Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

This grilled chicken and broccoli bowl is a weeknight hero that looks as good as it tastes. Tender, lightly charred chicken meets roasted green florets and a velvety garlic sauce over a bed of your favorite cooked grain. It’s simple enough for a busy evening and pretty enough for guests or a Pinterest-worthy lunch prep. If you love bold garlic notes, try pairing this bowl with a richer roasted garlic chicken recipe like this rustic favorite https://cookaza.com/easy-rustic-roasted-garlic-chicken-creamy-asiago-gravy/ for inspiration.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This bowl hits the sweet spot between comfort and freshness with minimal fuss. Grilling the chicken gives it a smoky edge while roasting the broccoli brings out caramelized sweetness and a satisfying bite. The bowl format makes it easy to customize portion sizes and swap in different grains or greens depending on what you have on hand. It’s balanced enough to serve as a family dinner yet elegant enough to meal prep and reheat during the week. For a Mediterranean twist try elements like lemon and herbs from a well loved Greek bowl recipe to guide your mix and match .

Flavor and Texture

Expect layers of contrast in every bite soft fluffy grains, juicy sliced chicken, and crisp tender broccoli. The creamy garlic sauce ties everything together with a silky mouthfeel and a mellow roasted garlic warmth that is never overpowering. Bright lemon juice cuts through the richness, keeping the bowl light and lively. Fresh herbs at the end add little bursts of green freshness and visual pop. Together the textures and flavors make each forkful interesting and satisfying.

Ingredients

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup cooked grains (rice, quinoa, couscous, etc.)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Optional: Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Step by Step Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any optional spices, then grill over medium high heat, flipping once, until cooked through and lightly charred and internal temp reads 165°F.
2. Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt, spread on a baking sheet, and roast at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes until crisp tender.
3. Prepare your chosen grains according to package directions, fluff with a fork, and keep warm while other components cook.
4. In a small saucepan melt butter over medium heat, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Slice grilled chicken, assemble bowls with a base of grains, arrange chicken slices and roasted broccoli on top, drizzle with creamy garlic sauce, and finish with chopped parsley or chives.

Tips for Best Results

Pat chicken dry before seasoning to get better browning when it hits the grill. Try to cut broccoli into similar sized florets so they roast evenly and caramelize at the same rate. Keep the garlic low and watch it closely when sautéing to avoid any bitter burnt bits. If your sauce thickens too much, thin with a splash of warm water or reserved grain cooking liquid. Serve the sauce warm over the bowls so it coats the chicken and grains beautifully.

Storage and Make Ahead

Store components separately for the best texture keep grains, chicken, and broccoli in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water to restore moisture. The garlic cream sauce can be cooled and refrigerated for up to two days reheat slowly and whisk to bring it back to a smooth consistency. Assemble bowls just before serving to maintain the roasted broccoli crunch.

Final Thought

These bowls are a dependable weeknight winner with room for creative swaps and seasonal tweaks. They balance ease and elegance so you can feed a crowd or prep lunches that feel special. Keep this formula in your rotation and you’ll find endless ways to refresh it with different grains, herbs, and veggies.

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