Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken with Roasted Broccoli

If you’re craving a dinner that’s light, bright, and bursting with flavor—this Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken with Roasted Broccoli is calling your name. The chicken is juicy and tender, marinated in a zesty lemon-garlic blend that adds just the right amount of zing. And the broccoli? Roasted to crispy, caramelized perfection with just a touch of char that makes it utterly addictive. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but is super simple to pull off. Whether you’re firing up the grill on a sunny day or using a grill pan indoors, this one’s a winner. Trust me, this meal is fresh, flavorful, and totally satisfying.

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

• Bright and Zesty: The lemon and garlic marinade brings out incredible depth in the chicken without overpowering it. It’s tangy, garlicky, and completely crave-worthy.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with lean protein and fiber-rich veggies, this is a nutritious meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
• Simple Yet Impressive: It looks like something you’d order at a nice restaurant, but it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Grill up a big batch of chicken and store leftovers for salads, wraps, or bowls throughout the week.
• Family-Approved: Even picky eaters love this one! The roasted broccoli comes out slightly crispy and totally snackable.

Ingredients

Let’s break down what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless, skinless cuts work best for quick, even grilling and juicy bites.
• Fresh Lemons: Both the juice and zest are used to deliver a punch of citrus flavor that really wakes up the dish.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the chicken with warm, savory depth.
• Olive Oil: Helps the marinade stick to the chicken and adds richness.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Just a touch balances the acidity of the lemon and brings a subtle sweetness.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
• Paprika: Adds warmth and color to the chicken.
• Broccoli Florets: Roasted until golden and just slightly crispy on the edges.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a bit of heat if you like things spicy.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Here’s how to whip up this simple, flavorful dish:

1. Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, honey, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
3. Prep the Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets in olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Spread them out on a baking sheet.
4. Roast the Broccoli: Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden at the edges.
5. Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred.
6. Rest and Slice: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
7. Serve: Plate the sliced chicken alongside the roasted broccoli, and garnish with lemon wedges or fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 330 kcal
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 420mg
Total Carbohydrates: 10g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 36g
Vitamin C: 110% DV
Vitamin A: 15% DV
Calcium: 6% DV
Iron: 10% DV

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Marinating Time: 30 minutes (or longer)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

How to Serve Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken with Roasted Broccoli

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy this meal:

• With Rice or Quinoa: Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or nutty quinoa to soak up the extra juices.
• As a Bowl: Add avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a scoop of hummus to make a Mediterranean-style bowl.
• Over Greens: Slice the chicken and toss it into a salad with the broccoli for a light, protein-packed lunch.
• In a Wrap: Stuff it into a pita or wrap with tzatziki or your favorite sauce for a handheld meal.
• Just Like That: Honestly, it’s delicious on its own—no extras required!

Additional Tips

• Let It Marinate: The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it becomes. Overnight is ideal if you have time.
• Cut Evenly: If using chicken breasts, consider pounding them to an even thickness so they cook uniformly.
• Crispier Broccoli: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet when roasting. Give those florets space to breathe and brown.
• Double the Batch: This recipe is great for meal prep. Make extra and store in airtight containers for quick lunches or dinners.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety and juiciness.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and just as flavorful, if not more so.

Q2: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
A2: Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes or until cooked through.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can marinate the chicken ahead and even grill it, then store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Q4: What other veggies go well with this?
A4: Cauliflower, bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus all roast beautifully and would pair well here.

Q5: Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
A5: Yes! Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag with the marinade and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before grilling.

Q6: How do I keep grilled chicken juicy?
A6: Don’t overcook it! Use a meat thermometer and let it rest after grilling to lock in the juices.

Q7: Can I make this spicy?
A7: Definitely—just add more red pepper flakes or a little sriracha to the marinade.

Q8: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A8: Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as all your ingredients (like broth or condiments, if added) are certified GF.

Q9: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A9: Fresh is best for the brightest flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch.

Q10: What can I serve this with for a dinner party?
A10: Try a side of couscous salad, garlic roasted potatoes, or a light cucumber-yogurt sauce to impress your guests.

Conclusion

This Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken with Roasted Broccoli is the kind of dish that’s as easy as it is elegant. It’s packed with flavor, comes together with minimal effort, and works for everything from weeknight meals to weekend get-togethers. Plus, it’s wholesome and packed with nutrients, so you can feel great about digging in. Whether you serve it as part of a big spread or keep it simple, this dish is bound to become a regular in your rotation. Give it a try—you’ll love every juicy, zesty, garlicky bite!

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