Weekday mornings, right? They can feel like scrambling to put out fires before you even get out the door, especially when you need to get lunch packed for school or work. For me, growing up in Texas, Mom always made sure our packed lunches were fuel for the whole day—something filling, familiar, and made with care. It wasn’t just food; it was her way of saying, “I’m thinking of you.”
That’s why I leaned so hard on this **Chicken Hummus Lunch Box** when my own mornings got hectic. This balanced, protein-packed recipe is my go-to solution for anyone needing a reliable, satisfying meal they can prep ahead of time. It takes the stress out of weekday lunches entirely! It’s simple, it travels beautifully, and knowing my family gets wholesome food packed with flavor gives me such peace of mind. Trust me; this combination of tender chicken, creamy hummus, and fresh veggies is about to become your new MVP for easy lunches.
Why This Chicken Hummus Lunch Box is Your New Weekday Staple
We all need lunch solutions that actually work with our busy lives, not against them. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a system for stress-free mid-day eating. For families, and honestly, for anyone needing solid fuel for work, this **Chicken Hummus Lunch Box** has you covered.
Here’s why you’ll be making this over and over:
- It’s incredibly protein-rich, keeping you full until dinner time.
- It’s perfectly balanced with protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats.
- Best of all, it’s designed so you can prepare it all on Sunday!
It’s the kind of dependable meal you can count on when things get hectic. You can explore more quick meals perfect for any time of day over in our lunch section. See our latest lunch features here!
Perfect for Meal Prep and Busy Mornings
The real magic for me here is the make-ahead aspect. You spend about 30 minutes preparing everything, and suddenly, those chaotic weekday mornings feel manageable. You just grab the pre-packed container and go! This is exactly why I developed this for my own family—it makes both packing School Lunch Ideas and keeping up with Easy Lunches For Work feel totally effortless.
Ingredients Needed for the Chicken Hummus Lunch Box
Gathering our supplies is the first step toward making lunches the easy way! You only need a few simple things to pull this **Chicken Hummus Lunch Box** together. We’re focusing on fresh texture here, so grab your ingredients, and let’s look at what you need:
- 1 pound of raw chicken breast—this is our main protein source!
- 3 tablespoons of homemade brine mix (don’t skip this step, trust me!).
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil, just enough to coat the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon of our favorite Oh My Spice! Lemon Pepper Seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder for just a tiny kick.
- Salt and pepper, always to taste.
- Water (we’ll need this for the brine!).
- 4 cups of red seedless grapes—sweet and juicy! (That’s about 368 grams).
- 12 ounces of baby carrots.
- 6 ounces of Sabra Original Hummus – perfect for dipping.
- 5 stalks of celery, cut into nice 2-inch segments (that’s roughly 200 grams).
These parts come together to make a lunch that tastes fantastic even when eaten cold, which is key for my family!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Let’s talk briefly about the brining process for the chicken. You absolutely must brine this chicken! It keeps the breast meat wonderfully juicy, especially after it cools down for your lunch box. If you’re in a pinch and don’t have time for the full 5-hour brine, even an hour helps tenderize the meat significantly.
And for the seasoning—the Lemon Pepper is non-negotiable for that bright flavor, but if you don’t have the ‘Oh My Spice!’ brand, any good quality lemon pepper will work. For the hummus, feel free to swap that Sabra for your favorite homemade batch or another flavor you love, like roasted red pepper. Just make sure you have about 3 tablespoons per lunch container!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Chicken Hummus Lunch Box
This is where the magic starts! We’re going to make sure this chicken is tender enough for the kids but flavorful enough for you. Don’t be scared of the brining—it’s super easy and makes all the difference. First, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add your brine mix, and stir until it all dissolves, doesn’t that smell nice already?
Next, pour that hot mixture into a shallow, resealable container packed with ice water. You need cold water to stop the cooking process instantly! Add your chicken, making sure it’s totally submerged; this covers the chicken for at least 5 hours. If you’re prepping for the whole week, you can leave it for up to 12 hours. After brining, rinse that chicken off really well—we don’t want it too salty!
Now, you HAVE to pat the chicken breast dry with paper towels. Seriously, dry chicken equals crispy chicken. Then, gently pound the thicker end until everything is an even thickness. Rub it with olive oil and hit it with the seasoning—salt, pepper, chili powder, and that Lemon Pepper mix. Pop it in the air fryer at 380 degrees F for exactly 11 minutes, flipping half way through. You can see more air fryer secrets for chicken right here. Check out my best air fryer tips!
Let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing it thinly. Then we move to assembly! Scoop 3 tablespoons of hummus into those little reusable dressing cups. Add your sliced chicken and the hummus cup to the largest compartment of your lunch box. Then, tuck the celery sticks and carrots into one small section, and reserve the final section for those sweet red grapes. Bam! Easy lunches for work or school, ready to go.
Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken
Okay, I have to share my little trick for the chicken edges because sometimes 380 degrees just isn’t quite enough to get that nice, slightly crispy sear we all love. Once you flip the chicken at the halfway mark, go ahead and bump that air fryer temperature up to 390 degrees F for the remaining cooking time.
This extra blast of heat gives you those irresistible, slightly browned edges without drying out the moist centers we worked so hard to achieve with the brine. Remember, patting the chicken bone dry before seasoning is non-negotiable, too! Moisture on the surface steams instead of searing, and we definitely want that golden crust look!
Making Ahead: Preparing the Chicken Hummus Lunch Box for the Week
This is truly where we win back time during the week! If I waited until 7:00 AM to start cooking chicken, I’d probably just end up skipping lunch myself, which is never allowed in my kitchen. The key to making this **Chicken Hummus Lunch Box** work for busy schedules is thoughtful storage.
I always prep all the components on Sunday afternoon. The chicken cooks beautifully, and once it’s cooled completely, I slice it up and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays wonderfully tender and ready to pack for about three to four days. Honestly, most weeks, it doesn’t even last that long!
The veggies—the carrots and celery—are super sturdy, so they hold up great for the whole week when kept separate. I often wash and chop them all at once. The grapes should be kept separate and dry, too; they tend to wrinkle if they sit in a closed box for too long once washed.
As for the hummus, keep that tub sealed tight until assembly time. If you use reusable containers like I do, just portion out your 3 tablespoons of hummus into the little dressing cups and put the lids on. When assembly time comes for your **Chicken Hummus Lunch Box**, it’s basically just pulling things out of the fridge and dropping them into the compartments. You can grab my tips on general make-ahead cooking strategies for other meals over here. See my guide on making food ahead for the week! It truly transforms hectic mornings!
Serving Suggestions for Your Chicken Hummus Lunch Box Sides
I know that eating the exact same thing for lunch every day can be a total snooze-fest, even if it’s delicious! We need things fresh, even when we’re meal prepping. The beauty of this **Chicken Hummus Lunch Box** is that the chicken and hummus are such reliable anchors, you can swap out the sides constantly to keep things fun.
My goal is usually to get one crunchy veggie, one sweet fruit, and a little something extra. So, don’t feel like you have to stick only to carrots and celery every single day!
For variety in your veggies, try swapping out those baby carrots for some brightly colored bell pepper strips—red and yellow ones are super sweet right now. Cucumbers are also a fantastic, cooling crunch, though they might get a little soft by day three, so pack those on the morning of, or use them for immediate work lunches.
When it comes to the fruit section, grapes are fantastic because they don’t brown, but nothing beats a crisp apple. If you slice apples for your lunch box, toss them lightly in lemon juice—just a tiny bit—to stop that frustrating browning while they wait for lunchtime. If you are tired of those standard sides, check out some of my favorite lighter salad additions that pack well, too! You might find a new favorite veggie side here!
And here’s an idea for an extra protein boost or fat element: Toss in a few almonds or some cheese cubes next to the hummus container. It makes the whole box feel a little more substantial. See? It’s all about small, easy substitutions to keep your **Chicken Hummus Lunch Box** exciting all week long!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Chicken Hummus Lunch Box
I know you probably have a few questions floating around about getting this packed up! It’s the best when a recipe doubles as **Simple Lunch Ideas** that work perfectly for adults and kids alike. Here are a few things folks ask me most often about putting this together.
Can I bake the chicken instead of air frying for this Chicken Hummus Lunch Box?
Oh, absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer—or if I’m making huge batches—I just use the oven. After you season that chicken breast (make sure it’s still pounded evenly!), bake it on a lightly oiled sheet pan at 400 degrees F. It usually takes about 18 to 20 minutes, depending on how thick your cutlets are. You just want to ensure the internal temperature hits 165 degrees F. Let it cool completely before slicing for your **Chicken Hummus Lunch Box**, just like you would with the air-fried version!
Is this recipe suitable for ‘Easy Healthy Dinner Ideas’ too?
Yes, it’s fantastic as an **Easy Healthy Dinner Idea**! When I’m serving this for dinner, I usually double the chicken recipe because everyone loves it so much. Instead of portioning it into lunch boxes, I’ll serve the sliced chicken alongside a big family-sized bowl of hummus with some warm pita bread for dipping. Or, for a lighter dinner, take the sliced chicken and layer it over a big bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice. It turns into a high-protein salad so fast!
What about storing this for later? Since the chicken is brined and cooked perfectly, it makes excellent **Cold Lunch Ideas** even days later when I want something quick that doesn’t require reheating.
Nutritional Snapshot of the Chicken Hummus Lunch Box
I always get asked about the breakdown, especially since we’re making sure this is such a balanced meal. It’s reassuring to know exactly what you’re packing, right? This **Chicken Hummus Lunch Box** is definitely tilted toward protein, which keeps everyone feeling satisfied and energized. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone tracking their macros or just trying to make healthier **Lunch Dinner Ideas**.
Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates based on using the Sabra Original Hummus and standard portion sizes. Since we are counting on fresh ingredients here, slight variations are totally normal!
Here’s the approximate nutritional profile for one lovely, packed lunch box:
- Serving Size: 1 box
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g (See? That’s amazing for a lunch!)
- Fat: 12g (Mostly the good, unsaturated kind.)
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 15g (Mostly natural sugars from the grapes!)
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
This profile keeps things nice and lean. It’s low in saturated fat and offers a solid hit of fiber to keep things moving smoothly. If you are looking for more ways to boost the protein in your cooking, check out some of my favorite high-protein meals we’ve featured lately—they are perfect for making sure you stay full all day long. See our high-protein recipe collection here!
Connect with Sophia Reed and Share Your Chicken Hummus Lunch Box
I truly hope this **Chicken Hummus Lunch Box** brings as much ease and comfort to your busy days as it has brought into mine. There is nothing I love more than knowing a recipe created in my kitchen is making someone else’s weekday a little bit brighter and a whole lot healthier!
When you try this out, please come back and let me know how it went! Did your kids devour the carrots, or did the hummus disappear first? I love hearing about your successes and any little tweaks you made for your own family dynamic. Drop a rating below so others know this recipe is a keeper, and feel free to share photos of your beautiful, packed lunch boxes!
Sophia Reed is the Family Cooking Specialist here at Sena Recipes. I pour my heart into finding those perfect, approachable dishes that honor tradition while still fitting seamlessly into our modern, busy lives. You can follow along with my cooking adventures and see more family favorites over on my author page. Connect with me here! Remember, every meal shared is a tradition honored, even if it’s packed in a little plastic container!
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Chicken Hummus Lunch Box
- Total Time: 1 hour 31 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Prepare this balanced, protein-rich lunch box ahead of time for easy, satisfying meals for school or work.
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw chicken breast
- 3 tbsp homemade brine mix
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Oh My Spice! Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- water
- 4 cups red seedless grapes (368 grams)
- 12 oz baby carrots
- 6 oz Sabra Original Hummus
- 5 stalks celery, cut into 2″ segments (200 grams)
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add brine mix and stir until dissolved. Pour over ice in a flat bottomed resealable container. Add chicken, then add additional water until chicken is submerged. Brine for at least 5 hours or up to 12 hours.
- Remove chicken from brine and rinse with cold water. Pat dry on a paper towel, then pound down the thicker end of the chicken breast until they are even thickness across.
- Rub the chicken with 1 tsp olive oil until evenly coated. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, and Oh My Spice! seasoning.
- Air fry the chicken at 380 degrees for 11 minutes, flipping halfway through. Set aside to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing.
- Add hummus to reusable dressing containers (3 tbsp each).
- Add sliced chicken and hummus to the large section of the container, then add celery and carrots to one of the smaller sections, and finally add the grapes to the remaining section.
Notes
- For crispier edges on the chicken, you can increase the air fryer temperature to 390 degrees after flipping the chicken halfway through cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 11 min
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 box
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 85
Keywords: Chicken Lunch Box Ideas, Family Lunch Recipes, Healthy Packed Lunch, Make Ahead Lunch, Protein Rich Lunch, Kid Friendly Meals, Easy Lunch Ideas, Chicken Hummus Lunch Box