Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowl with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a satisfying and wholesome meal that’s packed with flavor. Featuring tender grilled chicken, crisp roasted broccoli, and fluffy grains, it’s all brought together with a rich, garlicky cream sauce. Perfect for a balanced weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup cooked grains (rice, quinoa, couscous, etc.)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Optional: Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any optional spices you like. Grill them over medium-high heat, turning once, until fully cooked and lightly charred, about 6–8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
2. Step 2: Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast in a 400°F oven for 15–20 minutes until crisp-tender and slightly browned.
3. Step 3: Prepare your choice of grains according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and keep warm.
4. Step 4: To make the creamy garlic sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Slice the grilled chicken. In serving bowls, layer the cooked grains, sliced chicken, and roasted broccoli. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce and garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before grilling using lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Swap broccoli with your favorite vegetables like asparagus or green beans for variety.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet until warmed through, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens during storage.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs or tenders, but adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through. Thighs will be juicier and may require slightly longer grilling.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the creamy sauce?

Absolutely. Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free butter or olive oil. The sauce will have a different flavor but remains creamy and delicious.

Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 85 reviews

This Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls recipe features juicy, perfectly grilled chicken breasts paired with roasted broccoli and a bed of cooked grains. Topped with a luscious, creamy garlic sauce and fresh herbs, this wholesome and flavorful dish is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner bowl.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Grains

• 1 cup cooked grains (rice, quinoa, couscous, etc.)

Dairy & Fats

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings

• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Optional: Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Grill the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and any optional spices. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the grill and cook, flipping once, until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F and has a nice charred exterior. Remove from heat and let rest.
2. Roast the Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Spread the broccoli evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 15 to 20 minutes or until the florets are crisp-tender and lightly browned.
3. Cook the Grains: Prepare your choice of grains (rice, quinoa, couscous, etc.) according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff the grains with a fork and keep them warm until assembly.
4. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, taking care not to burn the garlic. Stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and black pepper. Simmer the sauce gently until it thickens slightly, around 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, layer cooked grains as the base, followed by sliced grilled chicken breasts and roasted broccoli florets. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce generously over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

• You can substitute the grains with cauliflower rice to make the dish lower-carb.
• Adjust the garlic in the sauce according to your preference for a milder or more intense flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
• Leftover components can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and butter with olive oil or a non-dairy butter alternative.

Keywords: grilled chicken, broccoli bowls, creamy garlic sauce, healthy bowl, grilled chicken recipe, roasted broccoli, grain bowl, easy dinner, weeknight meal