Name: Southwest Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
Prep time: 7 h 10 min
Total time: 7 h 10 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 12 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3.6 kg total); 3 jars (16 oz each) salsa (about 6 cups total); 6 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed; 6 cans (15 oz each) corn, drained; 3 tbsp cumin; 3 tbsp chili powder; 3 tbsp smoked paprika; 3 tbsp garlic powder; 3 tbsp black pepper; 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); 3 tbsp kosher salt; Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil (optional, for slow cooker insert); Optional for serving: cooked brown rice, tortillas, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, lime wedges

Southwest Chicken Meal Prep Bowls

miradugm

This meal prep recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeks: tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with salsa, black beans, corn, and bold southwest spices. The hands-off slow cooker method ensures juicy, flavor-packed chicken that shreds beautifully and holds up well for days. Enjoy it wrapped in a tortilla, over fluffy brown rice, or straight from the bowl. It’s hearty, high in protein, and supremely satisfying—a meal prep staple you’ll make again and again.

Ingredients

Instructions

Spray the inside of your largest slow cooker or divide ingredients evenly between two slow cookers, if needed.
Arrange the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Pour the salsa over the chicken. Add the drained black beans and drained corn.
In a small bowl, mix together cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, and salt. Sprinkle evenly over the contents in the slow cooker.
Stir gently to distribute the seasoning, beans, and corn. The salsa will act as your cooking liquid.
Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily.
Remove chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
If the mixture is too liquidy, leave the lid off and cook on high for another 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your liking.
Divide evenly among 12 airtight meal prep containers.
Serve with brown rice, tortillas, or as desired. Top with shredded cheese, cilantro, or lime wedges if you like.