Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowl combines juicy, charred chicken with tender roasted broccoli and your choice of grains. Topped with a luscious creamy garlic sauce, it’s a balanced and flavorful meal perfect for a satisfying weeknight 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

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat, flipping once, until cooked through and lightly charred, about 6-7 minutes per side (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
2. Step 2: Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated 400°F oven for 15–20 minutes until crisp-tender and slightly browned.
3. Step 3: Prepare your choice of grains according to package instructions. 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 minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and let simmer gently until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Slice the grilled chicken. In serving bowls, layer cooked grains, sliced chicken, and roasted broccoli. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce generously over the top and garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, substitute grilled chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
• Use cauliflower rice or salad greens instead of grains for a grain-free meal.
• Swap heavy cream and butter for plant-based alternatives to make it dairy-free.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Prepare all components ahead of time for quick assembly during busy evenings.

Storage

Store leftover grilled chicken, broccoli, grains, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and broccoli gently in a microwave or skillet, and warm the sauce on the stovetop before assembling your bowl again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Thaw and drain it well before roasting to prevent excess moisture and achieve better roasting results.

How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Alternatively, ensure the juices run clear and there is no pink in the center when sliced.

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 699 reviews

This wholesome recipe features juicy grilled chicken breasts paired with roasted broccoli and your choice of cooked grains, all brought together with a rich and creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for a nutritious and satisfying dinner that balances protein, vegetables, and carbs with a luscious, flavorful sauce.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Vegetables

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

Grains

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

Creamy Garlic Sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Grill the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the chicken on it. Grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, flipping once, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Remove from the grill and let it rest.
2. Roast the Broccoli: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes until crisp-tender and slightly caramelized.
3. Cook the Grains: Prepare your chosen grains according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff them with a fork and keep 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 1-2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, then let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Assemble the Bowls: Slice the grilled chicken into strips. In individual serving bowls, start with a base of cooked grains, layer the sliced grilled chicken and roasted broccoli on top. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based alternative.
• Grain-Free Option: Swap cooked grains for cauliflower rice or leafy salad greens.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based cream and butter alternatives to keep the sauce creamy without dairy.
• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the creamy garlic sauce for heat.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare all components in advance and store separately for quick assembly at mealtime.

Keywords: Grilled chicken, broccoli bowl, creamy garlic sauce, healthy dinner, roasted broccoli, cooked grains, easy weeknight meal