Low Calorie Meal Prep for Weight Loss | Chicken Fajita Fried Rice

long-grain rice

🥗Healthier: brown rice

💰Cheaper: white rice

Brown rice is more nutritious, while white rice is often less expensive.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water

Homemade broth is healthier, while water is a budget-friendly option.

peas

🥗Healthier: green beans

💰Cheaper: frozen peas

Green beans are nutritious, while frozen peas are often cheaper.

Start meal prep at 2:12 p.m. and finish by 2:58 p.m.

Ideally prepare rice the night before to allow it to dry out.

In a large bowl, combine 2 tbsp oil, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp dried oregano to create a marinade.

Add 2 lb of boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into thin strips (about 1/4 inch thick), to the marinade and toss to coat.

Set the chicken aside to marinate while chopping vegetables.

Slice 1 medium onion into thin slices.

Cut 1 medium red pepper and 1 medium green or poblano pepper into thin slices, totaling 300 g of peppers.

Mince enough garlic to yield 1 tbsp (15 g).

Heat 1/2 tbsp oil (7.5 g) in a carbon steel or cast iron skillet.

Cook the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet to allow proper browning.

Transfer cooked chicken to a plate to rest, leaving rendered fat in the skillet.

Add another 1/2 tbsp oil (7.5 g) if needed, then add the sliced peppers and onions to the skillet, seasoning with salt.

Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute or two until fragrant.

Add 3 cups cooked rice (450 g) to the skillet and stir to lightly fry in the oil.

Add 2 tbsp lime juice (30 g) and the cooked chicken along with any juices from the plate, mixing everything together.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lime juice as desired.

Divide the mixture into five meal prep containers, garnishing with chopped cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

Store meals in the fridge for up to 5 days, reheating in the microwave at half or 75% power to prevent drying out.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary