Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowl combines tender, charred chicken with roasted broccoli and a creamy garlic sauce for a comforting yet healthy meal. Paired with your choice of grains, it’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner that’s easy to prepare.

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 over medium-high heat, turning once, until cooked through and lightly charred, about 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
2. Step 2: Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until crisp-tender and slightly browned.
3. Step 3: Cook your chosen grains according to the package instructions. Once done, fluff them with a fork and keep warm.
4. Step 4: To make the creamy garlic sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens, 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 a lighter sauce, substitute half the heavy cream with milk or use Greek yogurt stirred in after cooking.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce for a mild spicy kick.
• Try different grains such as barley or farro for varied texture and flavor.
• Marinate the chicken breasts in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before grilling for more flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent the creamy garlic sauce from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Be sure to thaw and pat it dry before roasting to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent browning.

Is there a dairy-free option for the creamy garlic sauce?

Absolutely. Replace the heavy cream and butter with coconut milk and olive oil or dairy-free margarine. The sauce will have a slightly different flavor but will still be creamy and delicious.

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 123 reviews

This Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowl features tender, juicy grilled chicken breasts paired with crisp-tender roasted broccoli and your choice of cooked grains. A rich and creamy garlic sauce ties all the flavors together, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 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

Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh parsley or chives

Instructions

1. Grill the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and any optional spices you prefer. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken breasts, flipping once, until they are cooked through and lightly charred, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
2. 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 (204°C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until they become crisp-tender and slightly caramelized.
3. Cook the Grains: Prepare your chosen grains (rice, quinoa, or couscous) according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff 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 to 2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream, season with salt and black pepper, and let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, create a base layer with the cooked grains. Slice the grilled chicken breasts and arrange them on top, followed by the roasted broccoli. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

• You can substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like asparagus or green beans, adjusting roasting time accordingly.
• For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
• Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor in the sauce; pre-minced garlic can alter the taste.
• Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

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