Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are the kind of meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent at the same time. Imagine juicy, spice-rubbed chicken grilled to perfection, nestled next to vibrant broccoli and fluffy rice, all brought together with a luscious, garlicky Parmesan sauce that you’ll want to drizzle over everything. This dish is a weeknight hero—quick to assemble, packed with protein and veggies, and utterly satisfying. It’s a recipe that brings comfort and joy to the table without any fuss, making it a regular star in my own kitchen.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce has a purpose. From the robustly seasoned chicken to the velvety sauce and the crisp-tender broccoli, each ingredient plays a role in making this dish balanced and crave-worthy.

Chicken breasts: Lean and protein-packed, they’re the star of the bowl and soak up the seasoning beautifully.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the spices adhere to the chicken while keeping it juicy on the grill.
Paprika: Brings subtle smokiness and a gorgeous color to the chicken.
Italian seasoning: Lends a fragrant, herby note that brightens the dish.
Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with savory depth before you even get to the sauce.
Salt: Essential for drawing out flavors in both the chicken and the sauce.
Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and balance to the seasoning blend.
Broccoli florets: Bring vibrant color, crunch, and nutrients, making the bowls both hearty and fresh.
Cooked rice or quinoa: The perfect base for soaking up all the delicious sauce and juices.
Water: Just a splash is needed to steam the broccoli to crisp-tender perfection.
Butter: The foundation of the creamy garlic sauce, lending richness and flavor.
Garlic: The star of the sauce, it perfumes everything with its unmistakable aroma.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to that irresistible, creamy consistency.
Milk: Makes the sauce silky and smooth, binding all the flavors together.
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce even more.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little kick in their creamy garlic sauce.
Lemon juice: A squeeze at the end brightens the whole sauce, making every bite pop.

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

Step 1: Season and Grill the Chicken

Start by rubbing your chicken breasts with olive oil, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This quick marinade not only enhances flavor but also helps lock in moisture while the chicken grills. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s done when the juices run clear and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Don’t skip the five-minute rest after grilling—this keeps the chicken juicy when you slice it for your bowls.

Step 2: Steam the Broccoli

While your chicken is grilling, get your broccoli florets ready. Add them to a pot with just two tablespoons of water, cover, and steam over medium heat for about 4 to 5 minutes. The goal is tender-crisp broccoli with a vibrant green color—just enough to retain their bite and freshness, which contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until it’s fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk vigorously to form a smooth paste—this step ensures your sauce is lump-free. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens to a silky consistency. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a hint of heat. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten everything up. This sauce is what takes these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce to the next level!

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Divide your cooked rice or quinoa among four bowls, then top each with sliced grilled chicken and steamed broccoli. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce, making sure every component gets coated. The combination of textures and flavors—tender chicken, crisp broccoli, fluffy grains, and that dreamy sauce—makes every bite a little celebration.

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

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can transform your bowls from simple to stunning. Try a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness. Extra grated Parmesan is always welcome, and if you like a little more heat, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes on top is delicious. A wedge of lemon on the side lets everyone add a bright finish just before digging in.

Side Dishes

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are truly a meal-in-a-bowl, but they pair beautifully with sides like a crisp green salad, roasted carrots, or even some crusty bread to mop up any extra sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, a light cucumber salad adds crunch and contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the bowls family-style with all the components in separate dishes, letting everyone build their own. Or, layer the ingredients in clear glass bowls for a colorful, layered look. You could even assemble everything in meal prep containers for grab-and-go lunches that make everyone in the office jealous!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully! Store your chicken, broccoli, and rice or quinoa in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the creamy garlic sauce separate if possible, so you can reheat it gently and drizzle it fresh over your bowls.

Freezing

While the chicken, broccoli, and grains freeze well for up to 2 months, the creamy garlic sauce is best enjoyed fresh, as dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate when thawed. If you do freeze the sauce, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly, whisking constantly to bring it back together.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken, broccoli, and rice or quinoa in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Warm the creamy garlic sauce separately over low heat, whisking frequently. Add a splash of milk if it gets too thick. Then assemble your bowls and enjoy like they’re freshly made!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a delicious, juicy alternative and work perfectly in Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Just adjust the grilling time as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.

What can I substitute for Parmesan in the sauce?

If you need a swap, try Pecorino Romano or even shredded Asiago for a similar salty, nutty kick. For a dairy-free version, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor to the creamy garlic sauce.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the creamy garlic sauce can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently over low heat, whisking well, and add a splash of milk if it thickens up too much.

Is there a low-carb base I can use instead of rice or quinoa?

Absolutely! Cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini are both fantastic, low-carb bases that soak up the creamy garlic sauce and keep the bowls light and fresh.

How can I add more veggies to this dish?

Feel free to get creative—roasted carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even asparagus all make fantastic additions to Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Just roast or steam them and add to your bowl for extra color and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about a meal that’s as nourishing as it is comforting, and Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce really deliver. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try—you just might find yourself making it again and again!

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowl with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a wholesome and flavorful meal that combines juicy grilled chicken, tender steamed broccoli, and a rich, cheesy garlic sauce over a bed of rice or quinoa. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it packs a protein punch with balanced veggies and a comforting sauce that elevates every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken and Vegetables

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups broccoli florets
2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
2 tablespoons water

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Juice of 1/2 lemon

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Instructions

Prepare the Grill and Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts to season thoroughly.
Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the grill, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
Steam the Broccoli: While the chicken is grilling, bring a pot with 2 tablespoons of water to a simmer. Add broccoli florets, cover, and steam until the broccoli is tender but still crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain any excess water.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in the flour to form a paste and cook for another minute. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly, bringing the sauce to a smooth, thick consistency. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and lemon juice. Mix well and remove from heat.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice or quinoa equally among four bowls. Slice the rested grilled chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the grains. Add steamed broccoli alongside. Generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken and broccoli.
Serve Immediately: Serve the bowls warm for a satisfying and balanced meal packed with protein, veggies, and rich flavor.

Notes

You can substitute brown rice or farro instead of white rice for added fiber and nuttier flavor.
Roasted carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be added to increase veggie variety.
The creamy garlic sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; simply reheat gently before serving.
Adjust red pepper flakes quantity or omit for less heat.
Use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free and higher-protein option.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling, Stovetop
Cuisine: American