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Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Meal Prep - Simple, Flavor-Packed, and Ready for the Week

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1-inch pieces
  • Broccoli: 6 cups broccoli florets (about 2 large heads), cut into medium florets
  • Garlic: 6 cloves, minced (or 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder in a pinch)
  • Parmesan: 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • Butter: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
  • Lemon: Zest of 1 lemon and 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Seasonings: 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Optional heat: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Optional carb base: 3–4 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
  • Fresh herbs (optional): Chopped parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment for easy cleanup. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels so it browns well.
  2. Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and the Italian seasoning. Spread it on one half of the sheet pan in a single layer.
  3. Season the broccoli: In the same bowl, toss the broccoli with 2 tablespoons olive oil, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and remaining minced garlic. Spread it on the other half of the pan.
  4. Roast: Bake for 15 minutes. Stir the broccoli, flip the chicken pieces, and roast another 7–10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is tender with crisp edges. Internal temp for chicken should be 165°F / 74°C.
  5. Make the garlic-butter finish: While the sheet pan finishes, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if using and the lemon zest. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
  6. Toss with Parmesan: Transfer the hot chicken and broccoli to a large bowl. Pour the garlic-lemon butter over the top and toss. Sprinkle in the Parmesan and toss again until everything is well coated. Adjust salt and lemon to taste.
  7. Build the meal prep: Portion the chicken and broccoli into 4–5 containers. If using a carb base, add 3/4 cup cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to each container before topping with the chicken and broccoli. Finish with fresh parsley.
  8. Cool and seal: Let containers cool slightly with lids ajar for 10–15 minutes before sealing. This prevents excess condensation.