GARLIC CHICKEN BROCCOLI BOWLS – easymealstoprep

I vividly remember the first time I made a version of this dish. It was a weeknight, I was short on time, and I desperately needed something healthy and satisfying. I threw some chicken and broccoli on the grill, whipped up a quick sauce, and the result was surprisingly delicious. That’s how the idea for these Creamy Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Garlic Sauce was born. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most flavorful, easy-to-make, and utterly crave-worthy Creamy Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Garlic Sauce you’ll ever make!

Life gets busy, and sometimes the thought of cooking a healthy, delicious meal feels overwhelming. But what if I told you that you could have a restaurant-quality dinner on the table in under 30 minutes? That’s exactly what these Creamy Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Garlic Sauce are all about! They’re packed with protein, bursting with flavor, and incredibly easy to customize to your liking. Get ready to make this your new go-to weeknight meal!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love These Bowls

Okay, let’s be real – we all want food that tastes amazing, but we also need it to be convenient and good for us, right? These bowls tick all the boxes. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:

• Quick and Easy: From prep to plate, this recipe comes together in a flash. Perfect for busy weeknights when you’re short on time.
• Packed with Flavor: The grilled chicken and broccoli get a serious flavor boost from the creamy garlic sauce. Trust me, every bite is an explosion of deliciousness.
• Healthy and Nutritious: This is a balanced meal with lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and healthy fats. Feel good about what you’re eating!
• Customizable: Want to add more veggies? Swap out the chicken for shrimp? Go for it! This recipe is totally adaptable to your preferences.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Even the pickiest eaters will love these bowls. They’re seriously addictive!

The Star Ingredients

Let’s break down the key ingredients that make these Creamy Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Garlic Sauce so incredibly delicious:

• Chicken Breast: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy grilling. They’re a great source of lean protein and cook quickly.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli florets provide a wonderful texture and a boost of vitamins and minerals. You can also use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have on hand.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for the creamy garlic sauce. Don’t skimp on it!
• Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce so rich and decadent. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option, but the texture won’t be quite as creamy.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, savory flavor to the sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best results.
• Lemon Juice: A touch of lemon juice brightens the sauce and balances the richness.
• Olive Oil: Used for grilling the chicken and broccoli and sautéing the garlic.
• Spices: A simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder enhances the flavor of the chicken and broccoli.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make these amazing bowls? Follow these simple steps, and I promise you’ll be blown away by the results!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly and quickly on the grill.
2. In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. The aroma is already tantalizing!
3. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become more tender.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken and Broccoli

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or even a skillet on the stovetop.
2. While the grill is heating, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside. You’re looking for a nice char on the outside.
4. Grill the broccoli for 3-5 minutes, or until it’s tender-crisp and slightly charred. The slight char adds a wonderful smoky flavor.
5. Remove the chicken and broccoli from the grill and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. The smell of melting butter is pure comfort.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it will become bitter.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. The cheese will melt into the cream, creating a rich and velvety sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed to your liking.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

1. Divide cooked rice (or your favorite grain) between bowls. I love using brown rice or quinoa for extra nutrients.
2. Top with the grilled chicken and broccoli.
3. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce. Don’t be shy!
4. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Golden Success Tips

Want to make sure your Creamy Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Garlic Sauce are absolutely perfect every time? Here are my top tips for success:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Char the Broccoli: Don’t be afraid to let the broccoli get a little charred on the grill. It adds a wonderful smoky flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic is key to the flavor of the sauce. Avoid using pre-minced garlic, as it doesn’t have the same intensity of flavor.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice in the sauce to suit your taste preferences.
• Make it Ahead: You can prep the chicken and broccoli ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Then, simply grill them when you’re ready to assemble the bowls. The sauce can also be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so versatile! Here are a few ideas for variations and substitutions:

• Protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp, steak, tofu, or chickpeas.
• Vegetables: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, onions, or mushrooms to the grill.
• Grains: Use quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice instead of rice.
• Sauce: Try using a different sauce, like a teriyaki sauce, a peanut sauce, or even a simple lemon-herb vinaigrette.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.

Serving Suggestions

These Creamy Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Garlic Sauce are a complete meal on their own, but here are a few ideas for serving them:

• Serve with a side salad for a light and refreshing meal.
• Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.
• Serve with a crusty bread for dipping into the creamy garlic sauce.
• Make it a meal prep: pack individual portions in containers for easy lunches throughout the week.

Other Delicious Recipes to Explore

If you’re looking for more easy and delicious recipes like this one, be sure to check out these other favorites:

Craving more garlic chicken? Then you need to try my Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Creamy Pasta! It’s a super simple and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The tender chicken bites, coated in garlic butter, combined with the creamy pasta are simply irresistible.

Or maybe you want another take on chicken and garlic sauce? The Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Sauce is a fantastic option. This dish features crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken breasts smothered in a luscious garlic sauce. It’s elegant enough for a special occasion but easy enough for a weeknight meal.

If you love the bowl concept, you should also give my Chicken & Rice Bowls a try. These bowls feature tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy garlic sauce that will make your taste buds sing. They’re a quick and easy way to get a healthy and satisfying meal on the table.

For a summery twist, check out my Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini & Corn. This dish is bursting with fresh, seasonal flavors. The chicken is cooked in a savory garlic butter sauce and served with tender zucchini and sweet corn. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the bounty of summer.

If you’re a fan of pasta dishes, you’ll love my Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne. This is a classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and broccoli florets combine to create a symphony of flavors.

And finally, don’t miss out on my Chicken and Zucchini Pasta. This dish is light, fresh, and flavorful. The tender chicken and zucchini are tossed with pasta and a light sauce. It’s a perfect meal for a warm summer evening.

Final Thoughts

These Creamy Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Garlic Sauce are a game-changer! They’re quick, easy, healthy, and incredibly delicious. I know you’re going to love them as much as I do. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy a truly amazing meal! Trust me, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.