Weeknights can be such a *thing*, right? Between work, life, and just trying to catch my breath, the last thing I want to stress about is cooking a complicated dinner. That’s why I’m always on the hunt for go-to meals that are healthy, quick, and, most importantly, actually taste amazing. My Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls have become my absolute favorite superhero for those busy evenings. I remember one particularly hectic Tuesday when I was staring into the fridge, totally blank, and decided to just throw some chicken and broccoli on the grill. Voila! Pure magic. It’s one of those healthy, fast meals that proves you don’t need hours in the kitchen to eat well.
Why You’ll Love These Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls
Seriously, these just *work*. Here’s why they’ve earned a permanent spot in my weeknight rotation:
- Super Speedy: From grill preheat to the table in about 35 minutes.
- So Healthy You Can Feel Good About It: Lean protein and loads of veggies. It’s a winner!
- Packed with Flavor: That smoky char from the grill? Unbeatable!
- Crazy Easy: Minimal prep, simple ingredients, and practically no fuss. Just how I like it!
Ingredients for Your Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making these delicious bowls. It’s really straightforward, and I always try to have these on hand for a quick dinner. Trust me, the simplicity of the ingredients is part of what makes them so great!
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Broccoli:
- 1 lb broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Serving:
- 4 cups cooked quinoa or rice
Equipment Needed for Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls
You don’t need a fancy setup for this recipe, thankfully! All you really need is a good old grill to get that lovely smoky flavor. I also find having a couple of bowls handy for mixing things up makes life so much easier. Grab your favorite grilling tools, and you’re basically ready to go!
Here’s the short list:
- A trusty grill
- Large bowl (for the chicken)
- Small bowl (for the broccoli)
It’s that simple! If you’re looking for more awesome healthy meal ideas, check out these healthy recipes – they’re fantastic!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls
Okay, let’s get cooking! This part is so easy, you’ll feel like a rockstar chef in no time. We’re just going to get everything prepped and then let the grill do the heavy lifting. It’s all about simple steps that lead to a fantastic meal. If you want more amazing chicken ideas, check out this easy grilled chicken marinade – it’s a lifesaver!
Prepare the Chicken Marinade
First things first, let’s get that chicken ready. In your big bowl, toss those chicken pieces with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Just give it a good mix to make sure every single piece is coated. You want that flavor to really soak in!
Prepare the Broccoli
Now for the green goodness! In your smaller bowl, do the same thing with the broccoli florets. A quick toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper is all it needs. It sounds simple, but it really brings out the best in the broccoli when it hits the grill.
Grill the Chicken
Get that grill nice and hot – medium-high is perfect. We’ll grill the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes per side. You’re looking for it to be cooked all the way through – no pink tucked inside! Once it’s done, pull it off the grill and let it rest for a bit.
Grill the Broccoli
Don’t let that grill get cold! Toss the broccoli on for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it tender-crisp with those lovely little charred bits. I usually pop it on a grill basket, but you can carefully throw it right on the grates too. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Assemble Your Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls
Time for the grand finale! Grab your bowls and start with a base of that fluffy quinoa or rice. Then, pile on that perfectly grilled chicken and the tender, slightly charred broccoli. It looks so good, you’ll want to dig right in!
Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls
I’ve made these bowls more times than I can count, and I’ve learned a few tricks that really make them sing. You want that chicken to be juicy and the broccoli to have that perfect little smoky char, right? A little bit of attention goes a long way. Make sure your grill is properly preheated – that’s key for getting a nice sear without drying everything out. I used to get so frustrated with overcooked chicken, but letting it rest after grilling makes all the difference! It just stays so much more tender. Oh, and if you love chicken and broccoli together in other ways, you HAVE to try these nutritious chicken broccoli nuggets!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
So, about these ingredients! The chicken and broccoli are pretty straightforward, but let’s chat about the grains. Quinoa or rice are my go-tos because they’re easy and filling, but feel free to use brown rice, couscous, or even cauliflower rice if you’re watching carbs. If grilling the chicken just isn’t in the cards for you today, no worries! You can totally pan-sear the chicken pieces or even bake them in the oven. Just make sure they’re cooked through. Looking for more bowl ideas? Check out my sweet potato buddha bowl – it’s another fantastic option!
Frequently Asked Questions about Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls
Got questions? I’ve got answers! These bowls are pretty foolproof, but I know you might wonder about a few things. Let’s dive in!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is one of my favorite make-ahead meals. You can grill the chicken and broccoli, cook your quinoa or rice, and store them separately in the fridge. Then, just assemble your bowls when you’re ready to eat. It’s perfect for meal prepping!
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can easily pan-sear the chicken pieces in a hot skillet until they’re cooked through. For the broccoli, you can steam it, roast it in the oven with a little olive oil and seasoning, or even quickly sauté it. It’ll still be delicious!
What sauce or dressing goes well with these bowls?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! A simple lemon vinaigrette is fantastic. A drizzle of tahini dressing, some sriracha mayo, or even a store-bought favorite like honey mustard or a light balsamic dressing all work wonderfully. If you love garlic and chicken together, you might also want to try this garlic chicken fried rice recipe for inspiration!
Can I add other vegetables?
You bet! This recipe is super flexible. Feel free to add other veggies that grill well, like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or asparagus. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! These bowls store like a dream. I usually pop them into airtight containers – glass or good quality plastic works best. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the microwave is your best friend, just zap it for a minute or two until it’s warmed through. If you want to avoid sogginess, you can gently reheat the chicken and broccoli on the stove or in a toaster oven, then add them to freshly warmed quinoa or rice. For more meal prep magic, check out this meal prep chicken casserole!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Since everyone’s pantry is a little different and grill marks vary, these are just ballpark figures for one serving of these amazing Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls. We’re looking at roughly 450-550 calories, around 40-50g of protein (thanks, chicken!), about 15-20g of fat, and 30-40g of carbs from the quinoa or rice. Remember, these are just estimates to give you a general idea, but they’re definitely a healthy choice!
Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- In a separate bowl, toss the broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from grill and set aside.
- Grill the broccoli for about 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp and lightly charred. You can place it on a grill basket or directly on the grates.
- To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked quinoa or rice among four bowls. Top with the grilled chicken and grilled broccoli.