This meal prep chicken and broccoli is not only wholesome and delicious, but also easy to make! Juicy roasted chicken pieces are crisp on the outside and tender and flavorful in the center. Serve them with seasoned broccoli and a hearty grain for an extremely satisfying weekday lunch.
If you’re looking for a simple meal prep idea that’s a bit out of the ordinary, these chicken and broccoli bowls are the answer! They’re surprisingly easy to make (your oven does all of the hard work), they showcase simple ingredients or other fresh veggies, and they are guaranteed to satisfy everyone.
This dish is all about balanced flavors. And it’s the combination of tender protein, crisp fresh vegetables, fluffy rice, and savory seasoning in a single bite that makes this meal prep chicken and broccoli the reliable lunch that it is. Serve it for weekday lunches, quick dinners and busy weeks all year long!
Ingredients in Meal Prep Chicken and Broccoli
This ingredient list keeps things simple while still delivering great flavor and texture. Each component works together to create balanced meal prep bowls that stay satisfying throughout the week.
How to Make Meal Prep Chicken and Broccoli
This recipe moves along smoothly once everything gets organized. Cooking the chicken and broccoli in batches keeps the texture fresh and prevents overcrowding in the pan.
1. Season the chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly over each piece. Rub the seasoning across every surface so the flavor spreads evenly while cooking. Allow the chicken to sit for a few minutes so the spices settle into the meat.
2. Heat the cooking oil
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Give the oil a moment to warm until it lightly shimmers. A properly heated pan helps the chicken develop a golden outer layer and prevents sticking.
3. Cook the chicken
Lay the seasoned chicken breasts gently into the pan. Cook them several minutes on one side until a golden crust forms. Turn the chicken and continue cooking until the inside reaches a safe temperature and the juices run clear. Transfer the chicken to a plate and allow it to rest so the moisture stays inside.
4. Prepare the broccoli
While the chicken rests, cut broccoli into bite sized florets. Keeping the pieces close in size helps them cook evenly. Rinse the broccoli briefly and pat it dry so it sautés nicely in the pan.
5. Sauté the broccoli
Add another small drizzle of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the broccoli and cook over medium heat while stirring occasionally. The florets should turn bright green and slightly tender with a few lightly browned edges.
6. Slice the chicken
Return to the rested chicken and cut it into thick slices or bite sized pieces. This step helps the portions fit neatly into meal prep containers and keeps every bite easy to eat.
7. Assemble the meal prep bowls
Place a serving of broccoli into each container. Add sliced chicken beside it or on top. If desired, include a scoop of rice or quinoa underneath for a heartier bowl.
8. Cool and store
Let the bowls cool at room temperature before sealing with lids. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat gently during the week to keep the texture and flavor intact.
How to Serve Meal Prep Chicken and Broccoli
These bowls feel satisfying all on their own thanks to the balance of protein and vegetables. A quick reheat in the microwave brings everything back to life and makes lunch feel fresh again.
Some people enjoy placing the chicken and broccoli over warm rice or quinoa for a heartier option. The grains absorb the seasoning and make the meal even more filling, especially during busy workdays.
A small drizzle of soy sauce, lemon juice, or chili flakes can also brighten the flavors right before eating. Those simple additions give each bowl a slightly different character throughout the week.
These containers travel well too. Pack one for the office, school, or a quick dinner after a long day. Everything stays neat and satisfying without needing much extra preparation.
Recipe Tips
- Cutting chicken immediately releases its juices too quickly. Letting it rest for several minutes helps keep each slice moist and flavorful inside the meal prep bowls.
- Uniform florets cook more consistently in the pan. Larger pieces may stay too firm while smaller ones soften too quickly.
- Placing too much food into the skillet at once traps steam. Cooking in batches allows the chicken and vegetables to brown properly.
- Cooked rice or quinoa makes the bowls more filling and helps stretch the servings across several lunches.
- Short microwave intervals keep the chicken tender and prevent the broccoli from turning overly soft.
Meal Prep Chicken and Broccoli
Course: Meal Prep, DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings14
minutes30
minutes300
kcalIngredients
4 medium chicken breasts
3 cups broccoli florets
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Optional cooked rice or quinoa for serving
Directions
- Season the chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly over each piece. Rub the seasoning across every surface so the flavor spreads evenly while cooking. Allow the chicken to sit for a few minutes so the spices settle into the meat. - Heat the cooking oil:
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Give the oil a moment to warm until it lightly shimmers. A properly heated pan helps the chicken develop a golden outer layer and prevents sticking. - Cook the chicken:
Lay the seasoned chicken breasts gently into the pan. Cook them several minutes on one side until a golden crust forms. Turn the chicken and continue cooking until the inside reaches a safe temperature and the juices run clear. Transfer the chicken to a plate and allow it to rest so the moisture stays inside. - Prepare the broccoli:
While the chicken rests, cut broccoli into bite sized florets. Keeping the pieces close in size helps them cook evenly. Rinse the broccoli briefly and pat it dry so it sautés nicely in the pan. - Sauté the broccoli:
Add another small drizzle of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the broccoli and cook over medium heat while stirring occasionally. The florets should turn bright green and slightly tender with a few lightly browned edges. - Slice the chicken:
Return to the rested chicken and cut it into thick slices or bite sized pieces. This step helps the portions fit neatly into meal prep containers and keeps every bite easy to eat. - Assemble the meal prep bowls:
Place a serving of broccoli into each container. Add sliced chicken beside it or on top. If desired, include a scoop of rice or quinoa underneath for a heartier bowl. - Cool and store:
Let the bowls cool at room temperature before sealing with lids. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat gently during the week to keep the texture and flavor intact.






