Print

Easy Weeknight Cookout Meal Prep Ideas for Busy Evenings Made Simple

easy weeknight cookout meal prep - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy grill-friendly meal prep recipe perfect for busy weeknights, featuring marinated chicken breasts, assorted grilled vegetables, and simple pantry ingredients for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (preferably fruity extra virgin)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • Optional: 1 lb (450 g) bratwursts or sausages
  • 3 bell peppers, assorted colors, sliced
  • 1 large red onion, sliced into rings
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
  • 2 ears of corn, husked and halved
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Lime wedges
  • Warm tortillas or crusty rolls

Instructions

  1. Make the marinade by whisking together olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  2. Trim excess fat from chicken breasts. Place chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour half the marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 hours or overnight.
  3. Slice bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini. Husk and halve the corn. Toss vegetables with the remaining marinade in a separate bowl or bag. Let marinate alongside chicken or at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
  4. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). Lightly oil grates or pan to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until grill marks appear and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If using bratwursts, grill for 12-15 minutes, turning regularly.
  6. Grill vegetables and corn for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until tender and slightly charred. Turn corn every 2-3 minutes to prevent burning.
  7. Remove chicken from grill and let rest covered loosely with foil for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  8. Slice chicken against the grain. Arrange grilled vegetables and corn alongside. Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges. Serve with warm tortillas or rolls.

Notes

Marinate chicken and vegetables ahead of time for best flavor. Preheat grill properly to prevent sticking. Use tongs to flip meat and veggies to retain juices. Watch corn carefully to avoid burning. Let chicken rest before slicing for juicier meat. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Vegetarian options include marinated tofu or portobello mushrooms. Pounding chicken breasts to even thickness helps cook faster and more evenly.

Nutrition

Keywords: weeknight meal prep, cookout, grilled chicken, easy dinner, quick recipe, meal prep, busy evenings, grilled vegetables, marinade, family dinner

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/easy-weeknight-cookout-meal-prep-ideas-for-busy-evenings-made-simple/