Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Introduction

These Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce offer a delicious and balanced meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender grilled chicken pairs beautifully with roasted broccoli and fluffy grains, all brought together by a rich, flavorful garlic sauce.

A white bowl filled with four pieces of grilled chicken breasts with charred brown grill marks on top, drizzled with a light creamy white sauce sprinkled with green chopped herbs. The chicken rests on a bed of bright green, steamed broccoli florets that fill the bowl around the chicken. In the background, a small bowl with white sauce can be seen, and the whole setup sits on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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, pepper, and any optional spices you like. Grill over medium-high heat, flipping once, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
  2. Step 2: Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Roast them in a 400°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes until they are crisp-tender and slightly browned.
  3. Step 3: Prepare your choice of grains according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff them with a fork and keep warm until ready to serve.
  4. Step 4: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Slice the grilled chicken thinly. 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

  • Use your favorite grains to customize the bowls—quinoa adds protein, while couscous offers a lighter texture.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and olive oil.
  • Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before grilling to enhance flavor and juiciness.

Storage

Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and broccoli gently in the oven or microwave, and warm the garlic sauce on the stove to avoid curdling. Assemble bowls just before serving for the best texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with three grilled chicken breasts placed on a bed of bright green broccoli florets. The chicken has clear grill marks with a slightly charred texture, and it is topped with drizzled creamy white sauce speckled with herbs. Chopped green herbs are sprinkled over the chicken and sauce adding color contrast. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with another small white bowl of sauce blurred in the background. The image shows fresh, healthy food with vibrant colors and detailed textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh broccoli is recommended for better texture when roasting. If using frozen, thaw and drain it well before roasting to avoid excess moisture.

How can I tell when the chicken is perfectly cooked?

The best way is to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer. The chicken should be firm but juicy, with no pink inside.

Print
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Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe


  • Author: Rafael
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Description

A delicious and wholesome meal featuring tender grilled chicken breasts served alongside roasted broccoli and cooked grains, all brought together with a rich and creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for a balanced and flavorful dinner bowl.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups broccoli florets

Grains

  • 1 cup cooked grains (rice, quinoa, couscous, or choice)

Sauce

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Oils and Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 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. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, flipping once, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice charred appearance. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
  2. Roast the Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until evenly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the broccoli is crisp-tender with slight caramelization around the edges.
  3. Cook the Grains: Prepare your choice of 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, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, season with salt and black pepper, and gently simmer until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, approximately 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, layer a base of cooked grains, then sliced grilled chicken breasts on top, followed by roasted broccoli. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce generously over the bowl. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes before grilling.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
  • Use any grain you prefer such as brown rice, quinoa, or couscous for a varied texture.
  • To make it spicier, add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

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

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