Chicken Bowls

Mango Habanero Chicken & Black Bean Meal Prep Bowl

Habanero-rubbed grilled chicken thighs with black beans, cilantro rice and fresh mango.

Prep
20 min
Cook
25 min
Total
45 min
Makes
4 bowls
Mango Habanero Chicken & Black Bean Meal Prep Bowl with cilantro rice, habanero chicken, black beans and mango in a charcoal ceramic bowl

This meal prep version of our Mango Habanero Grilled Chicken Bowl uses thighs, which stay juicy through reheating, and a dry rub with a little habanero rather than a glaze. The mango is packed separately so it stays fresh.

Why this recipe works

Thighs tolerate reheating well, and a small amount of habanero in the rub gives fruity heat without overwhelming the chicken.

Ingredient notes

Habanero is very hot; a quarter pepper is plenty. Wear gloves.

Common mistakes

  • Touching your face after handling the habanero.
  • Packing mango with hot food.

What to serve with it

Avocado or Greek yogurt.

Meal prep

Lasts 4 days; mango 3 days.

More bowls like this

Cooking tips

Taste the rub before using. Keep the mango cold until eating.

Swaps and variations

Use a jalapeño for mild heat. Use brown rice.

Storing and reheating

Refrigerate within 2 hours for up to 4 days. Reheat chicken, rice and beans to 165°F (74°C); eat the mango cold.

Recipe

Mango Habanero Chicken & Black Bean Meal Prep Bowl

Prep
20 min
Cook
25 min
Total
45 min
Makes
4 bowls

Ingredients

4 servings

You’ll need: grill pan; medium saucepan with lid; small bowl; 4 meal prep containers; instant-read thermometer

Method

  1. Cook the rice: bring the rice and water to a boil, cover and simmer on low 15 minutes; rest 5 minutes and fluff with the cilantro and 1 tablespoon lime juice.

  2. Mix the habanero, cumin, salt, olive oil and remaining lime juice and rub over the chicken. Wash your hands well.

  3. Grill on a grill pan over medium-high heat 6 to 7 minutes per side, until 165°F (74°C). Rest and slice.

  4. Toss the mango and red onion.

  5. Divide rice, beans and chicken among 4 containers and pack the mango in small separate containers. Cool before sealing.

Questions

How hot is it?

Medium-hot.

How is this different from our Mango Habanero Grilled Chicken Bowl?

Thighs, a dry rub instead of a glaze, and built for meal prep.

Comments

Made it? Tell us how it went

Questions, swaps that worked, things that didn’t. Comments are moderated.