The aroma of grilled chicken with broccoli wafts through the air, teasing your senses and promising deliciousness. Juicy, marinated chicken pairs perfectly with vibrant green broccoli, creating a dish that’s not just a feast for the stomach but also a delight for the eyes. For more inspiration, check out this dinner ideas recipe.
Imagine clinking glasses filled with lemonade while friends gather around your backyard grill, laughter echoing as the sun sets. This dish is perfect for summer cookouts or cozy family dinners, making every bite an experience worth savoring.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Grilled chicken with broccoli is incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights
- The balance of savory chicken and fresh veggies offers a flavor explosion
- This dish looks stunning on any plate, bringing color and vibrancy to your table
- It’s versatile enough to serve with rice or salad, catering to all preferences
People rave about how my family devours this dish every time I make it during our weekend get-togethers.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on how many guests you expect.
- Fresh Broccoli: Opt for bright green florets; they should be firm and crunchy for the best texture.
- Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor while helping to keep the chicken moist.
- Garlic Powder: Use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic to avoid burning on the grill.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness; bottled juice won’t give you the same zesty kick.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; feel free to season generously for robust flavor.
For the Marinade:
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- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while adding depth of flavor.
- Honey: A touch of honey balances out the salty soy sauce beautifully.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tanginess that complements grilled meat perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined. This concoction will infuse your chicken with fabulous flavor.
Marinate the Chicken: Place your chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover tightly and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—longer if you can wait!
Grill Time!: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. As it heats up, remove your chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. This ensures you avoid flare-ups while grilling.
Add Your Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets in olive oil, salt, and pepper before placing them on a grill basket or skewers. You want them tender yet still crisp when they come off.
Cook Until Perfectly Grilled: Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Grill broccoli alongside until charred and tender—around 5-7 minutes will do!
Strong>Serve It Up!: Once cooked thoroughly, remove everything from the grill and let it rest briefly before slicing into your juicy chicken breasts. Serve alongside those beautifully grilled broccoli florets for an amazing meal that looks as good as it tastes!
There you have it! Grilled chicken with broccoli is not just food; it’s an experience that brings friends and family together over laughter and delicious bites! Enjoy this delightful recipe that celebrates simple ingredients transforming into something extraordinary!
You Must Know
- This delightful grilled chicken with broccoli is not only delicious but also a healthy meal option
- The vibrant colors and enticing aromas will make your kitchen smell heavenly
- Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, then grill it while steaming the broccoli. This method ensures everything is cooked perfectly and ready to serve simultaneously.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the broccoli for asparagus or zucchini. Experiment with spices like paprika or lemon zest to give your chicken extra flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store grilled chicken with broccoli in an airtight container for up to three days. When reheating, use the microwave or a skillet to keep everything moist and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For juicy grilled chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked perfectly
- Avoid overcooking the broccoli; it should remain bright green and slightly crisp
- Marinating overnight adds depth to the flavors and enhances tenderness
Cooking this grilled chicken with broccoli always reminds me of family barbecues where laughter fills the air, and everyone eagerly awaits my secret recipe.
FAQ
What marinade works best for grilled chicken with broccoli?
A simple blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs works wonders.
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, but fresh broccoli yields better texture and flavor when grilled.
How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F without overcooking.
Grilled Chicken with Broccoli
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Grilled chicken with broccoli is a mouthwatering dish that combines juicy, marinated chicken and vibrant, crisp broccoli. Perfect for summer cookouts or cozy family dinners, this recipe promises delightful flavors and stunning presentation. Gather your friends and enjoy the laughter as you create a memorable meal that’s not only delicious but also healthy!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for the marinade.
- Marinate the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove excess marinade from chicken and grill for about 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Toss broccoli florets in olive oil, salt, and pepper; grill alongside chicken for about 5-7 minutes until tender yet crisp.
- Let everything rest briefly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 6 oz) with broccoli
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 100mg