24 High-Protein Lunches Without Sandwiches
These no-sandwich lunches use bowls, salads, soups, stuffed vegetables, and snack-style plates to keep midday meals varied and filling.

The recipes use olive oil rather than seed oils and contain no soy or tofu. Choose certified gluten-free packaged ingredients when needed.
Before you begin
Cooking times are estimates. Cook poultry and ground meats to 165°F and seafood to 145°F. Cool food promptly before refrigerating or freezing.
Jump to a recipe
- 1. Chicken Rice Bowl
- 2. Tuna Stuffed Potato
- 3. Turkey Taco Bowl
- 4. Shrimp Quinoa Salad
- 5. Cottage Cheese Plate
- 6. Egg Salad Cucumber Cups
- 7. Chicken Lentil Soup
- 8. Salmon Rice Bowl
- 9. Turkey Meatball Bowl
- 10. Greek Chicken Salad
- 11. Tuna White Bean Salad
- 12. Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl
- 13. Beef Burrito Bowl
- 14. Shrimp Avocado Salad
- 15. Turkey Stuffed Pepper
- 16. Chicken Quinoa Bowl
- 17. Egg Potato Bowl
- 18. Salmon Chickpea Salad
- 19. Chicken White Bean Soup
- 20. Tuna Rice Bowl
- 21. Turkey Burger Bowl
- 22. Chicken Hummus Plate
- 23. Shrimp Corn Bowl
- 24. Chicken Broccoli Rice
1. Chicken Rice Bowl
Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 20–45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds chicken
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 can no-salt-added tomatoes or beans
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce, thaw frozen items safely, and prepare any cooked grain or pasta.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the protein over medium heat, add the vegetables and remaining ingredients, and cook until tender and heated through.
- Season to taste and divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze appropriate cooked meals in airtight portions for up to three months.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or extra non-starchy vegetable if desired.
2. Tuna Stuffed Potato
Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 20–45 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cans tuna, drained
- 1 1/2 pounds potatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 can no-salt-added tomatoes or beans
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce, thaw frozen items safely, and prepare any cooked grain or pasta.
- Combine the prepared ingredients in a lightly oiled baking dish, or fill the vegetables as directed by the title. Bake at 375°F for 25 to 45 minutes, until hot and the protein is safely cooked.
- Season to taste and divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze appropriate cooked meals in airtight portions for up to three months.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or extra non-starchy vegetable if desired.
3. Turkey Taco Bowl
Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 20–45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds lean ground turkey
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 can no-salt-added tomatoes or beans
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce, thaw frozen items safely, and prepare any cooked grain or pasta.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the protein over medium heat, add the vegetables and remaining ingredients, and cook until tender and heated through.
- Season to taste and divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze appropriate cooked meals in airtight portions for up to three months.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or extra non-starchy vegetable if desired.
4. Shrimp Quinoa Salad
Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 20–45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds peeled shrimp
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 can no-salt-added tomatoes or beans
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce, thaw frozen items safely, and prepare any cooked grain or pasta.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the protein over medium heat, add the vegetables and remaining ingredients, and cook until tender and heated through.
- Season to taste and divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze appropriate cooked meals in airtight portions for up to three months.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or extra non-starchy vegetable if desired.
5. Cottage Cheese Plate
Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 20–45 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 4 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 can no-salt-added tomatoes or beans
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce, thaw frozen items safely, and prepare any cooked grain or pasta.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the protein over medium heat, add the vegetables and remaining ingredients, and cook until tender and heated through.
- Season to taste and divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze appropriate cooked meals in airtight portions for up to three months.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or extra non-starchy vegetable if desired.
6. Egg Salad Cucumber Cups
Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 20–45 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 eggs
- 4 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 can no-salt-added tomatoes or beans
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce, thaw frozen items safely, and prepare any cooked grain or pasta.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the protein over medium heat, add the vegetables and remaining ingredients, and cook until tender and heated through.
- Season to taste and divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze appropriate cooked meals in airtight portions for up to three months.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or extra non-starchy vegetable if desired.
7. Chicken Lentil Soup
Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 20–45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds chicken
- 4 cups low-sodium gluten-free broth
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 can no-salt-added tomatoes or beans
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce, thaw frozen items safely, and prepare any cooked grain or pasta.
- Combine the ingredients in a large pot, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20 to 30 minutes until tender and safely cooked.
- Season to taste and divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze appropriate cooked meals in airtight portions for up to three months.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or extra non-starchy vegetable if desired.
8. Salmon Rice Bowl
Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 20–45 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 can no-salt-added tomatoes or beans
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce, thaw frozen items safely, and prepare any cooked grain or pasta.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the protein over medium heat, add the vegetables and remaining ingredients, and cook until tender and heated through.
- Season to taste and divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze appropriate cooked meals in airtight portions for up to three months.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or extra non-starchy vegetable if desired.
9. Turkey Meatball Bowl
Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 20–45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds lean ground turkey
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 can no-salt-added tomatoes or beans
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce, thaw frozen items safely, and prepare any cooked grain or pasta.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the protein over medium heat, add the vegetables and remaining ingredients, and cook until tender and heated through.
- Season to taste and divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze appropriate cooked meals in airtight portions for up to three months.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or extra non-starchy vegetable if desired.
10. Greek Chicken Salad
Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 20–45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds chicken
- 4 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 can no-salt-added tomatoes or beans
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce, thaw frozen items safely, and prepare any cooked grain or pasta.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the protein over medium heat, add the vegetables and remaining ingredients, and cook until tender and heated through.
- Season to taste and divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze appropriate cooked meals in airtight portions for up to three months.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or extra non-starchy vegetable if desired.
11. Tuna White Bean Salad
Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 20–45 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cans tuna, drained
- 4 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 can no-salt-added tomatoes or beans
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce, thaw frozen items safely, and prepare any cooked grain or pasta.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the protein over medium heat, add the vegetables and remaining ingredients, and cook until tender and heated through.
- Season to taste and divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze appropriate cooked meals in airtight portions for up to three months.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or extra non-starchy vegetable if desired.
12. Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl
Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 20–45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds potatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 can no-salt-added tomatoes or beans
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce, thaw frozen items safely, and prepare any cooked grain or pasta.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the protein over medium heat, add the vegetables and remaining ingredients, and cook until tender and heated through.
- Season to taste and divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze appropriate cooked meals in airtight portions for up to three months.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or extra non-starchy vegetable if desired.
13. Beef Burrito Bowl
Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 20–45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds lean beef
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 can no-salt-added tomatoes or beans
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce, thaw frozen items safely, and prepare any cooked grain or pasta.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the protein over medium heat, add the vegetables and remaining ingredients, and cook until tender and heated through.
- Season to taste and divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze appropriate cooked meals in airtight portions for up to three months.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or extra non-starchy vegetable if desired.
14. Shrimp Avocado Salad
Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 20–45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds peeled shrimp
- 4 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 can no-salt-added tomatoes or beans
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce, thaw frozen items safely, and prepare any cooked grain or pasta.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the protein over medium heat, add the vegetables and remaining ingredients, and cook until tender and heated through.
- Season to taste and divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze appropriate cooked meals in airtight portions for up to three months.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or extra non-starchy vegetable if desired.
15. Turkey Stuffed Pepper
Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 20–45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds lean ground turkey
- 4 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 can no-salt-added tomatoes or beans
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce, thaw frozen items safely, and prepare any cooked grain or pasta.
- Combine the prepared ingredients in a lightly oiled baking dish, or fill the vegetables as directed by the title. Bake at 375°F for 25 to 45 minutes, until hot and the protein is safely cooked.
- Season to taste and divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze appropriate cooked meals in airtight portions for up to three months.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or extra non-starchy vegetable if desired.
16. Chicken Quinoa Bowl
Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 20–45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds chicken
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 can no-salt-added tomatoes or beans
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce, thaw frozen items safely, and prepare any cooked grain or pasta.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the protein over medium heat, add the vegetables and remaining ingredients, and cook until tender and heated through.
- Season to taste and divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze appropriate cooked meals in airtight portions for up to three months.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or extra non-starchy vegetable if desired.
17. Egg Potato Bowl
Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 20–45 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 eggs
- 1 1/2 pounds potatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 can no-salt-added tomatoes or beans
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce, thaw frozen items safely, and prepare any cooked grain or pasta.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the protein over medium heat, add the vegetables and remaining ingredients, and cook until tender and heated through.
- Season to taste and divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze appropriate cooked meals in airtight portions for up to three months.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or extra non-starchy vegetable if desired.
18. Salmon Chickpea Salad
Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 20–45 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 4 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 can no-salt-added tomatoes or beans
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce, thaw frozen items safely, and prepare any cooked grain or pasta.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the protein over medium heat, add the vegetables and remaining ingredients, and cook until tender and heated through.
- Season to taste and divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze appropriate cooked meals in airtight portions for up to three months.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or extra non-starchy vegetable if desired.
19. Chicken White Bean Soup
Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 20–45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds chicken
- 4 cups low-sodium gluten-free broth
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 can no-salt-added tomatoes or beans
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce, thaw frozen items safely, and prepare any cooked grain or pasta.
- Combine the ingredients in a large pot, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20 to 30 minutes until tender and safely cooked.
- Season to taste and divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze appropriate cooked meals in airtight portions for up to three months.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or extra non-starchy vegetable if desired.
20. Tuna Rice Bowl
Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 20–45 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cans tuna, drained
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 can no-salt-added tomatoes or beans
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce, thaw frozen items safely, and prepare any cooked grain or pasta.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the protein over medium heat, add the vegetables and remaining ingredients, and cook until tender and heated through.
- Season to taste and divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze appropriate cooked meals in airtight portions for up to three months.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or extra non-starchy vegetable if desired.
21. Turkey Burger Bowl
Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 20–45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds lean ground turkey
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 can no-salt-added tomatoes or beans
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce, thaw frozen items safely, and prepare any cooked grain or pasta.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the protein over medium heat, add the vegetables and remaining ingredients, and cook until tender and heated through.
- Season to taste and divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze appropriate cooked meals in airtight portions for up to three months.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or extra non-starchy vegetable if desired.
22. Chicken Hummus Plate
Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 20–45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds chicken
- 4 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 can no-salt-added tomatoes or beans
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce, thaw frozen items safely, and prepare any cooked grain or pasta.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the protein over medium heat, add the vegetables and remaining ingredients, and cook until tender and heated through.
- Season to taste and divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze appropriate cooked meals in airtight portions for up to three months.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or extra non-starchy vegetable if desired.
23. Shrimp Corn Bowl
Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 20–45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds peeled shrimp
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 can no-salt-added tomatoes or beans
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce, thaw frozen items safely, and prepare any cooked grain or pasta.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the protein over medium heat, add the vegetables and remaining ingredients, and cook until tender and heated through.
- Season to taste and divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze appropriate cooked meals in airtight portions for up to three months.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or extra non-starchy vegetable if desired.
24. Chicken Broccoli Rice
Servings: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 20–45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds chicken
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped vegetables
- 1 can no-salt-added tomatoes or beans
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and cut the produce, thaw frozen items safely, and prepare any cooked grain or pasta.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Cook the protein over medium heat, add the vegetables and remaining ingredients, and cook until tender and heated through.
- Season to taste and divide evenly into four servings.
- Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze appropriate cooked meals in airtight portions for up to three months.
Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or extra non-starchy vegetable if desired.
Make-ahead notes
- Label frozen meals with the name and date.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when possible.
- Reheat cooked food until steaming hot throughout.
