Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

 

Introduction

Looking for a healthy but comforting meal? These Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce strike the perfect balance between nutritious and indulgent. Perfectly seasoned chicken is grilled until smoky and tender, paired with steamed broccoli, then topped with a homemade garlic cream sauce that’s irresistibly smooth. This dish works for meal prep, quick weeknight dinners, or when you crave a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Broccoli:

• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets

• Salt, for blanching water

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

   • Mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.

   • Coat chicken evenly with seasoning.

   • Grill over medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and charred. Slice into strips.

2. Cook the Broccoli

   • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

   • Blanch broccoli florets for 2–3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

   • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

   • Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

   • Pour in cream, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer.

   • Whisk in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Assemble the Bowls

   • Place broccoli in bowls, top with grilled chicken strips, and drizzle generously with creamy garlic sauce.

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Tips & Variations

• Lighter version: Swap heavy cream for evaporated milk or Greek yogurt.

• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the sauce.

• Keto-friendly: Serve as is, or add cauliflower rice for extra volume.

• Meal prep: Store components separately in the fridge for up to 4 days and assemble before eating.