the refrigerator?
- Properly stored cooked chicken will stay fresh in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- What are good budget-friendly cuts of chicken for meal prep?
- Chicken thighs and drumsticks are significantly cheaper than breasts while being more flavorful and staying moist during cooking. Buying whole chickens and breaking them down yourself can also save 30-40% compared to pre-cut pieces.
- Can I substitute chicken breasts with another protein in these recipes?
- Yes, turkey breast, pork tenderloin, or firm white fish like cod work well in most chicken recipes with similar cooking times. Ground turkey is also an excellent 1:1 substitute if you're using ground chicken.
- What are simple sides to pair with meal prep chicken?
- Rice, roasted vegetables, and beans are meal-prep friendly sides that reheat well and keep for 4-5 days. Quinoa, sweet potatoes, and pasta salads are also great options that complement most chicken flavor profiles.
- How can I reduce calories in chicken meal prep without sacrificing flavor?
- Remove the skin before cooking, use cooking methods like grilling or baking instead of frying, and skip heavy creamy sauces in favor of vinegar-based or tomato-based sauces. Season generously with herbs, spices, garlic, and citrus to add flavor without extra calories or fat.