Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce – Fresh, Flavorful, and Perfect for Any Night

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are the kind of meal that checks every box—healthy, comforting, big on flavor, easy to customize, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a balanced bowl that brings together smoky grilled chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, warm rice, and a silky garlic sauce that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome weeknight dinner, a meal prep-friendly option, or just something delicious and nourishing, these bowls deliver.

The magic of this dish lies in layering simple components to create something outstanding. The grilled chicken is seasoned with paprika, garlic, and lemon for brightness and depth. The broccoli is cooked until just tender, bursting with color and freshness. The base can be anything you like—fluffy rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or couscous. But the star of the show? That creamy garlic sauce. Made from butter, garlic, broth, cream, and parmesan, it’s rich without being heavy, flavorful without overpowering, and indulgent without ruining your healthy eating goals.

This recipe was inspired by the classic chicken-and-vegetable bowls popular in meal-prep kitchens and cafés everywhere. But instead of a basic sauce or simple seasoning, this version elevates things with bold garlic flavor and a velvety creaminess that makes every bite feel special. It’s cozy, wholesome, and endlessly adaptable.

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls are perfect for busy nights, slow weekends, lunches, leftovers, and everything in between. They’re as delicious fresh off the grill as they are reheated the next day—making them a great addition to your weekly rotation.

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Ingredients:

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice of ½ lemon

For the Broccoli Bowls:

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving:

• Lemon wedges
• Parsley, chopped

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Instructions:

1. Season the chicken:
   Pat chicken dry. Rub with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, olive oil, and lemon juice.
2. Grill the chicken:
   Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Rest before slicing.
3. Cook the broccoli:
   Steam or sauté broccoli until bright green and crisp-tender. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
4. Make the creamy garlic sauce:
   Melt butter in a skillet. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add flour and whisk. Slowly pour in broth, then cream. Stir until smooth. Add parmesan, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thick and silky.
5. Assemble the bowls:
   Add rice to each bowl. Top with sliced grilled chicken and broccoli.
6. Finish:
   Pour creamy garlic sauce over the bowls. Garnish with parsley and a squeeze of lemon.

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Tips & Tricks

• Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for perfect grilling.
• Roast broccoli for extra flavor—425°F for 12–15 minutes.
• Add heat: mix chili flakes or cayenne into the sauce.
• Make it lighter: use half-and-half instead of cream.
• Meal prep friendly—store everything separately and assemble fresh.

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Variations

• Spicy Cajun Version: Season chicken with Cajun spice and add cayenne to the sauce.
• Pasta Bowl: Replace rice with cooked pasta.
• Veggie-Packed Bowl: Add peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
• Low Carb: Use cauliflower rice.
• Cheddar Garlic Sauce: Swap parmesan for sharp cheddar.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread or warm pita.
• Add fresh tomatoes or cucumbers for extra crunch.
• Top with extra parmesan for more richness.

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Storage Information

• Refrigerate: 3–4 days in airtight containers.
• Reheat: Warm in microwave or skillet; add a splash of broth to refresh sauce.
• Freeze: Chicken freezes well; sauce may need re-whisking when reheated.

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FAQ

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes—bake at 425°F for 20–23 minutes.

Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
Use coconut milk + nutritional yeast instead of cream and parmesan.

Can I serve without rice?
Absolutely—use quinoa, couscous, potatoes, or mixed greens.

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History / Fun Facts

Garlic cream sauces have roots in both French and Italian cooking traditions, often used to elevate simple proteins and vegetables. The modern “bowl-style” meal, however, comes from West Coast meal-prep culture, emphasizing fresh ingredients layered together for convenience and balance. This recipe blends both worlds—classic comfort with modern simplicity.