These grilled chicken and broccoli bowls with creamy garlic sauce are one of my favorite ways to enjoy a balanced, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and seriously satisfying. Juicy grilled chicken, tender broccoli, and a rich, garlicky sauce come together in a hearty bowl that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it checks all the boxes: high-protein, veggie-packed, and full of bold, comforting flavor. The grilled chicken adds a smoky, savory element, while the broccoli keeps things fresh and nutritious. And that creamy garlic sauce? It pulls everything together in the most delicious way. I can customize it with rice, cauliflower rice, or even quinoa depending on what I’m in the mood for.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the bowl:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Broccoli florets
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- Cooked rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa (for serving)
For the creamy garlic sauce:
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
directions
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I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. I grill it over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked, then let it rest before slicing.
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While the chicken cooks, I steam or roast the broccoli until tender but still crisp.
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For the sauce, I melt butter in a saucepan and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
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I add the cream, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard, then stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. I season to taste and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice if I want a hint of brightness.
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I assemble each bowl with a base of rice or cauliflower rice, add sliced grilled chicken and broccoli, and drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce.
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I serve warm and garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if I have them on hand.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 and takes about 30 minutes total—15 minutes for prep and 15 minutes to cook. It’s quick enough for busy nights and ideal for meal prep.
Variations
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I use grilled shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different protein.
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Sometimes I add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for more veggies.
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For a dairy-free option, I swap in coconut cream and nutritional yeast in the sauce.
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I love topping the bowl with crushed red pepper or a spoonful of pesto for extra flavor.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in separate containers to keep the sauce and ingredients fresh. Everything lasts up to 4 days in the fridge. To reheat, I warm the chicken and broccoli in a skillet or microwave, then add the sauce just before serving to keep it creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, I’ve used rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken to save time. It still tastes great with the sauce and broccoli.
How do I make the garlic sauce thicker?
I let it simmer a little longer or add more Parmesan cheese to thicken it naturally. It thickens even more as it cools.
Can I make this low-carb?
Definitely. I use cauliflower rice as the base and skip the Dijon mustard in the sauce if I want to keep it super clean.
What’s the best way to grill the chicken?
I use medium-high heat and oil the grates well. I grill each side 5–7 minutes until it’s cooked through and has nice grill marks.
Is the sauce spicy?
No, it’s creamy and garlicky. But if I want heat, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Conclusion
These grilled chicken and broccoli bowls with creamy garlic sauce are a delicious way to enjoy a high-protein, nutrient-packed meal that’s anything but boring. I love how easy they are to make, how filling they are, and how well they reheat for leftovers. Whether I’m cooking for myself or prepping meals for the week, this bowl always delivers.
Print
Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce – A Protein-Packed Meal
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Meal Prep
- Method: Grilled, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with creamy garlic sauce are a high-protein, low-carb-friendly meal loaded with juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and a rich Parmesan garlic cream sauce. Easy to prep, full of flavor, and perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
- For the bowl:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa
For the creamy garlic sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Grill the Chicken:
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Grill over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let rest, then slice. - Cook the Broccoli:
Steam or roast broccoli until tender-crisp. - Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Stir in cream, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard. Simmer until slightly thickened. Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. - Assemble the Bowls:
Add rice or cauliflower rice to each bowl. Top with grilled chicken and broccoli. Drizzle with creamy garlic sauce and garnish with more Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Swap chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
- Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies.
- For dairy-free, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
- Add crushed red pepper or pesto for extra flavor.
- Store sauce separately to keep it smooth when reheating.
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