Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Enjoy a wholesome and flavorful meal with these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls topped with a creamy garlic sauce. This dish combines tender grilled chicken, crisp roasted broccoli, and your choice of grains for a satisfying and balanced dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked grains (rice, quinoa, couscous, etc.)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ 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
- Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken, flipping once, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has a light char.
- Step 2: Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Step 3: Prepare your chosen grains according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
- Step 4: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- 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 a vegetarian option, swap chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas.
- Use cauliflower rice or fresh salad greens instead of grains for a grain-free meal.
- Replace heavy cream and butter with plant-based alternatives to keep it dairy-free.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
- Prepare all components ahead of time to assemble quickly on busy days.
Storage
Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and broccoli gently in a microwave or skillet, then add the sauce fresh for best taste. Grains can be reheated with a splash of water to keep them fluffy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well—just thaw and pat dry before roasting to prevent sogginess.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F, or slice into the thickest part to ensure juices run clear and meat is no longer pink.
PrintGrilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
This Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowl with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a wholesome, flavorful dinner option featuring tender grilled chicken, crisp roasted broccoli, and your choice of cooked grains, all brought together with a rich, garlicky cream sauce. Perfect for a balanced meal that’s easy to prepare and customizable for dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasoning & Extras
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Grill the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional spices. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken, flipping once, until it is cooked through and lightly charred on the outside, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Roast the Broccoli: Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until crisp-tender and slightly caramelized around the edges.
- Cook the Grains: Prepare your choice of grains according to package instructions (rice, quinoa, couscous, etc.). Once cooked, fluff with a fork and keep warm.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, spread a layer of cooked grains. Slice the grilled chicken breasts and arrange them over the grains. Add the roasted broccoli florets. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce generously over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based protein.
- Grain-Free Option: Use cauliflower rice or fresh salad greens as a base instead of grains.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream and butter with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and vegan butter.
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the creamy garlic sauce for heat.
- Make-Ahead: All components (chicken, broccoli, grains, and sauce) can be prepared ahead and assembled quickly for meal prep.
Keywords: grilled chicken, broccoli bowl, creamy garlic sauce, healthy dinner, easy meal, grilled chicken recipe, roasted broccoli, grain bowl
