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Budget Chicken Thigh Meal Prep Under $3 Per Serving No Fail

Budget Chicken Thigh Meal Prep Under $3 Per Serving No Fail


  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Diet: Low-Carb

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for extra flavor)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure the seasoning sticks and the meat sears properly. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano. Place the chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl, drizzle with one tablespoon of oil, and toss with the spice blend until every piece is evenly coated.
  2. While the oven heats up, start your rice. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then combine it with 4 cups of water in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes. On a large sheet pan, toss the broccoli florets with the remaining tablespoon of oil and a pinch of salt. Arrange them on one side of the pan, leaving space for the chicken.
  3. Place the seasoned chicken thighs onto the other side of the sheet pan (or a separate pan if space is tight). Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should have a beautiful golden color, and the broccoli should be slightly charred at the edges.
  4. Once everything is cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into bite-sized strips. This helps the juices redistribute. Take four meal prep containers and divide the cooked rice equally among them. Top each bed of rice with a generous portion of roasted broccoli and a sliced chicken thigh. If you like, drizzle a little soy sauce or your favorite hot sauce over the top for an extra kick.
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes