Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
This Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe offers a wholesome, flavorful meal perfect for quick dinners or satisfying lunches. Featuring smoky grilled chicken, tender roasted broccoli, and fluffy grains topped with a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce, it provides a balanced dish loaded with lean protein, veggies, and grains, customizable to your taste and ideal for meal prep.
- Author: Ruby
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling, Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Optional: Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Grains
- 1 cup cooked grains (rice, quinoa, couscous, etc.)
Sauce Ingredients
- 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
- Grill the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and optional spices if desired. Grill over medium-high heat, flipping once, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F, about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Roast the Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets in 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 browned on the edges.
- Cook the Grains: Prepare your choice of grains such as rice, quinoa, or couscous according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, start with a base of cooked grains. Slice the grilled chicken and arrange on top with the roasted broccoli. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce and garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
- Grain-Free Option: Use cauliflower rice or a bed of salad greens instead of grains.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream and butter for plant-based alternatives such as coconut cream and vegan butter.
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce for heat.
- Make-Ahead: All components can be prepared in advance and assembled just before eating for easy meal prep.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat by microwaving or gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 375 grams)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Grilled chicken, broccoli bowls, creamy garlic sauce, healthy dinner, quick meal, meal prep, roasted broccoli, lean protein, easy recipe