Description
Learn how to make delicious Low Carb Chicken & Broccoli Meal Prep Bowl. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs work great for juiciness)
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (frozen works if fresh isn’t available)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger as substitute)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
If chicken isn’t your favorite, turkey breast or firm tofu can step in without sacrificing protein or texture. And don’t worry if you don’t have fresh ginger—ground ginger works fine in a pinch, something I discovered during a college dinner party when I was scrambling to fix a sauce mishap.
Instructions
- Start by prepping your chicken: pat it dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. This simple step seals in flavor and helps the chicken brown nicely.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt—this step fills the kitchen with that cozy, home-cooked aroma I always associate with family dinners.
- Add the broccoli florets, stirring to coat them in the garlic-ginger mixture. Cook for 5-7 minutes until broccoli turns bright green and is tender but still crisp. If you prefer softer broccoli, cover the pan briefly to steam it slightly.
- While the broccoli cooks, slice the rested chicken into bite-sized strips or cubes—whatever feels right for your bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Pour this sauce over the broccoli in the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, mixing everything gently to combine and heat through for another minute.
- Divide the chicken and broccoli mixture evenly into 4 meal prep containers. Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for that extra pop of flavor and texture.
- Allow bowls to cool before sealing lids and refrigerating. These bowls will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making weeknight meals a breeze.
I’ve found that letting the chicken rest before slicing is crucial for juicy results. It’s a trick I learned early on from my culinary classes, but it’s also something you can trust from a home cook who’s fed a toddler and his partner on tight weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Low Carb Chicken & Broccoli Meal Prep Bowl, recipe, cooking, food