If you’re craving a meal that’s light, healthy, and bursting with flavor, then this Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken with Roasted Broccoli is the answer to your food prayers. The tender chicken is marinated in a bright, zesty lemon-garlic marinade, giving it a fresh and bold flavor. Pair it with crispy roasted broccoli that’s perfectly caramelized and savory, and you’ve got a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. This is the kind of meal that will make you feel good, inside and out, with minimal effort!

Why You’ll Love Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken with Roasted Broccoli

Name: Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken with Roasted Broccoli
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: *For the Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade:*; – 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; – Juice and zest of 1 lemon; – 3 cloves garlic, minced; – 2 tablespoons olive oil; – 1 teaspoon dried oregano; – 1 teaspoon paprika; – Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; *For the Roasted Broccoli:*; – 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets; – 1 tablespoon olive oil; – 1 clove garlic, minced; – Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; – 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional); – Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Trust me when I say this meal is a total game-changer. It’s simple, healthy, and bursting with fresh flavors that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

Versatile: You can serve it for lunch, dinner, or even as a protein-packed meal prep option for the week.

Budget-Friendly: With just a few ingredients, this meal is super affordable without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

Quick and Easy: Both the chicken and broccoli come together in no time, with minimal prep work. You’ll have a healthy, delicious meal ready in under an hour.

Customizable: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan on your broccoli, serve it with quinoa or rice, or even throw in a drizzle of your favorite sauce to mix things up.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress. It’s clean, fresh, and so satisfying!

Ingredients in Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken with Roasted Broccoli

Let’s break down what you’ll need for this simple yet flavorful dish:

Chicken Breasts: The lean protein that takes center stage. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for grilling and absorb the marinade beautifully.

Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest give the chicken a tangy brightness that pairs perfectly with the garlic and herbs.

Garlic: Aromatic and savory, garlic is a must-have for that deep, rich flavor.

Olive Oil: Adds richness to the marinade and helps keep the chicken juicy on the grill.

Dried Oregano: A touch of oregano brings a herby, Mediterranean vibe to the dish.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, these help balance out the flavors of the marinade and make everything pop.

Broccoli: The star of the side dish. Roasting it brings out its natural sweetness and makes it nice and crispy around the edges.

Olive Oil (for the broccoli): Helps the broccoli roast perfectly and get a nice, crispy texture.

Lemon Zest (for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest on top of the broccoli adds a pop of freshness and brightness.

Parmesan Cheese (optional): A little sprinkle of Parmesan takes the roasted broccoli to the next level, adding a salty, cheesy goodness.

Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken with Roasted Broccoli

Instructions

Now, let’s dive into how to make this easy and delicious meal:

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.

Prepare the Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the broccoli into florets and spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat, ensuring each piece is nicely seasoned.

Grill the Chicken: While the broccoli is roasting, heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown and juicy.

Roast the Broccoli: Roast the broccoli in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the edges are crispy and the broccoli is tender.

Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is cooked, plate the grilled chicken alongside the roasted broccoli. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, and if you like, top the broccoli with a bit of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~350 calories

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken with Roasted Broccoli

This dish is great on its own, but if you want to make it a more filling meal, here are a few ideas for serving it:

– Serve it with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or couscous to make the meal even heartier.
– Pair it with a simple Greek salad for a fresh, Mediterranean twist.
– Drizzle with your favorite sauce—tzatziki or a balsamic glaze works wonders with this dish.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make sure your meal turns out perfect every time:

– For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if you have the time. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it gets.
– Make sure your grill is properly heated before adding the chicken so it gets a nice sear.
– For crispy broccoli, avoid overcrowding the pan. Spread it out in a single layer to ensure even roasting.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will work perfectly, and they’re even juicier than chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh broccoli is ideal for roasting, but frozen broccoli can also be used. Just make sure to thaw it and pat it dry before roasting to avoid excess moisture.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and roast the broccoli ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve.

4. How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Make sure to marinate the chicken well and cook it to the right temperature (165°F or 75°C). Using a meat thermometer helps ensure it’s juicy and tender.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the roasted broccoli?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like carrots, cauliflower, or bell peppers to the roasting pan for more variety.

6. What can I use if I don’t have a grill?
You can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or even bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.

7. Can I use a different herb in the marinade?
Yes! Basil, thyme, or rosemary would be delicious substitutes for oregano.

8. Can I use store-bought lemon juice for the marinade?
Fresh lemon juice is always best for this recipe, but store-bought lemon juice can work in a pinch.

9. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick or drizzle some hot sauce over the chicken before serving.

10. How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached 165°F (75°C) internally. It should also be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside.

Conclusion

Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken with Roasted Broccoli is the perfect meal for any day of the week. It’s quick, healthy, and packed with bold, fresh flavors that make it irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite. So fire up your grill, pop that broccoli in the oven, and enjoy a delicious, wholesome meal that will leave you feeling great!