Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a perfect balance of health and flavor. It’s:

• Versatile: Great for any day of the week, whether you’re short on time or feeling more leisurely.

• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal steps, it’s a breeze to prepare, even for beginners.

• Nutrient-Packed: Lean protein from the chicken, healthy veggies, and a comforting sauce make for a well-rounded meal.

• Customizable: Swap out broccoli for other vegetables or adjust the sauce for a different flavor.

• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a dish that works for all ages and occasions.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

• 1 lime, juiced

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 pound broccoli florets, steamed or roasted

• 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa

• Lime wedges, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken breasts with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cayenne, and lime juice. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat until fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side.

2. Roast the Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until tender and slightly crispy on the edges.

3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a saucepan, combine garlic, butter, cream, salt, and pepper. Cook on medium heat, whisking until smooth and thickened.

4. Assemble the Bowls: Start with a base of cooked rice or quinoa. Add the grilled chicken slices and roasted broccoli, then drizzle with creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs and lime wedges.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes (excluding marinating time)

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover components (chicken, broccoli, and sauce) in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to the desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Thaw and pat the broccoli dry before roasting to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?

Yes, bake the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just grill the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Cook the sauce on low heat and whisk constantly to maintain a smooth texture.

Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?

Yes, you can substitute with cauliflower, zucchini, or asparagus.

Can I freeze the sauce?

Yes, but it may separate when thawed. Reheat gently while whisking to restore its creamy texture.

What grains work best for the base?

Rice, quinoa, or farro are great choices.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free grains and ensure the sauce ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights or when you need a meal that impresses without a lot of effort. It’s packed with nutrients, easy to customize, and comes together in just 30 minutes. Once you try it, you’ll have a new favorite go-to recipe for any occasion!

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

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• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling, Roasting, Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a delicious and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Featuring juicy grilled chicken, crispy broccoli, and a velvety garlic sauce, this easy-to-make recipe is great for meal prep, a weeknight dinner, or impressing guests.

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Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1 lime, juiced

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 pound broccoli florets, steamed or roasted

2 cups cooked rice or quinoa

Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

• Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cayenne, and lime juice. Grill over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked.

• Roast the Broccoli: Toss broccoli with olive oil, salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until tender and slightly crispy.

• Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a saucepan, combine garlic, butter, cream, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat, whisking until smooth and thickened.

• Assemble the Bowls: Layer rice or quinoa at the base. Add grilled chicken slices, roasted broccoli, and drizzle with creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs and lime wedges.

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Notes

• You can swap out the broccoli for other vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, or asparagus.

• For a dairy-free version, replace the cream with coconut milk or any dairy-free alternative.

• Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.