Name: Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cups broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup cooked grains (rice, quinoa, etc.); 1/2 cup heavy cream; Salt and black pepper to taste; Optional: Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

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If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare, you’ve come to the right place! Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are one of my all-time favorites. This dish is not only flavorful but also packed with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights or even a cozy family gathering, these bowls bring comfort and nutrition to your table. It’s amazing how something so simple can make your taste buds dance!

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it with your favorite grains and veggies, making it a go-to for meal prep or last-minute dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, these bowls are ready in no time!
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch ahead of time for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Customizable Flavors: Use any grains or veggies you love to make this dish truly yours.
Satisfying Taste: The creamy garlic sauce adds a rich flavor that ties everything together beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delightful bowls! Each component plays a vital role in making this recipe shine.

For the Chicken and Broccoli

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter

For Serving

1 cup cooked grains (rice, quinoa, couscous, etc.)
Optional: Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand or what you prefer.

Swap the protein: Use grilled shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
Add more veggies: Incorporate bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
Change the grains: Try farro, barley, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Make it spicy: Add some red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce if you like a bit of heat!

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

Step 1: Grill the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other spices you enjoy. Grilling them over medium-high heat gives them that amazing charred flavor while keeping them juicy. Flip once during cooking until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This step ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked!

Step 2: Roast the Broccoli

While your chicken is grilling, toss those vibrant broccoli florets with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Roasting at 400°F for 15–20 minutes brings out their natural sweetness while keeping them crisp-tender. The roasting process enhances their flavor beautifully!

Step 3: Cook the Grains

Prepare your choice of grains according to package instructions. Fluff them up with a fork and keep them warm; they will be the perfect base for your bowl!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter before adding minced garlic. Sautéing until fragrant releases all those lovely garlicky aromas! Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper—let it simmer until thickened. This sauce will provide that luscious creaminess everyone will love.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Now comes the fun part! In serving bowls, layer your cooked grains first, then add slices of grilled chicken and roasted broccoli on top. Drizzle generously with that creamy garlic sauce and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Take a moment to admire your creation before digging in—it’s sure to impress!

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Creating delicious and healthy Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce is easier than you think! Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

Marinate for Flavor: Let the chicken sit in olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite spices for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. This prevents overcooking and keeps the chicken juicy.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: When roasting broccoli, make sure to spread it out on the baking sheet. This allows for proper air circulation and ensures that each piece gets beautifully roasted without steaming.
Substitute with Veggies You Love: Feel free to swap out broccoli for other seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or asparagus. This keeps the dish fresh and exciting while catering to your personal taste.
Make Extra Sauce: If you love garlic sauce as much as I do, consider doubling the recipe. The leftover sauce is fantastic drizzled over salads or used as a dip!

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

Presentation can elevate any meal, making it even more appetizing. Here are some ideas on how to serve your Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls beautifully.

Garnishes

Fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Lemon wedges: Serve alongside lemon wedges so guests can squeeze extra citrus over their bowls for added brightness.

Side Dishes

Simple Green Salad: A light green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette pairs perfectly, adding freshness and crunch.
Garlic Bread: Slice up some crusty bread and toast with garlic butter for a comforting addition that complements the flavors of your main dish.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Seasoned sweet potato chunks roasted until caramelized offer a sweet contrast to the savory elements of the bowl.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar and herbs adds a cool element that balances the richness of the creamy sauce.

Now that you know how to make these bowls sing with flavor and presentation, it’s time to get cooking! Enjoy your delightful meal with family or friends, knowing you’ve crafted something both wholesome and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare components in advance and store them separately until you’re ready to enjoy a delicious meal throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

Store the grilled chicken, roasted broccoli, and grains in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Ensure everything is cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions, allow the components to cool completely.
Place each item (chicken, broccoli, grains) in separate freezer-safe bags or containers.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just label with the date!

Reheating

For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Reheat the chicken and broccoli in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Microwave grains for a quick reheating option. Add a splash of water and cover to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe!

Can I make Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute grilled chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian option while keeping the creamy garlic sauce.

How do I customize my Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls?

Feel free to swap out grains like quinoa or brown rice based on your preference. You can also add other veggies like bell peppers or spinach to enhance flavor and nutrition.

Can I use low-fat cream for the garlic sauce?

Yes! Using low-fat cream will still give you a creamy texture but with fewer calories. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may thicken differently.

What other herbs can I use for garnish?

Apart from parsley or chives, fresh basil or cilantro can also add a refreshing twist to your bowls.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce as much as I do! This recipe is not only flavorful but also easy to customize and perfect for keeping your meals healthy throughout the week. Your family will love it, and you’ll love how simple it is. Happy cooking!

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Main
Method: Grilling/Roasting
Cuisine: American

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Description

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce offer a delicious and nutritious meal ready in just 30 minutes. This versatile dish features tender, grilled chicken paired with vibrant roasted broccoli, all drizzled with a rich and creamy garlic sauce that elevates the flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, these bowls can be customized with your favorite grains and vegetables, making them a go-to for satisfying family dinners. Enjoy the balance of protein, fresh veggies, and a delightful sauce in every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cooked grains (rice, quinoa, etc.)
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

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Instructions

Grill the seasoned chicken breasts over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt; roast at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until crisp-tender.
Cook your choice of grains according to package instructions.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper; simmer until thickened.
Assemble bowls by layering grains, sliced grilled chicken, roasted broccoli, and drizzle with creamy garlic sauce.