If you’re craving a wholesome, flavor-packed meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are exactly what you need. This dish balances tender grilled chicken, perfectly roasted broccoli, and hearty grains, all brought together by a luscious, silky garlic sauce that elevates every bite. Whether you’re feeding family or treating yourself after a busy day, this bowl offers comfort, nutrition, and that irresistible crave-worthy flavor combo.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making these bowls shine. Each component adds something special—whether it’s the juicy chicken, the fresh brightness of broccoli, or the indulgent garlic sauce that ties everything together.

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy grilling and slicing into perfect portions.
Broccoli florets: Fresh and crisp, roasting them brings out a delicious nuttiness and texture contrast.
Cooked grains: Choose your favorite like rice, quinoa, or couscous for a hearty base.
Garlic: Freshly minced to infuse the sauce with bold aromatic flavor.
Heavy cream: Creates that luxuriously smooth and creamy garlic sauce.
Butter: Used to sauté the garlic and add richness to the sauce.
Olive oil: Essential for grilling the chicken and roasting the broccoli with a subtle fruity flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.
Lemon juice: Adds just the right touch of brightness to the broccoli.
Fresh parsley or chives: Optional, but highly recommended for a fresh, green garnish.

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

Step 1: Grill the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper—feel free to add your favorite spices if you like a little extra kick. Grill them over medium-high heat until they develop a beautiful char and are cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. The juicy, smoky flavor from the grill will be the star of your bowl!

Step 2: Roast the Broccoli

Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Roast them on a baking sheet at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes until they’re crisp-tender with golden edges. This roasting step deepens their natural flavors and adds a lovely texture contrast to your bowl.

Step 3: Cook the Grains

While your chicken and broccoli cook, prepare your choice of grains following the package instructions. Whether it’s fluffy rice, fluffy couscous, or nutty quinoa, these grains provide a comforting and filling foundation for your grilled chicken and broccoli.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and gently sauté the minced garlic until fragrant—this step makes a huge difference in the sauce’s depth of flavor. Pour in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer until it thickens into a silky, irresistible sauce that will coat your ingredients wonderfully.

Step 5: Assemble the Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Now for the fun part! Layer the grains in your serving bowls, add the sliced grilled chicken, and arrange the roasted broccoli on top. Drizzle generously with your creamy garlic sauce, and sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. Your gorgeous, nutrient-packed bowls are ready to enjoy!

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

Garnishes

Adding garnishes is like giving your dish a little personality. Fresh parsley or chives are fantastic options—they add a vibrant color and fresh, herbal notes that brighten up the bowl and make every bite taste fresher.

Side Dishes

Though the bowls are perfectly balanced on their own, you can pair them with light sides like a crisp garden salad or a simple cucumber and tomato salad for added crunch and refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive presentation, serve your Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce in shallow bowls or wide mason jars. Layer the ingredients beautifully to showcase each component, and consider sprinkling toasted nuts or seeds on top for extra texture and flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover grilled chicken, broccoli, grains, and garlic sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and makes it easy to reassemble bowls later without sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked grilled chicken and roasted broccoli, but avoid freezing the creamy garlic sauce as dairy-based sauces can separate. Freeze the protein and veggies in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat grilled chicken and broccoli gently in the oven or microwave to retain their texture. Warm the creamy garlic sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent curdling, then drizzle over your reheated ingredients for a fresh, delicious meal.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?

Absolutely! Vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts work wonderfully. Just adjust roasting times based on the vegetable to ensure crisp tenderness.

Is there a non-dairy option for the creamy garlic sauce?

Yes! Swap heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute to keep that creamy texture while catering to dairy-free diets.

What grains work best in this bowl?

Rice, quinoa, or couscous all make fantastic bases. Pick whichever you enjoy most or have on hand, as each brings its own unique texture and flavor to the meal.

Can I grill the chicken indoors?

If you don’t have an outdoor grill, use a grill pan or a cast-iron skillet on the stove for delicious results with similar char and flavor.

How long does the creamy garlic sauce last in the fridge?

The sauce can be stored for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently to keep it creamy and smooth before serving again.

Final Thoughts

Trying out these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce will instantly upgrade your meal routine. They are satisfying, nourishing, and full of flavor, perfect for any day you want a simple yet impressive dish. Give this recipe a whirl and watch it quickly become a favorite you keep coming back to!

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 24 reviews

This Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowl features perfectly grilled chicken breasts paired with roasted broccoli and your choice of cooked grains, all drizzled with a rich and creamy garlic sauce. A wholesome, flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare and satisfying for lunch or dinner.

Author: rami
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling and Roasting
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Instructions

Grill the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any optional spices you like. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and place the chicken on the grill. Cook, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks, about 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Roast the Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until they are crisp-tender and slightly caramelized on the edges.
Cook the Grains: Prepare your choice of grains according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and keep them warm for serving.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, layer a base of cooked grains, top with sliced grilled chicken breasts and roasted broccoli florets. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

You can use any grain you prefer such as rice, quinoa, or couscous.
Adjust seasoning in the garlic sauce to your taste by adding more garlic or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a cream alternative.
Ensure chicken is cooked fully to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
Roasting broccoli enhances its flavor but you can also steam it if preferred.