If you’re craving a dish that hits all the right notes—simplicity, flavor, and a comforting creaminess—you’re going to adore this Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe. It’s a vibrant, nourishing meal that strikes a perfect balance between tender grilled chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a luscious garlic sauce that wraps everything in rich, savory goodness. Perfect for any day when you want something wholesome but downright delicious, this recipe brings together fresh ingredients with a creamy twist that feels indulgent without being complicated. I’m excited to share this favorite with you because once you try it, you’ll want to keep this bowl-style dinner in your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe, the ingredients are straightforward but mighty in how they elevate the flavor and texture. Each item plays a vital role, whether it’s bringing vibrant color, juicy tenderness, or that irresistible creamy finish.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy grilling and perfect lean protein.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps lock in moisture during grilling.
- Paprika: Gives a smoky, slightly sweet depth to the chicken.
- Garlic powder: Enhances savory notes both on the chicken and in the sauce.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
- Broccoli florets: Bright green and tender with a little crunch for texture contrast.
- Heavy cream: Makes the garlic sauce decadently smooth and rich.
- Chicken broth: Adds a savory base and thins the sauce perfectly.
- Minced garlic: Fresh garlic is where the creamy garlic sauce really comes alive.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce to add salty, nutty undertones.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle at the end brightens the dish with color and freshness.
How to Make Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Grill and Chicken
First off, get your grill heating to medium-high—this is going to give your chicken that beautiful char while keeping it juicy inside. Meanwhile, coat the chicken breasts evenly in olive oil to help the spices stick and to lock in moisture as they grill.
Step 2: Season Like a Pro
Next, sprinkle on paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper generously. This seasoning blend is simple but packs serious flavor, creating a fragrant crust once grilled.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side. You’ll want to watch for a nice golden brown color and confirm the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s cooked through yet tender. After grilling, let the chicken rest a few minutes—this helps the juices redistribute and keeps every bite moist.
Step 4: Steam Your Broccoli Just Right
While the chicken is resting, steam or blanch those broccoli florets until they’re tender but still hold their gorgeous bright green color. This adds not only needed nutrients but a lovely crunch and visual contrast to the dish.
Step 5: Whip Up That Creamy Garlic Sauce
Heat olive oil in a saucepan and sauté fresh minced garlic until fragrant—it’s amazing how just a minute or so wakes up the whole kitchen. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, then season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce bubble and thicken for a few minutes before stirring in the Parmesan. The cheese will melt smoothly, transforming this sauce into your bowl’s silky crown.
Step 6: Assemble Your Bowls
Divide the broccoli between your bowls, layer on the rested, sliced grilled chicken, then drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley—that pop of green adds brightness in both look and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley is a classic, but feel free to toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat or a wedge of lemon on the side for a zesty twist. These little touches let you tailor the dish to your mood and bring lovely variety to the table.
Side Dishes
Though this bowl is hearty on its own, light sides such as a crisp garden salad, garlic bread, or even a fluffy quinoa salad can complement perfectly. The fresh greens or grains add a textural and flavor counterpoint that rounds out the meal wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bowls on rustic wooden platters or in colorful ceramic bowls to highlight the vibrant greens and golden chicken. For a fun spin, try layering the ingredients in glass jars for a portable lunch or serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb version that feels just as satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover grilled chicken and broccoli bowls in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce might thicken, but a quick stir before reheating refreshes the texture beautifully.
Freezing
This dish freezes best if you store the components separately—grilled chicken slices and broccoli florets freeze well, but the creamy garlic sauce can change texture when frozen. Freeze them in separate freezer-friendly containers for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and broccoli gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir thoroughly until it’s creamy and smooth again, and serve hot for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
Absolutely! While broccoli is fantastic here, feel free to swap in asparagus, green beans, or even sautéed spinach for a different texture and flavor. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe as written is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure any chicken broth you use is labeled gluten-free to avoid any hidden gluten ingredients.
Can I make the creamy garlic sauce dairy-free?
Definitely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast to achieve that cheesy flavor without dairy.
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 (75°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part of the chicken; the juices should run clear and the meat should be white all the way through.
Can I prepare this recipe indoors without a grill?
Sure thing! You can cook the chicken in a grill pan or cast-iron skillet on the stove. Just sear on medium-high heat for the same time until golden and cooked through, and you’ll still get delicious results.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is one of those meals that feel like a warm hug on a plate—simple, satisfying, and utterly comforting. It’s a perfect choice whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with family and friends. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll find yourself coming back to its creamy garlic magic again and again.
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Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delicious and healthy meal featuring juicy grilled chicken breasts and tender steamed broccoli, all topped with a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that combines protein and vegetables with a flavorful, comforting touch.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Broccoli
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken evenly and achieving a nice exterior sear.
- Prepare the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts evenly with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to help the seasonings stick and keep the meat moist during grilling.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper over the chicken breasts for a balanced and flavorful seasoning.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices, then slice into thin strips for serving.
- Cook the Broccoli: While the chicken rests, steam or blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 4-5 minutes until tender but still bright green, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant to build a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup chicken broth, stirring to combine the ingredients smoothly.
- Season the Sauce: Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, stir constantly, and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce achieves a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and set aside to prevent further thickening while keeping it warm.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the steamed broccoli evenly between serving bowls as the base layer.
- Add Chicken: Top each bowl of broccoli with the sliced grilled chicken strips.
- Drizzle Sauce: Pour the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce generously over the chicken and broccoli to add richness and flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness, then serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its best.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Steaming the broccoli preserves its bright color and nutrients better than boiling for a long time.
- You can use low-fat heavy cream for a lighter version, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Grated Parmesan cheese adds umami flavor; freshly grated is preferable to pre-grated for best taste and melting quality.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated and gently reheated, but may thicken and need thinning with a little milk or broth.
