Zesty Lime Chicken and Lentil Bowls: Your Go-To Meal Prep

Tired of the same old boring lunches? Craving something flavorful, healthy, and easy to make? Look no further! These Zesty Lime Chicken and Lentil Bowls are the answer to your meal prep prayers. Packed with protein and vibrant flavors, they're perfect for busy weeknights or grab-and-go lunches.

The Magic of 15-Minute Prep

This recipe is all about efficiency. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a batch of these delicious bowls ready to go. The hands-off cooking in either an Instant Pot or slow cooker makes it a breeze. The combination of shredded chicken, hearty lentils, and a burst of lime and cilantro creates an incredibly satisfying meal.

Flavor Explosion

What makes these bowls so irresistible? The explosion of zesty, herbaceous flavors! Jalapenos, green onions, cilantro, and lime all come together to create a symphony of taste. A sprinkle of cotija cheese and an extra squeeze of lime just before eating is the perfect way to elevate this dish. Serve over brown rice, cauliflower rice or your favorite grain for a complete and balanced meal.

Adaptable and Versatile

These bowls aren't just for lunch! Their versatility shines through when you explore other serving ideas.

• Tacos: Use the chicken and lentil mixture as a filling for delicious tacos.
• Quesadillas: Create a quick and tasty quesadilla by layering the mixture with cheese.
• Nachos: Load up some tortilla chips with the chicken and lentils for a flavorful appetizer.
• Soups: Add a scoop to broth for a hearty protein boost.
• Burritos: Wrap it all up in a warm tortilla for a satisfying burrito.

Let's Get Cooking!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried lentils
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 3 cups salsa verde
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 small onion, chopped
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 jalapenos, diced (ribs and seeds removed for less heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1-2 limes, for juicing

Instructions:

Instant Pot:

1. Add all ingredients (except the lime juice) to the Instant Pot.
2. Cook for 30 minutes on the Soup setting.
3. Quick release the steam.
4. Stir well and add more salsa verde as desired.
5. Serve with rice and a squeeze of lime.

Slow Cooker:

1. Combine all ingredients (except lime juice) in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 8 hours. Add the chicken halfway through the cooking time to avoid drying.
3. Shred the chicken and stir well.
4. Serve with rice and a squeeze of lime.

Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep

Want to make this recipe even easier? Here's how to freeze it for future use:

1. Combine the dried lentils, chicken, salsa verde, onion, green onions, cilantro, garlic, jalapenos, and salt in a freezer-safe bag or container.
2. Add the chicken broth when you are ready to cook
3. To cook from frozen in the Instant Pot, high pressure for 25 mins with 10 mins natural release
4. To cook from frozen in the Slow Cooker, thaw first, then high setting for 6 hours.

Enjoy!

These Zesty Lime Chicken and Lentil Bowls are perfect for anyone looking to add deliciousness and ease to their meal routine. They are adaptable, versatile, and most importantly, delicious. Give them a try, and let us know what you think in the comments below!