Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls are the answer to your weekday mealtime prayers, offering a perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying way to enjoy lean protein and vibrant vegetables without the fuss. This simple yet flavor-packed dish is designed for ease, making it ideal for busy weeknights or quick lunches, proving that healthy eating can be both delicious and incredibly convenient.
Key Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 heads of broccoli florets (about 4-5 cups)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- For the Sauce (optional, but highly recommended):
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Toppings:
- Cooked quinoa or brown rice (for serving)
- Toasted slivered almonds or sunflower seeds
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls:
These Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls are a symphony of simple flavors and satisfying textures, making them incredibly easy to prepare and delightfully delicious. You’ll love the smoky char of the grilled chicken paired with tender-crisp broccoli, all brought together by an optional creamy, zesty sauce that elevates every bite. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of another 20-25 minutes, you’ll have a wholesome and impressive meal ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for even the busiest evenings.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Ensure each piece is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the broccoli.
- Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes, just until they turn bright green and are slightly tender-crisp. Immediately drain the broccoli and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step ensures the broccoli grills beautifully without becoming mushy.
- Prepare the Grill or Grill Pan: Preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or pan to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces onto the hot grill or grill pan. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and set aside.
- Grill the Broccoli: In the same bowl you used for the chicken (or a clean one), toss the blanched broccoli florets with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Grill the broccoli for 3-5 minutes per side, until it has tender-crisp texture and some char marks.
- Make the Sauce (Optional): While the chicken and broccoli are grilling, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide your chosen base (quinoa or brown rice) among serving bowls. Top generously with the grilled chicken pieces and grilled broccoli florets.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Drizzle the bowls with the creamy lemon-Dijon sauce, if using. Garnish with toasted nuts or seeds, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, and fresh parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls!
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls:
You’ll fall head over heels for these Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls because they deliver an incredible combination of smoky, tender chicken and perfectly charred, vibrant broccoli, all uplifted by a bright and creamy sauce. This dish is a true weeknight warrior, offering a fantastic way to replicate the deliciousness of restaurant-style healthy meals right in your own kitchen, saving you money and allowing you to control every wholesome ingredient. The explosion of flavors from the simple marinade, the fresh lemon in the sauce, and the satisfying crunch of optional toppings makes each bite an absolute delight, a welcome departure from bland, boring healthy options.
This recipe is so much more than just chicken and broccoli; it’s a customizable canvas for vibrant, health-conscious eating, rivaling even the most elaborate grain bowls out there without the fuss or expense. So, go ahead, gather your freshest ingredients, fire up that grill, and treat yourself to a meal that’s as nourishing as it is undeniably delicious – you absolutely deserve it!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
To store your delicious Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls, allow them to cool completely before packing. Store the chicken and broccoli separately from any grains or sauce for optimal texture preservation. Place them in airtight containers and refrigerate. Leftovers will stay fresh and flavorful in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, gently warm the chicken and broccoli in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying, or microwave them until heated through. If you have assembled the bowls with grains, it’s often best to reheat the chicken and broccoli separately and then assemble with freshly cooked or reheated grains to avoid the grains becoming mushy. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken and broccoli in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
These Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls are a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can create an incredibly satisfying and healthy meal. We encourage you to try this recipe for a quick, flavorful, and nourishing dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. Enjoy the ease and deliciousness!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Ensure each piece is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the broccoli.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, salt
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes, just until they turn bright green and are slightly tender-crisp. Immediately drain the broccoli and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step ensures the broccoli grills beautifully without becoming mushy.3 heads broccoli florets
- Preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or pan to prevent sticking.
- Place the marinated chicken pieces onto the hot grill or grill pan. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and set aside.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- In the same bowl you used for the chicken (or a clean one), toss the blanched broccoli florets with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Grill the broccoli for 3-5 minutes per side, until it has tender-crisp texture and some char marks.1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper
- While the chicken and broccoli are grilling, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to your preference.1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 clove garlic, salt, pepper
- Divide your chosen base (quinoa or brown rice) among serving bowls. Top generously with the grilled chicken pieces and grilled broccoli florets.cooked quinoa or brown rice, 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Drizzle the bowls with the creamy lemon-Dijon sauce, if using. Garnish with toasted nuts or seeds, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, and fresh parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls!toasted slivered almonds or sunflower seeds, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley