30-Minute High Protein Chicken and Broccoli Bowls Recipe

Introduction

This 30-Minute High Protein Chicken and Broccoli Bowl is a flavorful, quick, and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy ground chicken and crispy broccoli come together in a spicy-sweet sauce that’s both delicious and nutritious.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 14 oz broccoli, chopped into florets
• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 4 tbsp sriracha
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1.5 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Green onion, sliced for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Whisk together the sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets and slice the green onion. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the broccoli florets and let them cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to develop a golden char. Stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp with some browned edges. Transfer broccoli to a plate and set aside.
3. Step 3: Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the ground chicken. Break it up with a spoon and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let it sit for 30 seconds between stirs to develop color and crust on the chicken.
4. Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the cooked chicken. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly. It will change from glossy and thin to thicker and cling to the chicken.
5. Step 5: Add the seared broccoli back to the skillet and toss everything together for 30-60 seconds until heated through and well combined.
6. Step 6: Divide the chicken and broccoli mixture into bowls. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onion for a fresh, nutty finish.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add chopped roasted peanuts or cashews as a garnish.
• Swap ground chicken for ground turkey or lean pork if preferred.
• If you like it milder, reduce the sriracha by half or omit it altogether.
• Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken upon standing; add a splash of water to loosen it while reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?

Yes, use about 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger in place of ground ginger for a brighter, fresher flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

30-Minute High Protein Chicken and Broccoli Bowls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 102 reviews

A quick and flavorful 30-minute high protein chicken and broccoli bowl featuring a spicy-sweet sauce, perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Ground chicken is browned and coated in a tangy sauce, then combined with seared broccoli and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for a delicious, well-balanced dish.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the chicken and broccoli:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 14 oz broccoli, chopped into florets
• 1 lb ground chicken

For the sauce:

• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 4 tbsp sriracha
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1.5 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp cornstarch

For the garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Green onion, sliced

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce and Mise en Place: Whisk together sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth and well combined to ensure a lump-free sauce. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets and slice the green onion, keeping them separate for garnish.
2. Sear the Broccoli Until Crispy-Edged: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add broccoli florets and let them cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden char on one side, then stir and cook another 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp with browned edges. Transfer broccoli to a plate and set aside.
3. Brown the Ground Chicken and Build Flavor: Return skillet to medium-high heat, add ground chicken and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the chicken to brown in spots for maximum flavor development.
4. Coat the Chicken in Sauce and Thicken: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the browned chicken. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes as the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly, becoming glossy and viscous due to the cornstarch activation.
5. Combine and Finish: Return the seared broccoli to the skillet and toss everything together for 30-60 seconds until well combined and heated through, allowing the broccoli to absorb the sauce flavors.
6. Plate and Garnish: Divide the chicken and broccoli mixture into bowls. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a nutty crunch and fresh, sharp contrast to the sweet-spicy sauce.

Notes

• Allowing the chicken to brown undisturbed enhances flavor through caramelization.
• Do not overcook broccoli; it should remain tender-crisp for best texture.
• Cornstarch ensures the sauce thickens and clings nicely to chicken rather than pooling.
• Adjust sriracha amount to control the level of heat according to your taste.
• This recipe is perfect for meal prep and stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: chicken bowls, high protein recipe, chicken and broccoli, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, healthy bowls, spicy chicken, meal prep, stovetop chicken