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Quick Protein-Packed High-School Lunch Box Ideas with Grilled Chicken and Hummus

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A quick, protein-packed lunch box featuring smoky grilled chicken, creamy hummus, and fresh veggies on whole-grain bread, perfect for busy high schoolers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup hummus
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 4 slices whole-grain bread or pita pockets
  • 1 cup cucumber slices
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • Optional: handful of baby spinach or arugula

Instructions

  1. Pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels. In a mixing bowl, toss together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat evenly. Let sit for 5–10 minutes if possible to let flavors soak in.
  2. Place grill pan over medium-high heat and let it get hot (about 3–4 minutes).
  3. Lay the chicken breasts flat on the pan. Cook for 5–6 minutes on one side without moving them to create grill marks. Flip and cook an additional 5–6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
  5. While chicken is resting, slice cucumbers, halve cherry tomatoes, and shred carrots. Mix hummus with lemon juice in a small bowl.
  6. Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips. Spread a generous layer of hummus on each bread slice or inside pita pockets. Layer chicken, veggies, and greens if using. Pack extra veggies on the side for snacking.
  7. Close the lunch container securely. If prepping the night before, keep refrigerated and add fresh veggies in the morning to avoid sogginess.

Notes

If grill pan is sticky, wipe with a lightly oiled paper towel before heating. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if needed. Rest chicken before slicing to keep it juicy. Store sliced veggies separately or add just before packing to avoid sogginess. Marinate chicken ahead to boost flavor. Optional substitutions include gluten-free bread, Greek yogurt with tahini instead of hummus, or roasted chickpeas/tofu for vegetarian option.

Nutrition

Keywords: high school lunch, grilled chicken, hummus, protein-packed lunch, quick lunch, healthy lunch, whole-grain bread, easy lunch box

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/quick-protein-packed-high-school-lunch-box-ideas-with-grilled-chicken-and-hummus/