Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls

This grilled chicken and broccoli bowl with creamy garlic sauce combines protein, vegetables, and grains into a complete meal that's both satisfying and nutritionally balanced. The rich garlic sauce ties everything together, creating a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home.

I created this recipe when trying to replicate my favorite restaurant bowl at home, and now my family requests it at least twice a month. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly roasted broccoli, and that creamy garlic sauce creates pure comfort food that doesn't leave you feeling heavy.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: provide lean protein and take on marinade flavors beautifully
• Broccoli florets: add nutrition and a satisfying texture when roasted until crisp-tender
• Cooked grains: form the hearty base choose rice, quinoa, or couscous based on preference
• Fresh garlic cloves: deliver bold flavor essential for an authentic garlic sauce
• Heavy cream: creates the luxurious texture in the sauce look for higher fat content for best results
• Butter: adds richness and helps build the garlic sauce foundation
• Olive oil: helps achieve perfect browning on both chicken and broccoli
• Fresh lemon juice: brightens all the flavors and cuts through the richness
• Fresh herbs: for garnish add color and a final burst of flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Season chicken breasts generously with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The exterior should have nice grill marks while keeping the interior juicy. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Roast the Broccoli:

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss broccoli florets with a tablespoon of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a generous pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet without overcrowding. Roast for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until edges begin to caramelize and florets are tender when pierced with a fork.

Prepare the Grains:

Cook your chosen grain according to package instructions. For added flavor, consider using broth instead of water. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and keep covered to stay warm until assembly time.

Create the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and allow to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but remain pourable.

Assemble Your Bowls:

Start with a base of warm grains in each bowl. Arrange sliced grilled chicken and roasted broccoli on top. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and an extra crack of black pepper if desired.

The garlic sauce is truly the star of this recipe. I discovered the perfect technique for it when cooking with my grandmother, who taught me to never rush the garlic. Those extra 30 seconds of gently cooking the garlic in butter before adding cream makes all the difference in developing that rich, aromatic flavor without any bitterness.

Meal Prep Magic

This bowl is ideal for meal preparation. Cook all components on Sunday, store them separately in airtight containers, and assemble fresh bowls throughout the week. The chicken stays good for 3-4 days, while the broccoli maintains its texture for about 2 days. For the sauce, reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave at 50% power, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore its creamy consistency.

Adaptations For Dietary Needs

This recipe easily adapts to various dietary requirements without sacrificing flavor. For grain-free options, cauliflower rice makes an excellent base when sautéed with a bit of olive oil and garlic. Dairy-free eaters can create a creamy sauce using cashew cream or coconut milk thickened with a bit of arrowroot powder. Vegetarians will enjoy substituting the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese, marinated tempeh, or hearty portobello mushrooms.

Flavor Variations

The basic recipe serves as a perfect canvas for endless flavor profiles. For Mediterranean flair, add sundried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese to the finished bowls. Asian-inspired bowls work beautifully with a sauce including ginger, coconut milk, and a touch of curry paste. Mexican variations can include avocado, black beans, and a sprinkle of cumin in the chicken seasoning. The versatility makes this a recipe you can enjoy weekly without repetition.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare components of this meal in advance?

Yes! All components can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator. Grill the chicken, roast the broccoli, cook the grains, and make the sauce up to 3 days in advance. When ready to eat, reheat each component separately and assemble your bowl.

→ What grains work best for these bowls?

You can use virtually any grain that suits your preference. Brown or white rice, quinoa, farro, couscous, or bulgur all work wonderfully. For a grain-free option, try cauliflower rice or serve over a bed of fresh greens.

→ How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make the creamy garlic sauce dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cooking cream. Replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. The sauce may be slightly thinner but will still be delicious.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute and often result in juicier meat. They typically require similar cooking times but may be more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

→ What other vegetables can I add to these bowls?

These bowls are very versatile. Try adding roasted bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms. You can roast additional vegetables alongside the broccoli, adjusting cooking times as needed. For a pop of color and freshness, add cherry tomatoes or avocado slices when serving.

→ How can I thicken the garlic sauce if it's too thin?

If your sauce is too thin, simmer it longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors. Alternatively, create a slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir this into the simmering sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency.