ByOlivia Taylor

Apricot Chicken Brown Rice Bowls | High Protein Meal Prep Dinner The aroma of apricot and chicken filled my kitchen one Sunday morning, and I knew I was in for a treat with these Apricot Chicken Brown Rice Bowls | High Protein Meal Prep Dinner. I still remember the summer I spent at my grandparents’…

Apricot Chicken Brown Rice Bowls | High Protein Meal Prep Dinner

The aroma of apricot and chicken filled my kitchen one Sunday morning, and I knew I was in for a treat with these Apricot Chicken Brown Rice Bowls | High Protein Meal Prep Dinner.

I still remember the summer I spent at my grandparents’ place, where my grandmother would often cook chicken with dried fruits, and the combination would be just perfect.

That’s when I decided to try something similar, and this Apricot Chicken Brown Rice Bowls | High Protein Meal Prep Dinner quickly became a cherished family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Apricot Chicken Brown Rice Bowls | High Protein Meal Prep Dinner

  • Tender chicken and chewy brown rice make for a satisfying texture.
  • The sweetness of the apricots balances out the savory flavor of the chicken.
  • It takes exactly 30 minutes to cook.
  • The recipe is foolproof because it’s hard to mess up the simple combination of ingredients.
  • It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 cup mixed dried apricots
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

The star ingredients in this recipe are the dried apricots and chicken breast, which provide natural sweetness and a good amount of protein.

The combination of these ingredients with some onions, garlic, and brown rice creates a delicious and healthy meal.

Expert Tips for the Best Apricot Chicken Brown Rice Bowls | High Protein Meal Prep Dinner

  • Cook the brown rice according to the package instructions to achieve the perfect texture, as overcooking can make it mushy.
  • A common mistake people make is not browning the chicken enough, which can make it dry, so make sure to cook it until it’s nicely browned.
  • For a pro upgrade, add some toasted almonds or cashews on top for extra crunch.
  • The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • You can make the chicken and rice ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Variations and Substitutions

You can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce, or swap the chicken with beef or tofu for a different protein source.

For a bold flavor twist, add some red pepper flakes to give it a spicy kick.

How to Store and Reheat

This recipe can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container, and reheated in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

You can also freeze it for up to 2 months and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried ones?

Yes, you can use fresh apricots, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and add more liquid to the recipe.

Dried apricots are preferred because they add a chewy texture and a more intense flavor.

How do I prevent the brown rice from becoming mushy?

To prevent the brown rice from becoming mushy, make sure to not overcook it and to rinse it before cooking.

You can also add a little bit of oil or butter to the rice while it’s cooking to help separate the grains.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Just make sure to store the chicken and rice in separate containers and reheat them until warmed through before serving.

I hope you enjoy making and eating this Apricot Chicken Brown Rice Bowls | High Protein Meal Prep Dinner as much as I do, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if you’d like any variations or substitutions.

Happy cooking, and I’ll see you in the next recipe!

✦ Recipe Card ✦

Apricot Chicken Bowls

⏱️
PREP
10 mins
🔥
COOK
20 mins
⏰
TOTAL
30 mins
👤
SERVES
4 servings
🔥 Calories 540 kcal💪 Protein 42g🌾 Carbs 40g🫙 Fat 20g

🧂 Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 cup mixed dried apricots
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 2Cook the brown rice according to package instructions.
  3. 3Season the chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
  4. 4Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes per side.
  5. 5Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
  6. 6While the chicken is cooking, combine the cooked brown rice, dried apricots, and garlic in a large bowl.
  7. 7Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
  8. 8Add the sliced chicken to the rice mixture and toss to combine.
  9. 9Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
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