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Looking for a quick and tasty meal? You’ll love my Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls! This simple recipe combines juicy chicken, vibrant broccoli, and hearty brown rice for a healthy dinner option. Plus, I’ll share tips for meal prep and variations to suit any taste. Let’s dive in and whip up a bowl that’s not only delicious but easy to make any night of the week!

Why I Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Nutritious: This bowl is packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the broccoli, making it a wholesome meal.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients or add your favorite toppings to create a personalized dish.
- Flavorful Marinade: The marinade infuses the chicken with delicious flavors that are enhanced by grilling, making every bite a delight.
Ingredients
Main ingredients for Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls
– 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup brown rice, uncooked
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
– Juice of 1 lemon
Optional garnishes and enhancements
– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
– Extra olive oil and lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the chicken
Start by mixing olive oil, garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This mixture adds great flavor. Coat the chicken breasts well with the marinade. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours in the fridge.
Preparing the brown rice
While your chicken marinates, cook the brown rice. Use chicken broth instead of water for better taste. Follow the package instructions and once cooked, set it aside. This step ensures the rice is packed with flavor.
Grilling the chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and grill it for about 6-7 minutes on each side. The chicken is ready when it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips.
Steaming the broccoli
While the chicken rests, steam the broccoli florets. Use a pot with a small amount of water and steam for about 3-5 minutes. The broccoli should be tender but still bright green. Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper for a simple flavor boost.
Assembling the Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls
To build your bowls, start with a base of brown rice. Then layer the grilled chicken strips and steamed broccoli on top. For added flavor and color, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley over each bowl. Drizzle a bit of olive oil or lemon juice before serving to enhance the taste even more.

Tips & Tricks
Meal prep advice
– You can make these bowls ahead of time.
– Cook the chicken and broccoli, then store them in the fridge.
– Prepare your rice in bulk and keep it sealed.
– Use airtight containers for freshness.
– These bowls last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
Flavor enhancements
– Try different seasonings like cumin or chili powder.
– Add a splash of soy sauce for a twist.
– For a homemade sauce, mix yogurt with herbs and lemon.
– A store-bought teriyaki or barbecue sauce works well too.
Variations
Alternate protein options
– Swap chicken for tofu for a vegan meal.
– Shrimp is also a great choice.
– Use chickpeas if you want a plant-based option.
– These swaps keep the dish tasty and filling.
Different grain bases
– Use quinoa for a nutty flavor and more protein.
– Cauliflower rice adds a lighter touch.
– White rice is classic and easy to find.
– Each grain changes the bowl’s texture and taste.
Seasonal vegetable additions
– Add bell peppers for crunch and color.
– Carrots bring sweetness and a nice bite.
– In summer, try adding zucchini or corn.
– In fall, butternut squash adds a warm flavor.
Nutritional Information
Caloric breakdown
Each serving of Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls has around 400 calories. This dish provides a good mix of macronutrients. The main sources include:
– Protein from chicken: This helps build and repair muscles.
– Carbohydrates from brown rice: These give you energy.
– Fiber from broccoli: This supports digestion and keeps you full.
Health benefits of ingredients
Broccoli is a superfood packed with vitamins. It has vitamin C, which helps your immune system. It also has fiber, which aids digestion. Lean chicken is a great source of protein. It contains less fat than other meats, making it a healthy choice. Whole grains like brown rice offer lasting energy. They help keep blood sugar stable and are more nutritious than white rice. So, these ingredients work together to create a healthy meal.
Pro Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours for the best flavor infusion.
- Perfectly Cooked Rice: Rinse the brown rice before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve a fluffier texture.
- Grill Marks Matter: For perfect grill marks, avoid moving the chicken too much while grilling. Let it sear properly on each side.
- Brighten Up Your Dish: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest on top before serving for an extra burst of freshness.

Storage Info
Short-term storage
Store your Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls in an airtight container. This keeps the food fresh. Place them in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. They will last for up to four days.
When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the bowl in the microwave. Heat it for one to two minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) before eating.
Freezing options
You can freeze the assembled bowls for longer storage. Wrap each bowl tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. This helps avoid freezer burn. They can stay fresh for up to three months.
To thaw, move the bowl to the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, use the microwave on defrost. Once thawed, reheat as mentioned before. Enjoy your meal as if it was freshly made!
FAQs
How long can I marinate chicken for best results?
You can marinate chicken for about 30 minutes to 2 hours. This time helps the chicken soak up all the flavors. If you marinate it longer, it will taste even better. Just avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as it can change the chicken’s texture.
Can I grill the chicken without a grill?
Yes, you can cook the chicken without a grill. You can use a pan on the stove or an oven. For pan-searing, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s done. If using the oven, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
What are some side dishes to serve with Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls?
Great side dishes for these bowls include:
– Mixed green salad with a light dressing
– Roasted sweet potatoes for a sweet touch
– Quinoa for extra protein and texture
– A simple yogurt sauce for creaminess
These sides add more flavor and color to your meal.
Grilled chicken broccoli bowls are a simple and tasty meal. You learned about the key ingredients, from chicken breasts to brown rice and veggies. I explained how marinating boosts flavor and shared tips for cooking each component. Variations let you customize your meal, and I provided helpful storage advice.
Remember, this dish is flexible and healthy, making it perfect for any day. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with your own version
Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls
A healthy and flavorful bowl featuring grilled chicken, steamed broccoli, and brown rice, topped with feta cheese and fresh parsley.
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal
- 2 pieces chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup brown rice, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste salt and pepper
- 0.25 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 piece juice of 1 lemon
- 0.25 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and coat well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor).
While the chicken is marinating, cook the brown rice according to package instructions. Use chicken broth instead of water for added flavor, and set aside once done.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
While the chicken is resting, steam the broccoli florets in a pot with a small amount of water (about 3-5 minutes) until tender but still vibrant green. Drain and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
In individual bowls, start with a base of brown rice, then layer on the grilled chicken strips and steamed broccoli.
Top each bowl with crumbled feta cheese (if using) and chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Arrange the chicken neatly atop the rice and broccoli, and drizzle a little extra olive oil or lemon juice before serving for added flavor. It's a great idea to use colorful bowls to elevate the presentation!
Keyword bowl, broccoli, chicken, grilled, healthy
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