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Cold Chicken Meal Prep

Joy Brooks
Perfect cold chicken meal prep that requires no reheating. Ideal for busy days when you need convenient, delicious nutrition on the go.
Servings: 4 meals
Course: Meal Prep
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385 kcal
Prep Time : 30 minutes
Cook Time : 15 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 3 medium breasts
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice for marinade
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt divided
  • 1.5 teaspoons black pepper divided
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried herbs thyme, oregano, or Italian blend
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 English cucumber diced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 red onion finely diced
  • 4 cups mixed greens
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or farro cooled
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil for vinaigrette
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice for vinaigrette
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt for vinaigrette
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for vinaigrette

Method
 

  1. Combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, and 2 teaspoons dried herbs in a bowl to create marinade.
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry and pound to even 3/4-inch thickness if needed for consistent cooking.
  3. Place chicken in a container, pour marinade over it, seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
  4. Prepare vinaigrette by whisking together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Transfer to small containers with tight-fitting lids.
  5. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches exactly 165°F (74°C).
  6. Rest chicken for 5 minutes, then refrigerate to cool completely (30-45 minutes).
  7. While chicken cools, prepare all vegetables and keep them separate.
  8. Once chicken is completely cooled, slice against the grain into 1/4-inch pieces.
  9. Assemble meal prep containers with sliced chicken (4-5 oz per container), a portion of grains, and vegetables. Keep components that should remain crisp separated.
  10. Seal containers tightly, refrigerate immediately, and store dressing containers separately to add just before eating.

Note

  • For optimal flavor, remove meals from refrigerator 20-30 minutes before consuming.
  • Include at least one crunchy element per meal for textural contrast.
  • Store meals in glass containers when possible for better temperature stability.
  • Keep dressings separate until ready to eat.
  • Use insulated lunch bags with ice packs for transportation.
  • Meals will maintain quality for 3-4 days when properly refrigerated below 40°F (4°C).