Name: Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 cups broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt, to taste; 1 cup cooked grains (rice, quinoa, couscous, etc.); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons butter; ½ cup heavy cream; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty meal that brings bright flavors and comfort together in one bowl, Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are absolutely where it’s at. This dish is one of those weeknight saviors that looks impressive but is genuinely fuss-free. The juicy grilled chicken, caramelized broccoli, and a dreamy garlic sauce draped over tender grains come together for a dinner that’s both satisfying and wholesome. It’s a real crowd-pleaser and endlessly customizable, so you can make it your own — all anchored by that luscious, creamy sauce!

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of approachable ingredients can transform into something memorable. Each element of these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce brings something special; the chicken provides hearty flavor, the broccoli adds vibrancy and crunch, and the creamy garlic sauce ties everything together. Here’s what you’ll need — and why it matters:

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is perfect for grilling and stays juicy when cooked just right.
Broccoli florets: Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and lends a lovely nutty flavor.
Cooked grains: Rice, quinoa, or couscous provide a tender bed for all the toppings and soak up the sauce beautifully.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for that punchy, aromatic flavor in the sauce.
Heavy cream: Makes the garlic sauce rich, silky, and totally crave-worthy.
Butter: Adds a slight nuttiness and rounds out the creaminess of the sauce.
Olive oil: For both marinating and roasting, it lets flavors shine and adds a hint of fruitiness.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the best flavors from the chicken and sauce.
Lemon juice: A splash brightens the broccoli and gives the whole bowl a fresh lift.
Fresh parsley or chives (optional): Perfect for garnishing and adding a pop of green freshness at the end.

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

Step 1: Grill the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, then rub them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any favorite spices you might want to add. Fire up your grill to medium-high heat. Lay the chicken on and let it sizzle, flipping once halfway until you have those lovely grill marks and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Let the chicken rest so it stays extra juicy before slicing.

Step 2: Roast the Broccoli

Toss your broccoli florets with a generous drizzle of olive oil, a spritz of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast in a 400°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are crisp and just a little caramelized — the roasty bits are absolute gold in these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce!

Step 3: Cook the Grains

While the broccoli roasts, get your grains going. Whether you choose rice, quinoa, or couscous, just follow the package instructions. Fluff them with a fork so they’re light and tender, then keep them warm — they’ll make the perfect pillow for your toppings.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then add the minced garlic and let it gently sizzle until it smells deliciously fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, season with a little salt and pepper, and simmer until the sauce is luxuriously thickened. Taste and adjust the seasonings; this sauce makes the bowl feel totally special!

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Time for the fun part! Pile the fluffy grains into your serving bowls, then layer on the sliced grilled chicken and the caramelized broccoli. Generously drizzle the Creamy Garlic Sauce over everything and finish with a sprinkle of your chosen herbs for a fresh, restaurant-chic look. Dinner just leveled up.

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

Garnishes

To make your Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce look as amazing as they taste, scatter chopped fresh parsley or chives right before serving. A wedge of lemon on the side also adds a zesty touch. For even more flavor, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Side Dishes

These bowls are nearly a meal in themselves, but if you want something extra, consider serving with warm pita bread, a crisp cucumber salad, or even roasted sweet potatoes. Each of these options complements the creamy sauce and balances the savory chicken and broccoli perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation makes any meal more fun! Serve the ingredients family-style so everyone can build their own bowl, or layer everything in a big platter for a party centerpiece. You can also turn these into fun wraps by rolling the fillings up in large tortillas — Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce wraps are the best kind of leftovers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce tasting fresh, store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. Keep the grains, chicken, broccoli, and sauce in separate containers if possible, and they’ll stay delicious for about 3 days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, the cooked chicken and grains freeze well for up to 2 months. Cool completely before sealing. The broccoli and creamy sauce are better enjoyed fresh, as their textures can change a bit after thawing, but they will still work if you’re prepping meals in advance.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, warm the grains and chicken separately, either on the stovetop or in the microwave. Gently reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, whisking to restore its creamy texture. Layer everything together again and finish with fresh herbs for that just-cooked feel.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy free?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream and use vegan butter for the sauce. You’ll still get that luscious, creamy result for your Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative. They’re extra juicy and flavorful when grilled. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs might take a bit longer, and always check they’re cooked through.

What other vegetables can I add?

This recipe is endlessly flexible! Try adding roasted bell peppers, zucchini, snap peas, or even baby spinach for more color and nutrition in your Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce.

How do I get the creamiest sauce?

Be patient and let the sauce simmer slowly, stirring often. If you prefer a thicker texture, let it reduce a little longer, or add a touch more cream. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper to get it just right.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Definitely! Make all the components ahead and keep them in separate containers. Assemble your Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce when you’re ready to eat, and you’ve got a speedy, homemade meal whenever you need it.

Final Thoughts

There’s really nothing better than a meal that ticks all the boxes for ease, comfort, and flavor. I can’t recommend Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce enough for busy nights or when you want to treat yourself and your family to something wholesome and seriously tasty. Give it a try — I have a feeling it’ll become one of your favorites, too!