Cheesy Broccoli, Chicken & Rice Meal Prep Bowls Recipe

If there’s one weeknight meal prep dish I could eat over and over again, it’s these Cheesy Broccoli, Chicken & Rice Meal Prep Bowls. They strike that perfect balance between wholesome and deeply comforting: tender slices of juicy chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant green broccoli, and a silky, homemade cheddar cheese sauce that wraps everything together. Whether you’re fueling busy afternoons, looking for easy weekday lunches, or simply craving something cozy, these bowls deliver both nourishment and flavor in every bite—while keeping lunchtime (or dinnertime!) exciting all week long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about building layers of flavor with just a handful of classic ingredients. Each component shines on its own, but together, they create the ultimate Cheesy Broccoli, Chicken & Rice Meal Prep Bowls you’ll crave again and again.

• Chicken Breasts (3 lbs): The lean, juicy protein that holds everything together; go for boneless and skinless for easy slicing and maximum tenderness.
• Kosher Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Simple seasoning brings out the best in both chicken and veggies, adding depth with zero fuss.
• Olive Oil (4 tbsp, divided): Adds richness and helps achieve that perfect golden sear on the chicken while turning broccoli deliciously crisp in the oven.
• Broccoli (4 heads): Cut into bite-sized florets, broccoli lends color, crunch, and a hearty dose of greens to every bowl.
• Cheddar Cheese Sauce (double batch): This homemade sauce is the crown jewel here; creamy, extra-cheesy, and miles better than anything from a box (see the easy recipe below!).
• Cooked Rice or Quinoa (6 cups): The perfect base—choose white, brown, or even fluffy quinoa to soak up every drop of that dreamy cheese sauce.
• Extra Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional): For the ultimate melty topping—because you can never have too much cheese.
• Butter (2 tbsp): Forms the base of your cheese sauce, adding richness and a touch of gloss.
• Garlic Cloves (4, minced): Aromatic and flavorful, sautéed garlic makes the sauce truly irresistible.
• Flour (4 tbsp): Just enough to create a lightly thickened, lusciously creamy sauce without any lumps.
• Chicken or Vegetable Stock (1 cup): Deepens the flavor of the cheese sauce with a savory note—use whichever you prefer.
• Warmed Milk (1 cup): Ensures the cheese sauce is velvety and smooth, never gritty or split.
• Black Pepper (1/2 tsp) & Salt (1/4 tsp): Keeps the sauce well-seasoned.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, 8 oz): Freshly shredded for the best melt and tang—this is what makes the sauce sing.

How to Make Cheesy Broccoli, Chicken & Rice Meal Prep Bowls

Step 1: Sear and Slice the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts liberally with salt and cracked black pepper. Get a large skillet hot with half of the olive oil, then work in batches to give the chicken pieces a beautiful golden sear—about 5 to 6 minutes per side should do it for that lightly crisp exterior and juicy center. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes on a cutting board before slicing into generous strips. This little pause locks in the juices and keeps your Cheesy Broccoli, Chicken & Rice Meal Prep Bowls moist and flavorful.

Step 2: Roast or Steam the Broccoli

Toss your broccoli florets with remaining olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper, then spread them on a sheet pan. Roasting at 400°F for 15 minutes lets the edges caramelize while the insides stay bright and tender. Prefer a softer, steamed texture? Just pop the florets in a steamer basket for about 5 minutes until they’re crisp-tender but still vibrant green. Either method brings that perfect pop of color and crunch to your bowls.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cheddar Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté until the kitchen smells irresistible, then stir in the flour to create a golden roux. Slowly drizzle in the stock and warmed milk, whisking like you mean it to keep the sauce glossy and smooth. Once bubbling gently, sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and *all* that freshly shredded cheddar. Stir until the sauce is thick, creamy, and beautifully molten—this is the magic that transforms your Cheesy Broccoli, Chicken & Rice Meal Prep Bowls from simple to spectacular.

Step 4: Assemble and Portion

Get out eight meal prep containers and let assembly begin! Start with a scoop of rice or quinoa in each, then arrange a tuft of broccoli alongside, followed by slices of juicy chicken breast. Spoon over a generous ladleful of cheese sauce, making sure everything is well-coated. For the finale, sprinkle on extra shredded cheddar if you love things mega-cheesy. Allow to cool slightly before sealing for the fridge, and you’re officially set for a week of warm, crave-worthy meals.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli, Chicken & Rice Meal Prep Bowls

Garnishes

Top your bowls with a little extra shredded sharp cheddar, a sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper, or even a handful of chopped fresh parsley. These final flourishes not only add a pop of color but really bring out all the comforting flavors in your Cheesy Broccoli, Chicken & Rice Meal Prep Bowls.

Side Dishes

Pair your cheesy bowls with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, roasted sweet potatoes, or even a juicy slice of tomato drizzled with olive oil. They’re perfectly filling on their own, but these sides can help round out the meal and add a fresh contrast on busy days.

Creative Ways to Present

If you feel like mixing things up, you can layer Cheesy Broccoli, Chicken & Rice Meal Prep Bowls in a mason jar for grab-and-go lunches, pack them in bento-style boxes with your favorite fruit or hummus, or serve everything family-style for a casual dinner where everyone builds their own bowl. The colorful layers look extra tempting, no matter how you plate them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the assembled Cheesy Broccoli, Chicken & Rice Meal Prep Bowls cool before sealing them in airtight containers. They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it easy to grab a bowl for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night bite on demand.

Freezing

If you want to stock up for longer, simply freeze individual portions without the extra cheddar garnish (add that after reheating for best results). Freeze for up to 2 months—when you’re ready to enjoy, just defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual.

Reheating

Pop your bowl in the microwave and heat in short bursts, stirring in between until hot throughout. You can also reheat in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F for about 15–20 minutes. For the best cheesy texture, stir well and top with that extra cheddar right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken instead of cooking fresh?

Absolutely! Feel free to shred or slice rotisserie chicken or use any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand. Just warm it up gently before assembling your Cheesy Broccoli, Chicken & Rice Meal Prep Bowls so everything layers together perfectly.

Is it possible to make these bowls vegetarian?

It’s easy! Skip the chicken and add extra roasted broccoli, use plant-based “chicken” strips, or swap in chickpeas or pan-seared tofu for protein. Just make sure to use veggie stock in the cheese sauce for a fully vegetarian version.

Can I substitute brown rice or quinoa?

Definitely. Both brown rice and quinoa work beautifully and add their own lovely textures. Quinoa will add a nutty note and extra protein, making these Cheesy Broccoli, Chicken & Rice Meal Prep Bowls even more satisfying.

Do these bowls get soggy after storing?

Nope! Because the cheese sauce is thick and luscious (rather than runny), it helps keep everything fresh and flavorful—even after a couple days in the fridge. For maximum freshness, you can store the sauce separately and add it just before reheating, but it’s not necessary.

What’s the best way to pack these for lunch?

Prepare your bowls the night before, cool completely, and store in leak-proof containers. If packing for school or work, make sure to keep them refrigerated (or use an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack) until ready to reheat. That way, you’ll enjoy piping-hot Cheesy Broccoli, Chicken & Rice Meal Prep Bowls anytime, anywhere.

Final Thoughts

With cozy flavors and super-simple prep, these Cheesy Broccoli, Chicken & Rice Meal Prep Bowls are pure mealtime magic. Whip up a batch, stash them in your fridge, and get ready to enjoy hearty, homemade comfort all week long—I can’t wait for you to dig in and make them part of your own rotation!

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