Chicken & Broccoli Bowls Simple and Nutritious Meal

by Chloe on February 16, 2025

Looking for a simple, healthy meal that tastes amazing? You’re in the right place! My Chicken & Broccoli Bowls are not only easy to make, but they also pack a punch of nutrition. With fresh ingredients and tasty flavors, these bowls will satisfy your cravings without compromising health. Join me as we create a meal that you can enjoy any day of the week! Let’s dive into the details.

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish - 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish - Bell peppers for a pop of color - Carrots for sweetness and crunch - Spinach for extra greens - Crushed peanuts for added texture - Chicken: Packed with protein, it helps build and repair muscles. - Broccoli: Full of vitamins C and K, it supports your immune system and bone health. - Quinoa: A great grain that provides fiber and essential amino acids for energy. - Olive Oil: Contains healthy fats which promote heart health and reduce inflammation. - Garlic: Known for its antioxidant properties, it boosts your immune system. - Ginger: Aids digestion and adds a spicy kick to your meal. - Soy Sauce: Adds flavor while being low in calories. - Honey: A natural sweetener that can help soothe sore throats. - Sesame Oil: Rich in antioxidants, it enhances heart health. - Green Onions: Provide a fresh taste and are low in calories. - Sesame Seeds: High in calcium, they support bone health. These ingredients work together to create a meal that is not just tasty but also full of nutrients. Each bite gives you a boost of energy and health benefits. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa in cold water. This removes any bitterness. Use a fine-mesh sieve for this step. In a medium saucepan, mix the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring this to a boil over high heat. After it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes. The water should fully absorb. Then, take it off the heat and let it sit for another 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa gently with a fork and set it aside. While your quinoa cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cubed chicken breasts to the skillet. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Once your chicken is nearly done, push it to one side of the skillet. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Then, add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of finely grated ginger, and 2 cups of broccoli florets. Sauté these together for 4 to 5 minutes. Stir often until the broccoli is tender but still bright green. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Once mixed well, pour this sauce over the chicken and broccoli in the skillet. Stir to coat everything evenly. Let it cook together for an extra 2 minutes so the flavors meld nicely. To assemble your bowls, divide the fluffy quinoa among four serving bowls. Top each bowl generously with the savory chicken and broccoli mixture. Finish the bowls by sprinkling 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds on top. Add sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Serve these bowls hot for a delightful meal! Enjoy the mix of flavors and textures in every bite. The best way to cook chicken for this dish is pan-searing. This method gives you a nice golden crust. Use medium heat and add oil to the pan. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until it is golden brown and fully cooked. For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in soy sauce before cooking. This adds a nice depth to the dish. To cook broccoli so it stays bright green, steam it lightly. Add the florets to boiling water for just 2-3 minutes. Then, transfer them to ice water. This method keeps the color and crunch. If you sauté the broccoli, do it quickly. Add it to the pan when the chicken is almost done. Cook it for 4-5 minutes with garlic and ginger for great taste. You can change the sauce to suit your taste. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. If you like it sweet, use more honey or maple syrup. Add lime juice for a tangy twist. If you want a nutty flavor, mix in some peanut butter. Try different sauces, like teriyaki or hoisin, to keep things exciting. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh broccoli and high-quality chicken to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your dish. Perfectly Cooked Quinoa: Ensure you rinse the quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness and let it sit covered after cooking to achieve a fluffy texture. Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to modify the soy sauce and honey ratio based on your taste preference, adding more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat before serving! {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of this meal. Substitute chicken with firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cube it. Cook the tofu until golden brown, just like the chicken. You can also add more veggies, like bell peppers or carrots, to boost flavor and nutrition. This dish is nearly gluten-free! Just replace low-sodium soy sauce with tamari. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy your bowls without worry. If you want to switch up proteins, try shrimp or tempeh. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice seafood flavor. If you choose tempeh, slice it thinly and sauté it just like chicken. Both options keep the dish tasty and satisfying while adding variety. After making your Chicken & Broccoli Bowls, let them cool down. Place leftovers in an airtight container. These bowls will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate the chicken, broccoli, and quinoa if possible. This helps keep the texture nice when you reheat them. To reheat your bowls, the microwave is a quick option. Put your bowl in and heat for about 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to heat evenly. You can also use a skillet on low heat. Add a little water or oil to keep everything moist. Heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often. This will keep the chicken tender and the broccoli bright. You can freeze your Chicken & Broccoli Bowls too! Just cool them completely first. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. These bowls can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Then reheat using the tips above. This way, you can enjoy a healthy meal anytime! Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It is quick and easy. Just add it to the pan directly. Cook it for a few extra minutes. This way, you still get the crunch and color. The taste remains delicious and nutritious. If you don't have quinoa, use brown rice or couscous. Both options are great. They add texture and flavor. Brown rice gives a nutty taste. Couscous cooks fast and is fluffy. You can also try farro for a different texture. To lower the calories, use less oil and soy sauce. You can also skip the honey. Add more veggies to fill your bowl. This keeps the meal satisfying without extra calories. Yes, meal prepping is a smart choice! Cook everything ahead of time. Store the chicken, broccoli, and quinoa in separate containers. This helps keep them fresh. When you’re ready to eat, just mix and enjoy! This article covered a tasty quinoa bowl recipe. We explored key ingredients and their health benefits. You learned step-by-step cooking tips, from chicken prep to sauce making. We shared variations for different diets and storage tips for leftovers. Remember, cooking can be fun and easy! Feel free to customize these bowls to your taste. Try meal prepping for quick lunches. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Healthy Ingredients: This recipe is packed with nutritious ingredients like chicken and broccoli, making it a wholesome meal.
Quick Preparation: With a total cooking time of just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful Sauce: The combination of soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil creates a delicious glaze that elevates the entire dish.
Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or protein to make this bowl your own!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

– 2 cups fresh broccoli florets

– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

– 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated

– 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon honey

– 1 teaspoon sesame oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish

– 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

Optional Add-ins

– Bell peppers for a pop of color

– Carrots for sweetness and crunch

– Spinach for extra greens

– Crushed peanuts for added texture

Nutritional Benefits of Each Ingredient

– Chicken: Packed with protein, it helps build and repair muscles.

– Broccoli: Full of vitamins C and K, it supports your immune system and bone health.

– Quinoa: A great grain that provides fiber and essential amino acids for energy.

– Olive Oil: Contains healthy fats which promote heart health and reduce inflammation.

– Garlic: Known for its antioxidant properties, it boosts your immune system.

– Ginger: Aids digestion and adds a spicy kick to your meal.

– Soy Sauce: Adds flavor while being low in calories.

– Honey: A natural sweetener that can help soothe sore throats.

– Sesame Oil: Rich in antioxidants, it enhances heart health.

– Green Onions: Provide a fresh taste and are low in calories.

– Sesame Seeds: High in calcium, they support bone health.

These ingredients work together to create a meal that is not just tasty but also full of nutrients. Each bite gives you a boost of energy and health benefits.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Quinoa

Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa in cold water. This removes any bitterness. Use a fine-mesh sieve for this step. In a medium saucepan, mix the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring this to a boil over high heat. After it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes. The water should fully absorb. Then, take it off the heat and let it sit for another 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa gently with a fork and set it aside.

Preparing the Chicken

While your quinoa cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cubed chicken breasts to the skillet. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally until it turns golden brown and is cooked through.

Sautéing the Vegetables

Once your chicken is nearly done, push it to one side of the skillet. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Then, add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of finely grated ginger, and 2 cups of broccoli florets. Sauté these together for 4 to 5 minutes. Stir often until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.

Making the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Once mixed well, pour this sauce over the chicken and broccoli in the skillet. Stir to coat everything evenly. Let it cook together for an extra 2 minutes so the flavors meld nicely.

Assembling the Bowls

To assemble your bowls, divide the fluffy quinoa among four serving bowls. Top each bowl generously with the savory chicken and broccoli mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Finish the bowls by sprinkling 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds on top. Add sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Serve these bowls hot for a delightful meal! Enjoy the mix of flavors and textures in every bite.

Tips & Tricks

Best Cooking Methods for Chicken

The best way to cook chicken for this dish is pan-searing. This method gives you a nice golden crust. Use medium heat and add oil to the pan. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until it is golden brown and fully cooked. For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in soy sauce before cooking. This adds a nice depth to the dish.

How to Perfectly Cook Broccoli

To cook broccoli so it stays bright green, steam it lightly. Add the florets to boiling water for just 2-3 minutes. Then, transfer them to ice water. This method keeps the color and crunch. If you sauté the broccoli, do it quickly. Add it to the pan when the chicken is almost done. Cook it for 4-5 minutes with garlic and ginger for great taste.

Flavor Variations for the Sauce

You can change the sauce to suit your taste. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. If you like it sweet, use more honey or maple syrup. Add lime juice for a tangy twist. If you want a nutty flavor, mix in some peanut butter. Try different sauces, like teriyaki or hoisin, to keep things exciting.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh broccoli and high-quality chicken to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your dish.
Perfectly Cooked Quinoa: Ensure you rinse the quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness and let it sit covered after cooking to achieve a fluffy texture.
Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to modify the soy sauce and honey ratio based on your taste preference, adding more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness.
Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat before serving!

Variations

Vegetarian Version

You can easily make a vegetarian version of this meal. Substitute chicken with firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cube it. Cook the tofu until golden brown, just like the chicken. You can also add more veggies, like bell peppers or carrots, to boost flavor and nutrition.

Gluten-Free Option

This dish is nearly gluten-free! Just replace low-sodium soy sauce with tamari. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy your bowls without worry.

Alternative Proteins

If you want to switch up proteins, try shrimp or tempeh. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice seafood flavor. If you choose tempeh, slice it thinly and sauté it just like chicken. Both options keep the dish tasty and satisfying while adding variety.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

After making your Chicken & Broccoli Bowls, let them cool down. Place leftovers in an airtight container. These bowls will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate the chicken, broccoli, and quinoa if possible. This helps keep the texture nice when you reheat them.

Reheating Tips

To reheat your bowls, the microwave is a quick option. Put your bowl in and heat for about 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to heat evenly. You can also use a skillet on low heat. Add a little water or oil to keep everything moist. Heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often. This will keep the chicken tender and the broccoli bright.

Freezer-Friendly Options

You can freeze your Chicken & Broccoli Bowls too! Just cool them completely first. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. These bowls can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Then reheat using the tips above. This way, you can enjoy a healthy meal anytime!

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It is quick and easy. Just add it to the pan directly. Cook it for a few extra minutes. This way, you still get the crunch and color. The taste remains delicious and nutritious.

What can I substitute for quinoa?

If you don’t have quinoa, use brown rice or couscous. Both options are great. They add texture and flavor. Brown rice gives a nutty taste. Couscous cooks fast and is fluffy. You can also try farro for a different texture.

How do I make this recipe low-calorie?

To lower the calories, use less oil and soy sauce. You can also skip the honey. Add more veggies to fill your bowl. This keeps the meal satisfying without extra calories.

Can I meal prep these bowls?

Yes, meal prepping is a smart choice! Cook everything ahead of time. Store the chicken, broccoli, and quinoa in separate containers. This helps keep them fresh. When you’re ready to eat, just mix and enjoy!

This article covered a tasty quinoa bowl recipe. We explored key ingredients and their health benefits. You learned step-by-step cooking tips, from chicken prep to sauce making. We shared variations for different diets and storage tips for leftovers. Remember, cooking can be fun and easy! Feel free to customize these bowls to your taste. Try meal prepping for quick lunches. Enjoy your cooking adventur

Chicken & Broccoli Power Bowls

A nutritious and flavorful bowl featuring chicken, broccoli, and quinoa, drizzled with a savory sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

2 breasts boneless, skinless chicken, cubed
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon sesame oil
to taste salt and pepper
1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish
2 green onions thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions

Start by rinsing the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow it to simmer for 15 minutes, or until the water has completely absorbed. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa gently with a fork and set aside.
While the quinoa cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken pieces to the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is perfectly golden brown and cooked through.
Once the chicken is nearly done, push it to one side of the skillet to create space. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, then introduce the minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and broccoli florets. Sauté everything together for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender yet maintains its vibrant green color.
In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil until well combined. Pour this delicious sauce over the chicken and broccoli mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly. Allow the mixture to cook together for an additional 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
To assemble the bowls, equitably divide the fluffy quinoa among four serving bowls. Generously top each bowl with the savory chicken and broccoli mixture.
Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds over each bowl, followed by the sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful mix of flavors.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables or adjust the sauce to your taste.

Keyword broccoli, chicken, healthy, power bowl, quinoa