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For Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Garlic Sauce, you need simple ingredients. These create a tasty and healthy meal. - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - Salt and pepper to taste - Sesame seeds for garnish - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) These ingredients come together to make a colorful and nutritious bowl. The chicken is juicy, while the broccoli stays crisp and bright. The quinoa or rice adds a nice base. You can adjust the marinade to suit your taste. Adding sesame seeds and cilantro gives a fresh touch. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This simple step boosts flavor. In a bowl, mix minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger. This mix is your marinade. Coat the chicken in this marinade. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes. If you have more time, refrigerate it for up to 2 hours. This will deepen the flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps get nice grill marks. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Resting keeps it juicy. While the chicken grills, get a pot of water boiling. Place a steamer basket over it. Add the broccoli florets to the basket. Steam them for about 4-5 minutes. You want them bright green and slightly crisp. This keeps the nutrients and adds crunch. If you haven't cooked the quinoa or brown rice yet, follow the package instructions. This usually takes about 15 minutes for quinoa and 20-30 minutes for brown rice. Make sure it's fluffy and ready to absorb flavors. Grab your bowls. Start with a layer of quinoa or rice at the bottom. Next, add the steamed broccoli. Finally, top it with sliced grilled chicken. Make sure to layer it nicely. A good presentation makes the meal more inviting. For the garlic sauce, you can use the leftover marinade if you didn't cook it. If you prefer, mix fresh minced garlic with soy sauce and olive oil. Drizzle this sauce over each bowl just before serving. This adds a burst of flavor to every bite. - Recommended Spices and Sauces: Try adding cayenne pepper for heat. Smoked paprika gives a nice smoky flavor. If you want something savory, consider adding a splash of sesame oil. It adds depth to the dish. - Additions for More Texture: Crunchy toppings make a big difference. Add chopped nuts like almonds or cashews. You can also sprinkle sunflower seeds for a nice crunch. For a burst of flavor, toss in roasted red peppers. - Avoiding Overcooking Chicken and Broccoli: Chicken should be juicy, not dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F. For broccoli, steam just until bright green. This keeps it crunchy and colorful. - Best Practices for Meal Prep: Cook your chicken and broccoli ahead. Store them in separate containers. This keeps flavors fresh. You can assemble your bowls quickly during the week. - Pairing with Other Sides: Serve with a light salad for freshness. A side of roasted sweet potatoes adds sweetness. You can also try a tangy coleslaw for crunch. - Ideal Beverage Pairings: A cold sparkling water with lemon is refreshing. For a wine option, a light Chardonnay pairs well. If you prefer tea, iced green tea complements the flavors nicely. Pro Tips Marinade Time: For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible. Chicken Thickness: Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness to promote even cooking on the grill. Broccoli Cooking: Don't oversteam the broccoli; it should be vibrant green and slightly crunchy for the best texture. Serving Suggestions: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished bowls for a bright flavor boost. {{image_2}} Using Tofu or Tempeh Tofu and tempeh make great substitutes for chicken. They soak up flavors well and add a nice texture. Use firm tofu for a meatier bite. Press it to remove excess water, then marinate just like the chicken. Tempeh has a nutty taste. Slice it thinly, then grill or sauté it for a delicious option. Substitutes for Chicken If you prefer not to use chicken, try pork or shrimp. Both cook quickly and pair well with garlic sauce. For a plant-based option, chickpeas are a good choice. They add protein and a hearty bite to your bowl. Adding Colorful Veggies Adding colorful veggies makes your bowl fun and healthy. Consider bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. These veggies not only add color but also crunch. You can grill, steam, or toss them in with broccoli for added flavor. Seasonal Vegetable Recommendations Seasonal veggies can elevate your dish. In spring, add asparagus or peas. In summer, zucchini and cherry tomatoes shine. Fall brings sweet potatoes or squash. Winter is great for Brussels sprouts or kale. Use what is fresh for the best taste. Alternative Sauces for Different Flavors You can tweak the sauce for your taste. Try adding peanut butter for a nutty twist. Sriracha adds heat, while lime juice gives a bright zing. Experiment with different sauces to keep your bowls exciting. Making it Spicy or Sweet Want a spicy kick? Add red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce. For a sweeter touch, increase the honey or use maple syrup. Adjust these elements to match your mood or meal theme. For storing leftovers, use airtight containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic works best. They keep food fresh longer. Place the chicken and broccoli bowls in the fridge. They will last about 3 to 4 days. To reheat your bowls, use the microwave or oven. The microwave is quick but can make food soggy. To avoid this, heat in short bursts. Check often to ensure even warming. If using an oven, cover with foil. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. You can freeze the grilled chicken broccoli bowls. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in freezer-safe containers. They can last up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the microwave or oven as mentioned above. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Meal prep is a great way to save time during busy weeks. You can marinate the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to two hours or overnight for more flavor. Cook the quinoa or rice in advance and keep it in the fridge. Steam the broccoli just before serving to keep it fresh and bright. If you want to swap quinoa, try brown rice or couscous. Both options work well as a base. You can also use farro or barley for a different texture. Each grain has its own taste, so choose one that you enjoy. To check if your chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The meat should be white and juices should run clear. You can use frozen broccoli, but it cooks differently. Frozen broccoli may need a bit longer to steam. It’s best to thaw it before cooking to ensure even cooking. If you steam it straight from the freezer, check for tenderness often. The goal is to keep it bright green and crisp. In this blog post, we explored a tasty recipe featuring chicken, broccoli, and quinoa or rice. You learned how to prepare and grill the chicken, cook the broccoli, and assemble your meal for a great look. We also shared tips for flavor, cooking techniques, and meal storage. These steps make cooking and meal prep simple. Enjoy crafting your own bowls with variations. Happy cooking!

Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Garlic Sauce

A healthy and delicious bowl featuring grilled chicken, steamed broccoli, and a flavorful garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish sesame seeds
  • for garnish (optional) fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), and grated ginger to create the marinade. Coat the chicken breasts in the marinade and let them sit for at least 20 minutes (or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for more flavor).
  • Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove from the grill and let them rest before slicing.
  • Steam the Broccoli: While the chicken is grilling, bring a pot of water to a boil and place a steamer basket over it. Add the broccoli florets and steam for about 4-5 minutes or until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
  • Cook the Quinoa or Rice: If not already cooked, prepare the quinoa or brown rice according to the package instructions.
  • Assemble the Bowls: In bowls, layer the quinoa or rice as a base, followed by the steamed broccoli, and top with sliced grilled chicken.
  • Make the Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together any remaining marinade (if not cooked) or create a simple garlic sauce with additional minced garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil drizzled over the top of each bowl.
  • Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and fresh cilantro on top of the bowls for added flavor and presentation. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Keyword broccoli, chicken, grilled, healthy, quinoa