The aroma of grilled chicken wafts through the air, mingling with the earthy scent of sautéed broccoli and the rich perfume of creamy garlic sauce. Imagine digging into a warm bowl filled with tender chicken, vibrant green florets, and that irresistible creamy drizzle—pure bliss in every bite.
I first whipped up these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce during a chaotic week when takeout felt like the only option. Little did I know that this dish would quickly become a family favorite—perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish combines ease of preparation with mouthwatering flavor to create a satisfying meal
- The vibrant colors and textures make it visually appealing on any table
- You can easily customize ingredients based on personal preferences or dietary needs
- It’s perfect for busy nights while offering a healthy balance of protein and veggies
I remember the first time I served these bowls; my kids actually fought over the last helping!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 breasts but adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Broccoli: Choose bright green florets that are firm and crisp for the best taste.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor and ensures everything cooks evenly.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential here—skip the powdered stuff for maximum flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Use full-fat cream for a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to your ingredients.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty depth—don’t even think about using the pre-grated stuff!
- Salt and Pepper: Simple yet crucial seasonings to enhance all the flavors in your dish.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens everything up—trust me on this one!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Chicken: Start by marinating your chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes. This helps infuse them with flavor.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each breast for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. You should see lovely grill marks!
Cook the Broccoli: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and blanch your broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. Drain them quickly to keep that vibrant color.
Create the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a pan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it’s thickened slightly—about 5 minutes—and it should smell heavenly!
Assemble Your Bowls: Slice your grilled chicken into strips and layer it atop a generous serving of broccoli in bowls. Drizzle your creamy garlic sauce generously over everything to make it extra indulgent.
These steps will not only create an amazing meal but also fill your kitchen with tantalizing aromas that will have everyone rushing to dinner!
Enjoy your culinary adventure as you savor each bite of these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce—your taste buds will thank you!
You Must Know
- Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are not just delicious; they also make meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Grill it while steaming the broccoli and preparing the sauce simultaneously to save time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out broccoli for asparagus or zucchini, and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the sauce for a tangy twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect grilled chicken, always let it rest after cooking
- This keeps it juicy and flavorful
- Use fresh garlic for the sauce; it’ll elevate your dish with its robust flavor
- Lastly, don’t overcook the broccoli; keeping it slightly crunchy adds texture!
Creating this dish reminds me of that summer barbecue when my uncle tried to impress everyone with his “famous” chicken recipe—needless to say, mine ended up stealing the show!
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli in Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls?
Yes, but fresh broccoli provides better texture and flavor in this recipe.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
What can I substitute for creamy garlic sauce?
You can try tahini dressing or a simple vinaigrette if you prefer a lighter option.
Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a delightful blend of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich sauce that makes for an easy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Olive oil
- Fresh garlic
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Marinate chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill marinated chicken on medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Blanch broccoli in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain immediately.
- In a pan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese; stir until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Slice grilled chicken and layer it over broccoli in bowls; drizzle generously with creamy garlic sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (350g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 53g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
