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Easy Flavor-Packed Sunday Meal Prep Recipes for Cinco de Mayo Celebration

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A quick and easy Mexican-inspired meal prep featuring marinated chicken thighs, cilantro-lime rice, and fresh pico de gallo, perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations or a flavorful week ahead.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 3 cups water or chicken broth
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
  • Warm corn or flour tortillas (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together lime juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chipotle chili powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
  2. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Add rice and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes. Remove from heat and let steam, covered, for 5 minutes.
  3. While rice cooks, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Stir gently and set aside.
  4. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken thighs and cook 5-6 minutes per side until charred and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
  5. Portion cilantro-lime rice, sliced chicken, pico de gallo, black beans, and avocado slices into meal prep containers. Add shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired.
  6. Seal containers tightly and refrigerate. Meals stay fresh up to 4 days.

Notes

Marinate chicken overnight for best flavor. Slice chicken against the grain for tenderness. Rinse rice well to prevent clumping. Adjust chipotle powder and jalapeño for preferred spice level. Use corn tortillas for gluten-free option. Add avocado and sour cream just before serving for freshness. Freeze cooked chicken, rice, and beans but avoid freezing fresh toppings.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cinco de Mayo, meal prep, chicken marinade, cilantro-lime rice, pico de gallo, Mexican recipes, easy dinner, healthy meal prep

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/easy-flavor-packed-sunday-meal-prep-recipes-for-cinco-de-mayo-celebration/