If you are searching for a wholesome, comforting, and flavorful dish, you will fall in love with this Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe. It combines perfectly grilled, juicy chicken breasts with tender, vibrant broccoli, all brought together by a luscious, velvety garlic cream sauce. This bowl is not only a feast for your taste buds but also offers a wonderful balance of protein, veggies, and rich flavors that feel indulgent yet nourishing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish right is all about simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role – adding layers of flavor, texture, and color that make every bite exciting and satisfying.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, perfect for grilling and absorbing marinades.
- Fresh broccoli florets: Adds crunch, vibrant green color, and a healthy veggie boost.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Essential for that bold, fragrant garlic flavor in the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky base for the creamy garlic sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and richness to the sauce.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Used for marinating and sautéing to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Salt: Brings out the natural flavors in all ingredients.
- Pepper: Adds a subtle kick of warmth and balance.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses the chicken with an herby aroma.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken breasts evenly with this mixture to ensure each bite bursts with flavor. Letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes allows the seasonings to penetrate deeply, making your grilled chicken far more tender and tasty.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
While the chicken is soaking up the marinade, steam the fresh broccoli florets until they are just tender but still hold their bright green, fresh color. This careful timing keeps the broccoli crisp-tender and packed with nutrients and flavor, ready to provide a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This step is key to achieving those delicious grill marks and that charred flavor that adds depth to the dish. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes afterward, which helps keep it juicy when sliced.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Next, add a small drizzle of olive oil to a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, which should take about a minute – be careful not to burn it! Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to come to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, mixing until the cheese melts and the sauce slightly thickens into a silky texture that will coat your ingredients beautifully.
Step 5: Assemble Your Bowl
Arrange sliced grilled chicken and steamed broccoli in your bowl. For extra heartiness, add a base of cooked rice or quinoa if you like. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce, making sure every bite gets a hit of that rich, garlicky goodness.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Top your bowl with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese for a bright, fresh finish. Serve your Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe warm, and prepare for a cozy, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or a few red pepper flakes can bring a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor that elevates the dish visually and taste-wise. A light squeeze of lemon juice also brightens the richness of the creamy garlic sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bowl works wonderfully as a complete meal, but you can also serve it alongside crusty garlic bread, a light mixed green salad, or roasted baby potatoes to round out the meal with some fun, complementary textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe in mason jars for a portable meal or layered parfait style. Alternatively, make it a family-style dish by plating all the components separately for everyone to build their own bowls. This casual presentation makes it even more inviting and interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining grilled chicken, broccoli, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce separate prevents the broccoli from becoming soggy and helps retain the fresh grilled texture of the chicken when reheated.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, freeze the grilled chicken and broccoli without the sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags. The sauce can be frozen separately. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain the integrity of each component.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and broccoli in a microwave-safe dish or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Gently warm the creamy garlic sauce on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to keep it smooth, then combine everything just before serving to maintain the best flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if fresh is not available. Just be sure to steam it properly to avoid excess water, which can dilute the creamy garlic sauce’s flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk can work, but the sauce may be less thick. Alternatively, mixing cream cheese into milk can also create a creamy texture.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the juices run clear and there is no pink inside when you slice into the thickest part.
Can I make the creamy garlic sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just warm it gently before serving and stir well to restore its smooth consistency.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious choice for anyone avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
Making the Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is like giving yourself a gift of deliciousness and wholesome goodness all in one bowl. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress friends or family. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your home, guaranteed to satisfy your cravings time and time again.
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Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delicious and healthy Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls served with a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. This recipe features tender grilled chicken breasts marinated in Italian seasoning, paired with steamed broccoli, and topped with a luscious homemade creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for a balanced and flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Veggies
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped parsley
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and let them sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Steam the Broccoli: While the chicken marinates, steam 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets until they are tender yet still vibrant green, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, set them aside.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and allow the chicken to rest a few minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste, continuing to stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, layer sliced grilled chicken and steamed broccoli. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce. For a complete meal, add cooked rice or quinoa if desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling chopped parsley or more Parmesan cheese on top if you like. Serve warm and enjoy your nutritious and tasty grilled chicken broccoli bowls.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer than 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) will enhance the flavor.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce variation.
- Steaming broccoli preserves nutrients and ensures it stays bright and crisp.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F.
- Adding cooked quinoa or rice makes this dish heartier and suitable for meal prep.
- Leftover creamy garlic sauce can be refrigerated and used within 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
