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This Meal Prep Pesto Chicken & Veggies is an easy, healthy, and delicious way to prep your lunches for the week. Juicy chicken, roasted veggies, and flavorful pesto come together in a balanced, protein-packed meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
For the Veggies:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt & black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
For the Pesto Sauce:
- ¼ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice
Instructions
1. Prep & Season the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix chicken, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Let it marinate while prepping the veggies.
2. Roast the Veggies
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss broccoli, zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, until tender and slightly charred.
3. Cook the Chicken
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and fully cooked.
4. Mix with Pesto
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove from heat and toss with pesto and lemon juice.
5. Assemble Meal Prep Bowls
- Divide quinoa/rice, roasted veggies, and pesto chicken into 4 meal prep containers.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using).
6. Store & Serve
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes before eating.
Variations & Tips
✅ Low-Carb/Keto: Serve with cauliflower rice or extra veggies instead of grains.
✅ Dairy-Free: Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
✅ Extra Protein: Add chickpeas or top with a fried egg.
Would you like a vegan version with tofu or another protein option? 😊
