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Are you someone who thinks chicken tastes weird after being reheated? If yes, this is for you! From ground turkey bowls to vegan ideas to adult lunchables, here are 20 Meal Prep Ideas for People Who Can’t Stand Reheated Chicken!
First of all, let me say that if you can’t stand reheated chicken, you are not alone! I’ve seen this complaint in almost every meal prep group I’m a part of, and even heard it in person from friends and family. I myself have no problem with reheated chicken, so it’s not something I normally think about.
Here are some of the quotes I’ve seen regarding feelings towards reheated chicken:
- “I can’t stand reheated chicken and most recipes I see involve chicken.”
- “When I meal prep chicken breast, it tastes so different when reheated. I don’t like it.”
- “What are your favorite non-chicken lunches? I’m weird and don’t like chicken reheated lol”
- “I have a strange aversion to reheated chicken and fish.”
- “I hate the taste of warmed over reheated chicken… having a hard time eating leftovers without drenching it in ranch”
Do any of these quotes sound like you?? DON’T WORRY. I’m here with ideas! The good news is there are several other protein options besides chicken that DO reheat well, and lots of cold lunch ideas you may have never thought about!
Proteins That Do Reheat Well
Chicken is one of those things that can dry out or change texture easily after reheating. If you’re looking for other protein ideas to try instead, here are some ideas:
- ground turkey and ground beef (higher fat will retain more moisture)
- chickpeas and other beans (especially when saucy)
- sausages or kielbasa style meats
- salmon and shrimp
Cold Meal Prep Ideas
If you want to go the cold lunch route (and still avoid chicken at all costs!), here are some ideas in that arena:
- pasta salads (herby lemon is my favorite)
- grain bowls with hummus or other sauce
- mashed chickpea or bean salads
- chilled noodle dishes
- wraps or sandwiches
- sushi or onigiri
Related: Check out my list of 16 Cold Lunches To Prep For Work This Week!
General Tips to Avoid Soggy, Mushy or Dry Reheated Food
If you don’t like reheated chicken, chances are it’s the texture that irks you. In that case, it could be helpful to try and avoid soggy or mushy food in all of your meal preps. Here are some general tips to help you avoid soggy or mushy reheated food:
- reheat foods in the air fryer, toaster or oven
- microwave covered and then broil to crisp the top
- add 1-2 TB of water to dishes to create steam and avoid drying out while reheating
- crisp up on the stovetop (spray oil is helpful for this)
- review my tips on How to Reheat Food Without A Microwave
- use a HotLogic mini personal oven to set it and forget it – see my review here
Now that you’ve got some tips and ideas under your belt, time to browse the list and bookmark one or more of these 20 Meal Prep Ideas for People Who Can’t Stand Reheated Chicken to keep your meal prep game strong 💪
20 Meal Prep Ideas for People Who Can’t Stand Reheated Chicken
Easy Turkey Pinwheels Meal Prep
Pinwheels are a super simple deli lunch you can easily make at home and turn into meal prep! Check out my tips to help you make the BEST Easy Turkey Pinwheels Meal Prep! I use turkey breast but you can of course use your favorite kind of deli meat.
DIY Flavored Tuna Packets 5 Ways
You know those individual packet servings of seasoned tuna at the grocery store? That's this, but homemade! One can of tuna makes two of the flavors, so you can mix and match! My favorite is the sweet heat flavor!
Caprese Cold Noodle Meal Prep
If you're a cheese lover, get in here! This Caprese Cold Noodle Meal Prep is a vegetarian meal prep idea I can get behind. Cold noodles are a fabulous way to change up your meal prep!
Chipotle Ground Turkey Skillet Meal Prep
Chipotle is one of my favorite flavors and this unique skillet meal embraces it! Fresh peppers, onions, and kale make this veggie packed, with a salsa and ground turkey base. Serve with rice for a delicious meal prep.
Orzo Salad Meal Prep
Give me all the pasta salad meal preps please!! Seriously. So many options, so many ways to customize. Add chicken, or stay away completely and keep it vegetarian. You're going to want this cold lunch meal prep next time you're waiting in line for lunch on a hot day!
Mediterranean Inspired Grain Bowl Meal Prep
The lemon dill hummus is the star of the show! A little trick is to buy regular hummus and then stir your extras right in to the hummus container. Combine with roasted veggies, chickpeas, and quinoa for a wonderful hot or cold meal prep (without chicken!).
Meal Prep Ground Turkey Snap Pea Stir Fry Rice Bowls
This one is a quick and simple ground turkey stir fry with veggies, served over rice or whatever side you prefer. Ground turkey reheats well and doesn't change texture in the microwave.
Chickpea, Barley and Butternut Squash Lunch Bowls
This vegetarian meal prep is the farthest thing from reheated chicken! Full of hearty chickpeas, barley and butternut squash, I bet you've never tried a lunch bowl like this one!
Zesty Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
Cheese tortellini, fresh veggies, and tangy pepperoncinis all in a homemade zesty italian dressing! This one is a hit at potlucks and barbecues, and also makes a delightful make-ahead cold lunch.
Philly Cheesesteak Meal Prep
Ditch the traditional style Philly Cheesesteak sandwich this week, and make this super quick and simple Philly Cheesesteak Meal Prep instead! Looks way healthier than the alternative and has nothing to do with chicken!
Spicy Ground Turkey & Cabbage Stir Fry Meal Prep
This simple but incredibly delicious meal prep idea is a flavorful mix of ground turkey, ginger, garlic, chili sauce, fresh cabbage, and carrots. Serve over your favorite kind of rice, quinoa, or just eat it plain for loads of veggies!
DIY Adult Lunchables
Here's a quick lesson in turning cheese and crackers into an appetizing meal! No need to buy those bistro boxes at the coffee shop - make your own Adult Lunchables at home!
Everything Bagel Baked Salmon Salad Bowls
Everything But The Bagel flavors, but make it salmon! This recipe is easy and quick to make, with your choice of veggies. Keep the dressing on the side so the lettuce doesn't get soggy!
Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad (Whole30 & Paleo)
Chicken salad has to be one of my favorite things to do with leftover chicken. Because there's usually a sauce or other ingredients mixed in, you can't really tell if it was a little dry or overcooked to begin with. Chicken salad is very forgiving and delicious!
Baked Meatball Meal Prep with Spaghetti Squash
Seriously obsessed with the cooking method of these meatballs! Low carb, cheesy, delicious, and no reheated chicken whatsoever.
Meal Prep Unstuffed Pepper Bowls
This is the most popular meal prep on the blog! We love how this uses up tons of veggies and feels like comfort in a bowl. It's especially delightful reheated (maybe even better than the first day) and tastes nothing like chicken!
English Muffin Mini Pizzas Meal Prep
Making mini pizzas has never been easier. Here's how to make them, plus four different flavor ideas. They're surprisingly delicious straight from the fridge!
Curried Tofu Salad Meal Prep
This meal prep lunch is super fast and simple to put together, not to mention easy on the budget! Tofu usually isn't something I'm into, but I'll have to try something like this next time I'm in a meal prep rut!
Mediterranean Cauliflower Chickpea Salad
This is one of those recipes that gets better the next day, after the ingredients have had time to marinate with the dressing! It's great for warm weather, full of clean ingredients, and takes just a couple minutes to throw together!
Meal Prep Ginger Ground Beef Bowls
On the hunt for more ground beef meal prep ideas? This is a solid choice! The ginger and the garlic are stars of the show for this lunch or dinner meal prep you can serve with white, brown or cauli rice!
I’m betting this list of 20 Meal Prep Ideas for People Who Can’t Stand Reheated Chicken has something for everyone! If you’re looking for more information on meal prepping or you’re just getting started, here are some resources:
- How to Meal Prep for Beginners
- 10 Steps of Meal Prepping: Recipe Ideas for Beginners
- 10 Staple Meal Prep Foods Always in My Kitchen
Are you someone who can’t stand reheated chicken? Did you try one of these meal prep ideas? I’d love to know which ones look good to you!
Share your meal prep with me by tagging @ProjectMealPlan or use the hashtag #projectmealplan and I’ll be able to find it!
Liz says
I wasn’t searching for this, but I randomly came across this post on Pinterest and thought, “That’s me!” No matter how the chicken is prepared, I think it has a weird “fleshy” taste lol when it’s reheated. Thanks for this!
Danielle says
Hey Liz! Glad this one caught your eye. You are definitely not alone – I hear it all the time! Hope you found some good ideas here! Thanks for your comment 🙂
Kel says
Thank you so much for this! I was looking for other meal prep ideas that wouldn’t hurt my stomach (digestive issues) and I HATE reheated chicken. It has a weird aftertaste for me. You’re a lifesaver!
Danielle says
Yes!! This is totally for you 🙂 I hope you find some recipes you love!! -Danielle