Grilled Chicken Broccoli Garlic Sauce Bowls

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup chicken broth - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon cornstarch - Salt and pepper to taste The right ingredients make the dish shine. You need fresh chicken and bright broccoli. Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor. Chicken broth brings depth to the sauce. Soy sauce adds savory notes. Honey balances the flavors with sweetness. Olive oil gives richness, and cornstarch can thicken the sauce if you like. Don’t forget salt and pepper for seasoning. - Cooked brown rice or quinoa These bowls shine when served over brown rice or quinoa. Both options are healthy and filling. They soak up the garlic sauce well. You can also switch it up with other grains if you want. - Red pepper flakes for added flavor Red pepper flakes are a great option for those who like heat. A sprinkle on top adds color and a spicy kick. It makes the dish even more exciting. Enjoy the burst of flavor with every bite! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a bowl. Mix 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, honey, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat them well. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper flavor, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours. This step makes the chicken juicy and tasty. Next, fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the fresh broccoli florets and blanch them for 2-3 minutes. You want them bright green and a bit tender. As soon as they are done, transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking and keeps the color. Drain the broccoli and set it aside. Now, let’s make the garlic sauce. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not burned. Pour in the chicken broth and the rest of the soy sauce. If you like a thick sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water. Add this to the sauce and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. It should thicken slightly. Time to grill! Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy. Now it’s time to build your bowls. Start with a base of cooked brown rice or quinoa. Place sliced grilled chicken on one side and arrange the blanched broccoli on the other. Drizzle the garlic sauce generously over the chicken and broccoli. This adds flavor and moisture. For a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top if you like. Serve these bowls warm and enjoy the mix of flavors and textures. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy and filling. Marinating chicken adds flavor. Mix soy sauce, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken breasts well. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. For more taste, marinate up to 2 hours. This helps the flavors seep into the meat. You can cook broccoli in different ways. Blanching is quick and brightens the color. Just boil for 2-3 minutes. Then, cool it in ice water to stop cooking. You can also steam the broccoli. This keeps its nutrients and flavor. Roasting gives it a nice crispness. Toss it with olive oil and roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. The garlic sauce is easy to change. Add herbs like basil or thyme for a fresh twist. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives heat. You could also try adding lemon zest for brightness. If you want a richer taste, mix in a bit of sesame oil. These simple changes can make your dish unique. Pro Tips Marination Time: For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply. Blanching Broccoli: Blanching the broccoli helps to maintain its vibrant color and crisp texture. Don’t skip the ice bath! Perfect Grilling: Ensure your grill is preheated properly. This helps to achieve nice grill marks and prevents the chicken from sticking. Customize Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thinner sauce, skip the cornstarch. For a thicker sauce, be sure to mix the cornstarch well to avoid lumps. {{image_2}} You can switch out the chicken for other proteins. Tofu is a great option for a plant-based meal. Simply press and cube firm tofu. Marinate it like you would the chicken and grill it. Shrimp also works well and cooks quickly. Just toss them on the grill for a few minutes. Both options add unique flavors to your bowl. Broccoli shines in this dish, but you can mix in other veggies. Try adding bell peppers for sweetness or snap peas for crunch. Carrots offer a pop of color and sweetness too. You can even toss in some spinach or kale for extra greens. The more veggies, the better! While garlic sauce is tasty, you can explore other flavors. Ginger sauce adds a spicy kick and pairs well with chicken. Teriyaki sauce brings a sweet and savory twist. You can also try a spicy chili sauce for some heat. Each sauce gives your bowl a new vibe and taste. To store leftovers, let the bowls cool to room temperature. Place the chicken and broccoli in an airtight container. Add extra garlic sauce in a small jar. Store everything in the fridge. These bowls last for 3 to 4 days. When ready to eat, just pull them out and enjoy! To freeze, package the chicken and broccoli separately. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out air to prevent freezer burn. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you want to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This keeps the chicken tender and the broccoli bright. For the best results, reheat in the microwave or on the stove. If using the microwave, warm in short bursts. Check every minute to avoid overcooking. On the stove, heat on low, stirring often. This helps keep the chicken juicy and the broccoli crisp. Enjoy your meal once it’s heated through! To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce that offers the same great taste. Also, check your chicken broth label to ensure it is gluten-free. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It saves time and is easy to use. However, frozen broccoli may lose some crunch. Fresh broccoli has a better texture and flavor. If you use frozen, just thaw and drain it well before cooking. If you need a substitute for honey, try maple syrup or agave nectar. Both add sweetness without changing the dish too much. You can also use brown sugar. Just mix it with a little water to create a syrup. Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The safe temperature is 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut the chicken in the thickest part. The meat should be white with no pink. In this blog post, I shared a simple, tasty recipe featuring chicken and broccoli. You learned how to marinate the chicken, prepare the broccoli, and make a flavorful garlic sauce. I offered tips for customizing the dish and storage ideas for leftovers. The recipe is versatile and easy, perfect for busy days. You can also switch proteins or veggies to suit your taste. Enjoy making this healthy meal that's quick and satisfying!$

Grilled Chicken Broccoli Garlic Sauce Bowls

A flavorful and nutritious bowl featuring grilled chicken, fresh broccoli, and a delicious garlic sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
4 cloves garlic, minced
0.25 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
to taste salt and pepper
as needed cooked brown rice or quinoa (for serving)
optional red pepper flakes for garnish

Instructions

In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, honey, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat well. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
In a pot of boiling water, blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until vibrant green and slightly tender. Remove and immediately immerse in ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and the remaining soy sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
In serving bowls, layer the base with cooked brown rice or quinoa. Add sliced grilled chicken on one side, and arrange the blanched broccoli on the other. Drizzle the garlic sauce generously over the chicken and broccoli.
For an added kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful and nutritious bowls!

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Keyword broccoli, chicken, garlic sauce, grilled, healthy