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There is something irresistibly satisfying about these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce that makes them an instant favorite in my kitchen. Each bowl combines tender, perfectly grilled chicken and crisp-tender roasted broccoli over a bed of fluffy grains, all brought together by a rich, velvety garlic sauce that elevates every bite. This dish manages to be wholesome, comforting, and elegant at the same time—a true crowd-pleaser that feels just as special for a weekday dinner as it does for guests. Once you try it, I promise you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation, too!

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is the secret to turning simple food into a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Every element here plays a key role, from the juicy grilled chicken bringing protein and smokiness, to the broccoli adding vibrant color and a slight crunch, while the creamy garlic sauce ties everything together with comforting richness.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh, evenly sized breasts for uniform grilling and juicy results.
Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen works, but fresh will always add the best crunch and bright green color.
Cooked grains (rice, quinoa, couscous, etc.): These create the hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
Garlic cloves, minced: The star of the sauce, garlic infuses every bite with warmth and depth.
Heavy cream: Adds lusciousness to the sauce, making it silky and indulgent.
Butter: Essential for sautéing garlic and enriching the sauce’s flavor.
Olive oil: Used to season and cook the chicken and broccoli, lending a lovely fruitiness.
Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that bring all the flavors into balance.
Lemon juice: A splash adds brightness and lifts the roasted broccoli perfectly.
Optional fresh parsley or chives: Fresh herbs add a pop of color and fresh aroma as a garnish.

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 spices you love. Grilling adds a smoky char that brings out incredible flavor and locks in the juices. Cook over medium-high heat and flip only once to get those beautiful grill marks. When the internal temperature reaches 165°F, your chicken is perfectly cooked and ready to slice.

Step 2: Roast the Broccoli

While the chicken is grilling, toss your broccoli florets with olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Roast in a hot 400°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until the broccoli is crisp on the edges yet tender inside. Roasting concentrates its natural sweetness and adds an irresistible caramelized note that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Grains

Choose your favorite grain—whether it’s rice, quinoa, or couscous—and cook it according to package instructions. Fluff it gently with a fork once done to keep it light and airy. This simple base is what brings the whole bowl together, soaking up the garlic sauce and balancing the textures.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

This sauce is what truly makes these bowls unforgettable. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add your minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer gently until it thickens to a luscious consistency. This creamy garlic sauce will drip and coat every ingredient beautifully, adding warmth and richness.

Step 5: Assemble the Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Arrange the grains as the foundation in your serving bowls, followed by sliced grilled chicken and the roasted broccoli. Generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce all over. To finish, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for color and an herbaceous lift. Each bowl is a satisfying meal that looks as gorgeous as it tastes!

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

Garnishes

Adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives not only makes the dish pop visually but also introduces a fresh finish that cuts through the richness of the garlic sauce. For an extra touch, a light sprinkle of lemon zest brightens the flavors spectacularly.

Side Dishes

This dish stands beautifully on its own but pairs excellently with something light and crisp, like a simple green salad or a refreshing cucumber tzatziki. For those wanting more indulgence, garlic bread or a warm, crusty loaf is a great choice to mop up every last drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering these bowls in glass jars for meal prep or a picnic—it looks stunning and keeps flavors fresh. You can also swap out the grains for cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. Get creative with your veggies, too, by adding roasted bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture variety in your Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers of this delightful bowl, store the chicken, grains, and broccoli in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the creamy garlic sauce in a separate jar to preserve its texture and freshness. Properly stored, everything stays delicious for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the grilled chicken and roasted broccoli, but the creamy sauce is best fresh. Freeze the solids without the sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding the sauce fresh for maximum flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken, grains, and broccoli gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Warm the creamy garlic sauce separately on low heat, stirring frequently to maintain its velvety texture. Then assemble again for a quick, satisfying meal any day of the week.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?

Absolutely! While broccoli is the classic choice here, you can easily substitute with asparagus, green beans, or even roasted Brussels sprouts to suit your tastes and seasonal availability.

Is there a way to make the creamy garlic sauce dairy-free?

Yes, swap the heavy cream and butter for coconut cream and a non-dairy butter substitute. Just be mindful that the flavor and texture will be slightly different, but still delicious in its own way.

How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?

The safest bet is an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part to ensure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.

Can this dish be made vegetarian or vegan?

For a vegetarian or vegan twist, replace grilled chicken with marinated tofu or tempeh, and use plant-based cream and butter alternatives for the sauce. Roasted vegetables and grains will still shine beautifully alongside these swaps.

What grains work best in these bowls?

Your choice depends on preference! Rice provides a familiar base, quinoa adds a nutty crunch, and couscous gives a fluffy texture. Each complements the dish differently, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite pairing.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce soon because they truly bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance to mealtime. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a big, delicious hug in every bite and is surprisingly simple to make. So fire up your grill, roast some broccoli, and get ready for a bowl that’s as joyful to prepare as it is to eat!

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Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 13 reviews

Author: Sarah
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Low Carb

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful and wholesome grilled chicken and broccoli bowl served with fluffy grains and a rich, creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal that combines tender grilled chicken, roasted broccoli, and a luscious sauce to bring all the flavors together.

Instructions

Grill the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional spices. Grill over medium-high heat, flipping once, until cooked through and lightly charred, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (approximately 6-7 minutes per side).
Roast the Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until crisp-tender and slightly caramelized.
Cook the Grains: Prepare grains according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and keep warm until serving.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned (about 1-2 minutes). Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, then simmer gently until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency, about 5 minutes.
Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, layer the cooked grains first, then sliced grilled chicken breasts, followed by the roasted broccoli. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce and garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

You can use any cooked grains you prefer such as rice, quinoa, or couscous.
To add extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before grilling.
Ensure the garlic doesn’t burn when making the sauce to keep it from becoming bitter.
For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, but the texture will differ.
Garnishing with fresh herbs brightens the dish and adds color.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling, Roasting, Sautéing
Cuisine: American