These Chicken Sausage Meal Prep Bowls are a quick, healthy, and delicious solution for your weekly meal prep. With tender roasted sweet potatoes, crispy Brussels sprouts, and flavorful chicken sausage, this one-pan meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner. It’s budget-friendly, gluten-free, and high in protein, making it an ideal meal prep option for the week ahead. Whether you’re using it for busy workdays or back-to-school meal prep, these bowls are sure to become a staple!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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2 medium sweet potatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces
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1 package dry Italian dressing mix
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¼ cup olive oil, divided
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½ pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
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Kosher salt, to taste
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Pepper, to taste
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12 oz cooked chicken sausage (or uncooked if preferred, just cook thoroughly)
Directions
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Preheat Oven & Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the chopped sweet potatoes in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the entire package of dry Italian dressing mix. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
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Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts. Toss them in the remaining olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them on a second baking sheet with the cut sides facing down.
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Roast Vegetables: Place the sweet potatoes on the middle rack of the oven and the Brussels sprouts on the bottom rack. Roast for 30 minutes.
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Prepare Chicken Sausage: While the vegetables roast, slice the cooked chicken sausage into ¼-inch thick coins.
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Finish Roasting: After 30 minutes, add the chicken sausage to the Brussels sprouts tray. Continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are golden and caramelized, and the sausage is browned.
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Assemble Meal Prep Bowls: Once everything is cooked, divide the roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and chicken sausage into 2-3 meal prep containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Reheat: When ready to eat, microwave the meal prep bowl without the lid for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Nutrients
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Calories: 450 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 40g
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Protein: 30g
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Fat: 18g
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Saturated Fat: 4g
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Cholesterol: 70mg
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Sodium: 800mg
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Potassium: 650mg
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Fiber: 8g
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Sugar: 8g
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Vitamin A: 12,000 IU
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Vitamin C: 120mg
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Calcium: 90mg
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Iron: 4mg
Why Choose Chicken Sausage Meal Prep Bowls?
The beauty of Chicken Sausage Meal Prep Bowls lies in their simplicity and versatility. The dish requires minimal preparation time and can be easily customized to suit your specific dietary preferences or taste preferences. The combination of roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and chicken sausage is both flavorful and nutrient-dense, providing a healthy balance of macronutrients, including protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Sweet potatoes, one of the star ingredients of this meal, are a fantastic source of vitamins, particularly vitamin A, which is crucial for vision, immune function, and skin health. They are also high in fiber, which aids digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes satiety. Roasting sweet potatoes enhances their natural sweetness, providing a satisfying base for the meal.
Brussels sprouts are another key ingredient in this recipe, and they are a nutritional powerhouse. These cruciferous vegetables are rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, which supports immune function and promotes skin health. Brussels sprouts are also high in fiber, making them excellent for digestive health and helping to regulate cholesterol levels. Their slightly bitter taste, when roasted, transforms into a caramelized, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the sweet potatoes and savory sausage.
The chicken sausage is the protein source in this dish, providing a lean, flavorful option that pairs well with the roasted vegetables. Chicken sausage is a great alternative to traditional pork sausage, as it contains less fat and fewer calories while still providing a satisfying and flavorful addition to the meal. This protein-packed meal will help keep you full longer and support muscle maintenance and repair.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Sausage Meal Prep Bowls
Chicken Sausage Meal Prep Bowls are not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. Each serving contains 30 grams of protein, which is important for muscle repair, immune function, and overall bodily maintenance. Protein also helps increase satiety, making this meal filling and satisfying, so you’ll stay full longer and avoid unnecessary snacking.
The dish is also rich in fiber, with 8 grams per serving. Fiber plays a crucial role in digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal issues, and improving gut microbiome health. Fiber also helps regulate blood sugar levels, which can prevent energy crashes throughout the day and help with weight management.
Chicken Sausage Meal Prep Bowls are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. Vitamin A from the sweet potatoes supports healthy vision and immune function, while vitamin C from the Brussels sprouts boosts the immune system and helps protect against oxidative stress. Potassium, found in both sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts, helps regulate fluid balance, support muscle function, and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
This meal is also a good source of healthy fats, with 18 grams of fat per serving. The fat content comes primarily from olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats. These healthy fats are heart-healthy and can help reduce inflammation, lower bad cholesterol levels, and improve brain function. Healthy fats also play a role in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K.
With just 450 calories per serving, these Chicken Sausage Meal Prep Bowls offer a balanced, nutrient-dense meal without excess calories, making it an ideal choice for those looking to maintain or lose weight while still enjoying a hearty, satisfying dish.
Meal Prep and Storage for Chicken Sausage Meal Prep Bowls
One of the standout features of Chicken Sausage Meal Prep Bowls is their ability to be made in advance, making them an excellent option for meal prepping. With this recipe, you can cook a large batch of meal prep bowls in one go, portion them out into individual containers, and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. This allows you to have a healthy, balanced meal ready for lunch or dinner without having to spend time cooking every day.
To store the meal prep bowls, simply allow them to cool to room temperature before placing them in airtight containers. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you want to store the bowls for a longer period, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze, portion the meal into freezer-safe containers, and when you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Freezing the meal prep bowls doesn’t affect their flavor or texture, making them perfect for long-term storage.
Reheating is quick and easy, making these meal prep bowls a convenient choice for busy workdays, school lunches, or after a long day when you don’t want to spend time cooking. With minimal preparation and quick reheating, these bowls provide a nutritious and satisfying meal in no time.
Customizing Chicken Sausage Meal Prep Bowls
While the combination of sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and chicken sausage is delicious on its own, these meal prep bowls are highly customizable to suit your specific taste preferences or dietary needs. For example, you can switch up the vegetables depending on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Roasted carrots, parsnips, or cauliflower would be excellent substitutes for the Brussels sprouts, or you could add spinach, kale, or roasted zucchini for added greens.
For those who prefer a spicier flavor profile, consider adding red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the chicken sausage or vegetables before roasting. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as garlic powder, paprika, or thyme, to change up the flavor profile of the dish.
If you’re looking to add more variety to the protein, you can swap the chicken sausage for turkey sausage, lean beef, or even plant-based sausage alternatives for a vegan option. Quinoa or brown rice can also be added to the meal prep bowls for extra fiber and nutrients, making them even more filling and balanced.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Chicken Sausage Meal Prep Bowls are satisfying enough to be enjoyed on their own, but they can also be paired with other dishes to create a more substantial meal. A side of fresh salad or a small bowl of soup can complement the flavors and add extra nutrients to the meal. You could also serve the bowls with a dollop of guacamole, a sprinkle of nuts, or a drizzle of tahini for added texture and flavor.
For a lighter option, try serving the meal with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad, or pair it with a small serving of roasted vegetables. These sides will balance out the richness of the roasted sweet potatoes and chicken sausage, creating a more varied and complete meal.
If you enjoy a heartier meal, you can also serve the bowls with a side of whole-grain bread, pita, or a slice of avocado toast to make the meal more filling.
Conclusion
Chicken Sausage Meal Prep Bowls are the perfect solution for anyone looking to eat healthy without spending hours in the kitchen. With their combination of roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and protein-packed chicken sausage, these bowls offer a balanced, satisfying meal that is both flavorful and nutritious. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or need a quick and easy dinner, these bowls are versatile, customizable, and perfect for busy individuals who still want to prioritize healthy eating.
The ability to prepare these meal prep bowls in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer makes them a convenient option for anyone with a hectic schedule. With minimal preparation and easy storage, Chicken Sausage Meal Prep Bowls provide a hearty, satisfying meal that can be enjoyed throughout the week. Whether you’re looking for a high-protein, gluten-free lunch, or a quick dinner that’s both healthy and delicious, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal planning routine.