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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 cups broccoli florets - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 teaspoon cornstarch - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooked jasmine rice or quinoa, for serving - Sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions, for garnish Garlic chicken and broccoli bowls shine with simple yet fresh ingredients. The chicken breast offers lean protein. Broccoli adds crunch and nutrition. Garlic and ginger bring a warming flavor punch. In the marinade, soy sauce and sesame oil add depth. Honey gives a sweet touch, while cornstarch helps thicken the sauce. Salt and pepper round out the taste. For serving, I love jasmine rice or quinoa. They make a perfect base for the chicken and broccoli mix. Topping with sesame seeds and green onions offers color and texture. It transforms your meal into a delightful feast! {{ingredient_image_2}} In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, cornstarch, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk until smooth. This marinade is key. It helps the chicken soak up flavor. The garlic and ginger add a nice zing. Place the chicken pieces into the marinade. Make sure each piece is coated well. Cover the bowl and chill it in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This step is vital. Marinating makes the chicken juicy and packed with flavor. Boil water in a medium pot. Once it's boiling, add the broccoli florets. Blanch them for about 2 minutes. You want them bright green and tender. Drain the broccoli, then cool it quickly under cold water. This keeps the color fresh and vibrant. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, add the marinated chicken and the marinade. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often. You want the chicken to be golden-brown and fully cooked. This caramelization adds great flavor. Gently fold the blanched broccoli into the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything well to mix. Heat it for about 2 to 3 more minutes. This helps the flavors meld together nicely. Before serving, taste the dish. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For a beautiful presentation, serve the chicken and broccoli over jasmine rice or quinoa. Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top for a nice touch. To cook chicken just right, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures it's safe to eat and juicy. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Avoid overcooking by keeping an eye on the clock. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. The chicken should turn golden brown. If it looks dry or tough, it's overcooked. You can cook broccoli in different ways. Steaming helps it stay bright and crisp. To steam, place it in a pot with a little water and cover it. Cook for about 4 minutes. Roasting adds a nice flavor. Toss broccoli with a bit of oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 425°F for 15 minutes. To boost the flavor, sprinkle garlic powder or red pepper flakes on top. These spices add a tasty kick. Garlic chicken and broccoli bowls pair well with jasmine rice or quinoa. Both grains soak up the sauce nicely. For a side dish, try a simple salad or steamed carrots. If you have leftovers, store them in airtight containers. This dish keeps well in the fridge for 3 days. You can also meal prep for the week. Just divide the bowls into single servings for easy lunches. Pro Tips Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if time permits, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat. Perfectly Cooked Broccoli: To keep broccoli bright and crunchy, make sure to plunge it into ice water immediately after blanching. This stops the cooking process and maintains its vibrant color. Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, feel free to increase the amount of honey slightly. Just remember to balance it with a bit more soy sauce if necessary. Serving Suggestions: For added texture, consider topping your bowl with crushed peanuts or cashews, and for an extra layer of flavor, a drizzle of sriracha can spice things up! {{image_4}} You can switch out the chicken for tofu or shrimp. Tofu gives a nice plant-based option. It soaks up the marinade well. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a fresh taste. Both options work great. They fit many dietary needs. When using tofu, press it first to remove water. Cut it into cubes before marinating. For shrimp, peel and devein them well. Add them to the marinade for about 15 minutes. Cook until they are pink and firm. Want to spice things up? Try adding more garlic or fresh herbs. You can also toss in some red pepper flakes for heat. Want a sweeter touch? Increase the honey in the marinade. Add some lime juice for a zesty kick. You can use different sauces too. Teriyaki sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor. Sriracha gives a nice heat. Just adjust the amount based on your taste. Jasmine rice is great, but you can use quinoa too. Quinoa is high in protein and gluten-free. It cooks in about 15 minutes. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice. It is easy to make. Just pulse cauliflower in a food processor until fine. Sauté it for a few minutes until tender. These grain options give you variety. You can mix and match based on what you like. Each choice helps to balance the dish while keeping it healthy. You can store garlic chicken and broccoli bowls in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Use an airtight container to keep the dish fresh. Make sure to let the meal cool down before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup and keeps your dish tasty. To freeze chicken and broccoli bowls, place them in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. For best results, cool the dish completely before freezing. When you want to eat it again, microwave it for 2-3 minutes or bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy and the broccoli bright. Portion out the chicken and broccoli bowls for easy lunches. You can store them in individual containers. This way, you grab a healthy meal quickly. If you have leftovers, get creative! Use the chicken and broccoli in a stir-fry or mix them into a salad. You can also add them to a wrap for a different twist. You can swap some ingredients to boost health. Use less honey or try maple syrup for sweetness. Choose low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on salt. Instead of olive oil, use avocado oil for a different flavor. Add more veggies like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrients. You can also serve the dish over brown rice for added fiber. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and broccoli, then cool them down. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat in a skillet or microwave. You can also prepare the marinade a day early to save time. Blanching is a great method. It keeps broccoli bright and tender. Boil it for about two minutes, then cool it quickly in cold water. This helps it stay green and crisp. You can also sauté broccoli in the skillet for a different texture. Steaming is another option, giving it a soft and flavorful finish. Yes, but you need to make some swaps. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. Check your honey brand to ensure it’s gluten-free. You can also use coconut aminos as another soy sauce alternative. This way, you can still enjoy the dish without gluten. Serve these bowls over cooked jasmine rice or quinoa. For a balanced meal, add a side salad or steamed veggies. You might also enjoy it with a light soup, like miso or vegetable broth. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions adds a nice touch on top. This blog post shared how to make tasty garlic chicken and broccoli bowls. We explored key ingredients, from chicken and broccoli to a flavorful marinade. I provided step-by-step instructions to marinate, cook, and combine your dish. Plus, you got valuable tips for perfecting flavors and storage. These bowls are not just filling—they're also fun to customize. Enjoy your cooking journey and share your unique twists!

Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Bowls

A delicious and healthy bowl featuring marinated chicken and vibrant broccoli served over rice or quinoa.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for serving cooked jasmine rice or quinoa
  • for garnish sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, cornstarch, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly blended to form a smooth marinade.
  • Marinate the Chicken: Place the bite-sized chicken pieces into the marinade, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  • Blanch the Broccoli: While the chicken is marinating, bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for about 2 minutes, just until they turn bright green and slightly tender. Drain the broccoli and set it aside, making sure to cool it quickly under cold water to maintain its vibrant color.
  • Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken along with the marinade to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has developed a golden-brown caramelization.
  • Combine with Broccoli: Gently fold the blanched broccoli into the skillet with the chicken. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed and heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broccoli to warm through.
  • Season to Taste: Before serving, taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired to enhance the dish.
  • Serve and Garnish: Serve the savory chicken and broccoli mixture over a generous bed of jasmine rice or quinoa. For a finishing touch, sprinkle with sesame seeds and add a handful of sliced green onions for color and crunch.

Notes

To elevate the dish visually, use a large, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors, and arrange the broccoli and chicken artfully over the rice or quinoa. A lime wedge on the side can also add a refreshing touch!
Keyword broccoli, chicken, healthy, quick meal