Let me tell you about my go-to weeknight lifesaver – this garlic herb chicken bowl that comes together in under 35 minutes! I swear by this high-protein meal when my schedule gets crazy but I still want something that tastes like I actually cooked. The secret? That perfect sear on the chicken breasts combined with golden roasted baby potatoes and bright green broccoli over fluffy jasmine rice.
What I love most is how this bowl satisfies every craving while keeping things clean and balanced. The garlic and herb flavors shine through without being overpowering, and trust me – those crispy-edged potatoes? Absolute game changer. It’s become my standard Sunday meal prep because it reheats like a dream and keeps me full all afternoon. Plus, at 38g of protein per serving, it’s exactly what my body needs after a tough workout or long day at work.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Herb Chicken Bowl
This isn’t just another boring meal prep recipe – it’s the kind of dish that makes you actually excited to eat healthy. Here’s why it’s become my weekly staple:
- Crazy quick: From fridge to table in 35 minutes flat – perfect for those “I’m starving NOW” weeknights
- Protein powerhouse: 38g of lean protein keeps you full for hours without that heavy feeling
- Golden potato magic: Those crispy roasted baby potatoes? They’ll ruin you for sad steamed veggies forever
- Meal prep champ: Tastes just as good reheated as it does fresh – my lunchbox never stood a chance
- Flavor that pops: Garlic and herbs make every bite interesting without complicated ingredients
Seriously, this bowl checks all the boxes – easy, delicious, and actually good for you. What’s not to love?
Ingredients for Garlic Herb Chicken Bowl
Okay, let’s get real about what makes this bowl so dang good – it all starts with simple, fresh ingredients. I’m a stickler for measuring because hey, that’s how we get consistent deliciousness every time. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – about 6 oz each (trust me, size matters here)
- 1 tbsp olive oil – the good stuff for that perfect sear
- 1 tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp smoked paprika – my dynamic flavor duo
- Salt & black pepper – to taste (I’m heavy-handed with both)
- 1½ cups baby potatoes, halved – smaller ones means more crispy edges!
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil (for the potatoes – I use both sometimes, no judgment)
- 1 tsp dried parsley – fresh works too if you’ve got it
- 1½ cups broccoli florets – look for those bright green crowns
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice – day-old works great here
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish – makes it pretty and adds a pop of freshness
See? Nothing fancy, just real food that comes together like magic. Now let’s turn this into the best dang bowl you’ve ever had.
How to Make Garlic Herb Chicken Bowl
Alright, let’s get cooking! This bowl comes together like a well-choreographed dance – each element gets its moment to shine. Follow these steps, and you’ll have restaurant-quality results right from your own kitchen. Promise!
Cooking the Chicken
First up – the star of our show! Heat a skillet over medium-high and add that tablespoon of olive oil. While it’s warming up, rub your chicken breasts with the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy – really massage those flavors in!
When the oil shimmers (that’s your cue it’s hot enough), lay the chicken in the pan. Listen for that satisfying sizzle – that’s the sound of flavor developing! Sear for about 3 minutes per side until you get that gorgeous golden crust. Then, either pop the skillet in a 375°F oven (if it’s oven-safe) or cover and reduce heat to finish cooking through, about 8-10 more minutes. This sear-then-gentle-cook method keeps the chicken juicy every time.
Roasting the Baby Potatoes
While the chicken works its magic, let’s tackle those potatoes. Toss your halved baby potatoes with butter or olive oil (or both – I won’t tell!), dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet – don’t crowd them! – and roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.
Here’s my pro tip: give the pan a shake halfway through. This helps all sides get equally golden and crispy. You’ll know they’re done when you can easily pierce them with a fork and the edges are that perfect golden-brown.
Assembling the Bowl
Time for the fun part! Start with a base of fluffy jasmine rice, then artfully arrange your sliced chicken, crispy potatoes, and steamed broccoli. The key here is balance – you want a little bit of everything in each bite. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and freshness.
And voila! In about 35 minutes, you’ve transformed simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy, protein-packed bowl that’ll make your taste buds dance. Now dig in – you’ve earned it!
Tips for Perfect Garlic Herb Chicken Bowl
Here are my hard-earned secrets to making this bowl absolutely foolproof every single time:
- Rest that chicken! Let it sit for 5 minutes after cooking – those juices will redistribute perfectly.
- Cut potatoes evenly – same size means same doneness. No rock-hard surprise pieces!
- Undercook broccoli slightly – it keeps cooking from residual heat and stays vibrantly green.
- Salt in layers – season the chicken, potatoes, AND rice separately for balanced flavor.
- Hot pan, cold oil – that’s the secret to getting that beautiful sear without sticking.
Trust me, these little tricks make all the difference between good and “oh-my-god-when-can-I-make-this-again” great!
Variations & Substitutions
One of my favorite things about this garlic herb chicken bowl is how easily you can mix it up based on what’s in your fridge! Here are some of my go-to swaps when I’m feeling creative:
- Rice alternatives: Swap jasmine rice for quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even couscous for different textures
- Potato power: Sweet potatoes or butternut squash make fabulous roasted alternatives to baby potatoes
- Veggie variations: Try roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed zucchini, or grilled asparagus instead of broccoli
- Herb happiness: Fresh rosemary or thyme works wonders if you’re out of parsley
The beauty is – as long as you keep that garlicky, herby chicken as the star, everything else is fair game for your personal twist!
Storage & Reheating
Here’s the best part – this garlic herb chicken bowl might actually taste better the next day! Store everything in airtight containers (I separate the components to keep textures perfect) for up to 3 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or pop the chicken and potatoes in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to bring back that crispy magic. Pro tip: sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice before reheating to keep it fluffy!
Nutritional Information
Now let’s talk numbers – because yes, this garlic herb chicken bowl tastes amazing, but it’s also packing serious nutritional punches! Based on exact measurements, each serving (that’s one generous bowl) comes out to:
- 480 calories – just right for a satisfying meal
- 38g protein – hello, muscle fuel!
- 55g carbs
- 12g fat
Keep in mind these values will vary slightly depending on your exact ingredients – especially if you get heavy-handed with that butter like I sometimes do! But overall, it’s a beautifully balanced meal that keeps you full and energized.
FAQ
I get asked about this garlic herb chicken bowl ALL the time – here are the answers to the most common questions that pop up:
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great in a pinch – just pat it dry after steaming to prevent sogginess. I actually keep a bag in my freezer for emergency meal prep situations.
What’s the best way to meal prep this?
My Sunday routine: Cook 4 chicken breasts, roast a big batch of potatoes, and portion everything into containers. The rice and broccoli I usually make fresh each time, but you can prep those too – just add a splash of water when reheating.
Is this gluten-free?
Yep! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double check your spice blends if you’re super sensitive – some brands add fillers.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Oh heck yes! The chicken and potatoes both come out amazing in the air fryer. Just cook at 375°F – about 12 minutes for the chicken (flip halfway) and 15 for the potatoes (shake basket occasionally).
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my absolute favorite garlic herb chicken bowl that’s saved dinnertime more times than I can count! Give it a try and tag me with your creations – I love seeing your tasty twists on this simple, satisfying meal. For more recipe inspiration, check out Pinterest!
Print
35-Minute Garlic Herb Chicken Bowl Your Tastebuds Will Crave
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A high-protein meal prep bowl featuring garlic herb chicken, roasted baby potatoes, steamed broccoli, and jasmine rice. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or easy lunch.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1½ cups baby potatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil (for potatoes)
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1½ cups broccoli florets, steamed
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear over medium heat until golden, then bake or cover and cook through.
- Toss halved baby potatoes in butter or olive oil, season with salt and parsley. Roast at 400°F for 25–30 mins until golden brown.
- Steam broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 5–6 mins.
- Cook jasmine rice or use pre-cooked for convenience.
- Slice chicken, plate with rice, potatoes, and broccoli. Sprinkle fresh parsley.
Notes
- Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Substitute rice with quinoa for a lower-carb option.
- Use fresh herbs if available for stronger flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting, Steaming
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg