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As I sit down to write about this easy meal prep chicken and roasted cabbage bowls recipe, I am reminded of the countless times I've struggled to find healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make meals that fit my busy lifestyle. As a food enthusiast, I've always been on the lookout for recipes that can be prepared in advance, reheated, and still taste amazing. This recipe is the result of my search, and I'm excited to share it with you. The idea for this recipe came to me on a particularly chaotic morning when I was scrambling to get breakfast on the table while also packing lunches for the day. I realized that I needed a recipe that could be made in bulk, was easy to customize, and could be reheated without losing its flavor or texture. After some experimentation, I landed on this easy meal prep chicken and roasted cabbage bowls recipe, and it has been a game-changer for my meal prep routine. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences and restrictions, and it's perfect for meal prep because it can be made in advance and reheated as needed. Whether you're a busy professional, a student, or a parent, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You'll Love This easy meal prep chicken and roasted cabbage bowls

Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: You can customize the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences and restrictions, making it perfect for meal prep.
Healthy: This recipe is packed with nutritious ingredients, including lean protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
Reheats Well: This recipe can be reheated without losing its flavor or texture, making it perfect for meal prep.
Cost-Effective: This recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with ingredients that are easily found in most supermarkets.
Flavorful: This recipe is packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of spices, herbs, and aromatics used in the recipe.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe can be made in bulk and reheated as needed, making it perfect for meal prep.
Can be Made in Advance: This recipe can be made up to 2 days in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredient Breakdown

Ingredients for easy meal prep chicken and roasted cabbage bowls

The key ingredients in this recipe are chicken breast, cabbage, carrots, olive oil, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. The chicken breast provides lean protein, while the cabbage and carrots add fiber and vitamins. The olive oil, garlic, and ginger add flavor and healthy fats, while the soy sauce provides a salty, umami flavor. When selecting these ingredients, choose fresh and organic options whenever possible, and opt for low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content of the recipe. You can also substitute the chicken breast with thighs or a combination of both, and use different types of cabbage or carrots to change up the flavor and texture.

How to Make easy meal prep chicken and roasted cabbage bowls

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Prepare the Cabbage and Carrots:

Cut the cabbage into wedges and slice the carrots into thin rounds. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Roast the Cabbage and Carrots:

Roast the cabbage and carrots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.

Prepare the Chicken:

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Assemble the Bowls:

To assemble the bowls, place a portion of the roasted cabbage and carrots in the bottom of a bowl, followed by a portion of the cooked chicken. Drizzle with soy sauce and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the bowls hot, garnished with additional green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Results

Use Fresh Ingredients:

Using fresh ingredients will result in a more flavorful and nutritious dish. Choose organic options whenever possible, and opt for seasonal produce to ensure the best flavor and texture.

Don't Overcook the Chicken:

Overcooking the chicken can result in dry, tough meat. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), then remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Add Aromatics:

Adding aromatics such as garlic, ginger, and onions can add depth and complexity to the dish. Saute the aromatics in a little oil before adding the chicken and cabbage for added flavor.

Use the Right Soy Sauce:

Using the right soy sauce can make a big difference in the flavor of the dish. Choose a low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content of the recipe, and opt for a high-quality soy sauce that is made with fermented soybeans for the best flavor.

Customize to Your Taste:

This recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to add or subtract ingredients to suit your taste. Add some heat with red pepper flakes, or add some sweetness with honey or maple syrup.

Make it Ahead:

This recipe can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep. Simply cook the chicken and cabbage, then assemble the bowls and refrigerate or freeze until ready to eat.

Add Some Crunch:

Adding some crunch to the dish can add texture and interest. Try adding some chopped nuts or seeds, such as almonds or sesame seeds, to the bowls for added crunch.

Get Creative with the Toppings:

The toppings are where you can get really creative with this recipe. Try adding some diced avocado, sliced green onions, or pickled ginger to the bowls for added flavor and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Chicken: Overcooking the chicken can result in dry, tough meat. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), then remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Fix: Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), then remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Using old or low-quality ingredients can result in a less flavorful and less nutritious dish. Choose fresh and organic options whenever possible, and opt for seasonal produce to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Fix: Choose fresh and organic options whenever possible, and opt for seasonal produce to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Not Adding Aromatics: Not adding aromatics such as garlic, ginger, and onions can result in a less flavorful dish. Saute the aromatics in a little oil before adding the chicken and cabbage for added flavor.
Fix: Saute the aromatics in a little oil before adding the chicken and cabbage for added flavor.
Not Customizing to Your Taste: Not customizing the recipe to your taste can result in a less enjoyable dish. Add or subtract ingredients to suit your taste, and don't be afraid to try new things.
Fix: Add or subtract ingredients to suit your taste, and don't be afraid to try new things.

Variations & Substitutions

Vegetarian Version:

Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and add some extra vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms.

Vegan Version:

Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use a vegan soy sauce or tamari. Add some extra vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms.

Gluten-Free Version:

Replace the soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and use gluten-free seasonings.

Low-Carb Version:

Replace the carrots with a low-carb vegetable such as broccoli or cauliflower, and reduce the amount of soy sauce used.

Spicy Version:

Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the dish for an extra kick of heat.

Mild Version:

Reduce the amount of garlic and ginger used, and omit the red pepper flakes or sriracha.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Room Temp:

This recipe can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After 2 hours, refrigerate or freeze the dish to prevent bacterial growth.

Refrigerator:

This recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the dish in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.

Freezer:

This recipe can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store the dish in an airtight container or freezer bag and keep it frozen at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below. To thaw, simply leave the dish in the refrigerator overnight or thaw it quickly by submerging the container in cold water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.

Can I customize this recipe to my taste?

Absolutely! This recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to add or subtract ingredients to suit your taste. Add some heat with red pepper flakes, or add some sweetness with honey or maple syrup. The possibilities are endless!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is gluten-free, making it perfect for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity. Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to ensure that the dish remains gluten-free.

Can I use different types of protein?

Yes! You can use different types of protein such as tofu, tempeh, or seitan to make this recipe vegan or vegetarian. Simply replace the chicken with your preferred protein and adjust the cooking time as needed.

How do I reheat this recipe?

To reheat this recipe, simply microwave it for 30-60 seconds or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes! This recipe can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply store it in an airtight container or freezer bag and keep it frozen at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below. To thaw, simply leave the dish in the refrigerator overnight or thaw it quickly by submerging the container in cold water.

Is this recipe low-carb?

This recipe is relatively low in carbs, but it does contain some carbohydrates from the cabbage and carrots. To make it lower in carbs, you can reduce the amount of carrots used or replace them with a lower-carb vegetable such as broccoli or cauliflower.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! You can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply cook the chicken and cabbage in the slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the cabbage is tender. Then, assemble the bowls and serve.