If you’re craving a meal that’s healthy, satisfying, and full of flavor, these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are calling your name! Imagine tender grilled chicken paired with perfectly cooked broccoli, all drizzled with a dreamy, garlicky sauce that’s rich and creamy. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again – it’s the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and fresh. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for when you want to treat yourself (or someone else) to something special.
Why You’ll Love Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
This recipe isn’t just about putting together a meal; it’s about making something that truly satisfies your taste buds and nourishes your body. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: You can easily swap out the chicken for another protein like tofu, shrimp, or even beef. Plus, the creamy garlic sauce works with almost any veggie, so feel free to mix it up!
Budget-Friendly: This dish is made with simple, everyday ingredients like chicken, broccoli, and pantry staples – it’s a flavor-packed meal without the high price tag.
Quick and Easy: The grill does most of the work for you! The creamy garlic sauce comes together in minutes, making this a perfect weeknight dinner option.
Customizable: Want to add a little extra spice? Throw in some red pepper flakes. Prefer a tangy twist? Add a splash of lemon juice to the sauce.
Crowd-Pleasing: Healthy, delicious, and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, this dish is always a hit.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to create this delicious bowl of goodness:
Chicken Breasts: Lean and juicy, chicken breasts are a perfect protein choice for this dish. Grilled to perfection, they add a deliciously savory flavor.
Broccoli: Steamed or blanched, this veggie brings in all the nutrients and balances the richness of the creamy sauce.
Olive Oil: For grilling the chicken and keeping it tender and juicy. Plus, it adds a little flavor and helps everything cook up perfectly.
Garlic: This is the star of the creamy garlic sauce. Fresh garlic provides that bold, aromatic flavor that’s absolutely irresistible.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce ultra-creamy and rich. It balances the garlic perfectly and creates a velvety texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a touch of umami and helps thicken the sauce. It also melts beautifully, making the sauce extra indulgent.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Grill: Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets those lovely grill marks.
Grill the Chicken: Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Steam the Broccoli: While the chicken is grilling, steam or blanch the broccoli for about 3-5 minutes, until it’s tender but still vibrant and green. Drain and set aside.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a saucepan, sauté minced garlic in a little olive oil over medium heat until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Assemble the Bowls: Slice the grilled chicken and place it in your bowl. Add a generous serving of broccoli, then drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes for an added kick.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls hot and enjoy all the creamy, garlicky goodness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 400
(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
These bowls are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and drinks:
- Serve with a side of quinoa or rice to make it even more filling.
- Pair with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the richness of the sauce.
- A simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would add some freshness to balance the creamy dish.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a grill pan or in the oven.
- Feel free to add some extra veggies to the bowls – roasted carrots or sautéed spinach would be great options!
FAQ’s
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative. They’re juicy and flavorful, and they work well with the creamy garlic sauce. - Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the creamy garlic sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving. - Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the bowls. - How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well. Gouda, mozzarella, or even cheddar would work well. - Can I grill the chicken without oil?
While oil helps keep the chicken juicy, you can grill it without oil. Just be sure to monitor it closely to prevent it from drying out. - What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter version. - How do I store leftovers?
Store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. - Can I add more veggies to the bowls?
Yes, feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. - How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use coconut cream or a non-dairy cream substitute and dairy-free cheese in place of the Parmesan.
Conclusion
Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and so satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself to something special, these bowls are sure to become a favorite. So grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy this creamy, garlicky delight!
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Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a healthy and flavorful meal, featuring tender grilled chicken and steamed broccoli, all topped with a rich, creamy garlic sauce that brings the dish together.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water (to thin the sauce)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and set aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, and water. Stir until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
- Divide the steamed broccoli into bowls and top with sliced grilled chicken.
- Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken and broccoli, then garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve and enjoy your flavorful and healthy meal!
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before grilling.
- This dish pairs well with quinoa or brown rice if you want to add a carbohydrate component.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg