This #WellnessWednesday, we’re excited to share a delicious and nutritious recipe from taste.com.au that is sure to become a staple in your meal prep routine: a Protein-Packed, Low-Carb Mexican Chicken Bowl.

As a professional performer, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is essential to sustaining your energy, strength, and overall well-being. Incorporating meals like this Mexican Chicken Bowl into your weekly routine will keep you fuelled and ready to take on the demands of your craft. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping at the start of the week, ensuring you have a tasty, filling lunch or dinner ready to go when you need it most.

Recipe: Protein-Packed, Low-Carb Mexican Chicken Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup (80ml) olive oil
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 4 Chicken Thigh Fillets
• 450g packet microwavable brown rice
• 1/3 cup (85g) Mexican tomato salsa
• 400g can red kidney beans, rinsed, drained
• 400g can corn kernels, rinsed, drained
• 1 avocado, peeled, stoned, coarsely chopped
• 2 iceberg lettuce leaves, shredded
• 1 tomato, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice
• Sour cream, to serve
• Coriander leaves, to serve

Method:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a large bowl, combine 40ml olive oil and 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika. Add the chicken thigh fillets and turn to coat them evenly.
   • Heat a greased barbecue grill or chargrill on high. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes on each side or until charred and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover with foil, and set aside for 5 minutes to rest. Once rested, thickly slice the chicken.
2. Prepare the Rice Mixture:
   • Meanwhile, heat the brown rice according to the packet directions. Transfer the rice to a large heatproof bowl.
   • Add the Mexican tomato salsa and red kidney beans to the rice, stirring to combine.
3. Assemble the Bowls:
   • Divide the rice mixture among serving bowls.
   • Top each bowl with sliced chicken, corn kernels, avocado, shredded lettuce, and chopped tomato.
4. Make the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, combine the lime juice with the remaining 40ml olive oil and 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika. Drizzle this dressing over the chicken and rice mixture in each bowl.
5. Serve:
   • Finish off each bowl with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves.

Tips for Performers:

• Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Cook a batch at the start of the week, and you’ll have a quick, nutritious meal ready to go. The leftovers make a delicious and filling lunch the next day.
• Fuel for Performance: The protein from the chicken and the fibre from the beans and brown rice will keep you energised and full throughout your rehearsals and performances.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customise the bowl with your favourite vegetables or add a bit of spice if you like a kick!

Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think! Maintaining a balanced diet is a crucial part of staying at the top of your game, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Stay healthy and keep thriving!

Enjoyed this recipe? Share your thoughts and tag us in your posts. We love seeing how our #WellnessWednesday tips help you on your journey to success!