Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

If you’re craving a healthy yet satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor, these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are exactly what you need. Picture tender, juicy grilled chicken paired with vibrant broccoli and smothered in a dreamy, creamy garlic sauce that ties everything together perfectly. This dish is a balance of comfort and nutrition—delicious enough to keep you coming back for seconds, yet light enough to leave you feeling energized. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights!

Why You’ll Love Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Here’s why this meal is going to become a favorite in your dinner rotation:

Flavor-Packed: The creamy garlic sauce is everything! It brings a richness that complements the grilled chicken and crisp-tender broccoli without overpowering the natural flavors.

Balanced & Nutritious: You’ve got lean protein from the chicken, fiber and vitamins from the broccoli, and the creamy sauce gives it just the right amount of indulgence without being too heavy.

Simple & Quick: This recipe is super easy to make with minimal ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, it’s a no-fuss dinner that’s done in under 30 minutes.

Customizable: Feel free to tweak it to your liking—swap the broccoli for other veggies, or add some grains like quinoa or rice to make it heartier. The options are endless!

Perfect for Meal Prep: Make extra to enjoy throughout the week. It’s a meal that holds up well in the fridge, so you can enjoy leftovers without compromising flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these mouthwatering Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce:

Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy, grilled to perfection. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut.

Broccoli Florets: Crisp-tender, roasted or steamed to add that perfect veggie crunch and nutrition.

Olive Oil: For grilling the chicken and roasting the broccoli. It adds a nice, subtle flavor and helps keep everything moist.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for that creamy, garlicky goodness. You can also use garlic powder if you’re in a pinch.

Heavy Cream: The base of the sauce, which adds the rich and creamy texture.

Parmesan Cheese: This gives the sauce a cheesy depth and enhances the overall flavor.

Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens up the sauce and helps balance the richness.

Salt & Pepper: For seasoning the chicken, broccoli, and sauce to perfection.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make this tasty and healthy meal!

Step 1: Grill the Chicken

Start by preheating your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until it’s cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

While the chicken is grilling, prepare your broccoli. You can either steam it or roast it. For roasting, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until it’s tender and slightly crispy on the edges. If steaming, simply steam the broccoli for 5-7 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a medium saucepan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Then, add in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Now it’s time to assemble your bowls! Start by placing a serving of grilled chicken and broccoli in each bowl. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce generously over the top and garnish with extra Parmesan or freshly cracked black pepper if desired.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Dig in and enjoy! This dish is perfect on its own, or you can serve it with a side of rice, quinoa, or even a slice of crusty bread to soak up that creamy garlic sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

This dish is super satisfying on its own, but here are a few ideas for how you can elevate the meal:

Pair with a Grain: Serve the chicken and broccoli bowls over quinoa, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a more filling option.

Add a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can be a great, refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce.

Top with Extra Toppings: Feel free to garnish with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added color and flavor.

Serve with Garlic Bread: If you’re a fan of carbs, serve this dish with a warm, buttery slice of garlic bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Additional Tips

Here are a few more tips to help you make this recipe even better:

Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before grilling.

Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few more minutes. If you like a lighter sauce, you can thin it with a splash of milk or chicken broth.

Try Other Veggies: Don’t just limit yourself to broccoli. Roasted cauliflower, asparagus, or green beans would also work wonderfully in this dish.

Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prepping! Simply store the grilled chicken, broccoli, and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic sauce for an extra kick.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Yes, chicken thighs would work perfectly in this recipe! They’ll add extra juiciness and flavor.

Q2: Can I make the creamy garlic sauce ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving.

Q3: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A3: Yes, frozen broccoli can be used as a substitute. Just be sure to cook it according to the package directions before adding it to your bowls.

Q4: Can I use a store-bought sauce instead of making the garlic sauce?
A4: If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought creamy garlic sauce or Alfredo sauce, but homemade is always better!

Q5: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
A5: For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese.

Q6: Can I add other seasonings to the chicken?
A6: Definitely! Feel free to season the chicken with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or paprika for added depth of flavor.

Q7: How long does this dish last in the fridge?
A7: When stored in an airtight container, it will last for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Q8: Can I freeze the leftover creamy garlic sauce?
A8: Yes, you can freeze the sauce! Just let it cool, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and store it for up to 1 month. Reheat it gently when you’re ready to use it.

Q9: Can I add a starch to this dish, like potatoes?
A9: Absolutely! Roasted baby potatoes or mashed potatoes would be a great addition if you want to make the dish even heartier.

Q10: Can I make this dish on the stovetop instead of grilling the chicken?
A10: Yes! You can cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.

Conclusion

These Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent, with tender grilled chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a luscious garlic sauce that brings everything together. It’s quick, easy, and customizable—plus, it’s absolutely delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a meal to impress, this dish is sure to be a hit!

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