Name: Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

If you’re craving a healthy, delicious, and satisfying meal, then this Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowl with Creamy Garlic Sauce is just what you need. It’s the perfect combination of tender grilled chicken, nutrient-packed broccoli, and a rich and flavorful garlic sauce that ties everything together beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s easy to make, packed with protein and fiber, and tastes incredible. The grilled chicken is perfectly seasoned and grilled to a perfect crisp, while the broccoli adds a nice crunch and a burst of nutrition. The creamy garlic sauce is the real star here – it’s smooth, velvety, and full of flavor. Together, they make for a well-balanced meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – I can easily switch up the protein or add extra veggies depending on what I have on hand. It’s healthy, comforting, and I never get tired of making it.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups broccoli florets
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
While the chicken is grilling, steam the broccoli until tender, about 4-5 minutes. I like to keep the broccoli slightly crisp for added texture.
For the creamy garlic sauce, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the saucepan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Add the lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the chicken is cooked, slice it into thin strips.
To assemble, place the steamed broccoli in bowls, top with sliced chicken, and drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 2 people and takes approximately 30-35 minutes to prepare, including grilling time for the chicken and steaming the broccoli.

Variations

Protein options: I love using chicken for this recipe, but you can easily swap it out for grilled shrimp, steak, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Veggies: If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll add some roasted bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the bowl for more flavor and texture.
Spicy twist: If I want a little heat, I add red pepper flakes to the creamy garlic sauce or season the chicken with a bit of cayenne pepper.

Storage/Reheating

I usually store the leftover chicken and broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm everything in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat it in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. If the creamy garlic sauce has thickened too much, I’ll add a little splash of milk or cream to loosen it up.

FAQs

How do I make the chicken more flavorful?

To make the chicken more flavorful, I recommend marinating it in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will infuse the chicken with extra flavor.

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but I recommend steaming it according to the package instructions. Fresh broccoli will give you a better texture, but frozen works as well if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I make the creamy garlic sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the creamy garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the label on the Parmesan cheese and any other ingredients to make sure they don’t contain gluten.

Can I add carbs to this bowl?

Absolutely! If you want to make it a more filling meal, I like to add some cooked quinoa, brown rice, or even roasted sweet potatoes to the bowl for extra fiber and carbs.

Conclusion

This Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowl with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a delicious, nutritious, and versatile dish that I love making again and again. It’s perfect for meal prep, an easy weeknight dinner, or a healthy lunch. Whether I stick to the classic ingredients or switch things up with different proteins or veggies, I know this meal will always hit the spot. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!