Go Back
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for grilling) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Gather these ingredients before you start. Having everything ready makes cooking easier. The chicken and broccoli form the main part of your bowl. The heavy cream and Parmesan give richness to the sauce. This dish is not just tasty; it also looks great. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and taste. Make sure to use fresh garlic for the sauce. It brings a strong flavor that pairs well with the cream. The marinade for the chicken is simple but effective. It helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful. Don't skip the smoked paprika; it adds a nice, smoky taste. When you have all your ingredients, you are ready to create a meal that is both healthy and satisfying. Enjoy the process and the delicious flavors that come together in this dish! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather your marinade ingredients. In a medium bowl, mix together: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Stir until everything blends well. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl. Make sure each piece gets coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 20 minutes. This step adds flavor to the chicken. Next, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C). After grilling, remove the chicken and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy when sliced. While the chicken grills, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 2 cups of broccoli florets. Blanch the broccoli for 2-3 minutes. You want it bright green and still crunchy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the broccoli to a colander to drain. Set it aside for later. Now, let’s create the garlic cream sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but don't let it brown. Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream slowly. Stir continuously. Gradually add in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Finally, mix in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. To assemble your bowls, start with a generous layer of blanched broccoli at the bottom. Next, place sliced grilled chicken on top of the broccoli. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce generously over the chicken. Finish each bowl by adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This adds a nice pop of color. Serve your bowls right away to enjoy the fresh flavors. You can also suggest pairing them with rice or quinoa for a complete meal. - Use a clean grill: Start with a clean surface. This helps prevent sticking. - Preheat the grill: Heat to medium-high before placing chicken on it. This ensures even cooking. - Oil the grill grates: Brush olive oil on the grates. This will help achieve those perfect grill marks. - Don’t flip too soon: Let the chicken cook for 6-7 minutes before flipping. This helps create beautiful grill lines. - Don’t rush the garlic: Sauté garlic until fragrant, but not browned. This keeps the sauce from tasting bitter. - Add cream slowly: Pour in the heavy cream gradually. Stir constantly to create a smooth texture. - Taste as you go: Always taste your sauce. Adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice to fit your preference. - Choose colorful bowls: Use bright bowls to make the dish pop visually. - Layer nicely: Place a generous amount of broccoli first, then top with chicken slices. - Drizzle sauce artfully: Use a spoon to create a beautiful swirl of garlic cream sauce on top. - Finish with parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness, making the dish inviting. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to overnight, to enhance the flavors and tenderness. Perfectly Grilled Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Blanching Broccoli: Blanching the broccoli not only enhances its color but also helps to retain its nutrients and crunchiness. Make-Ahead Sauce: The garlic cream sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days; just reheat gently before serving. {{image_4}} You can easily switch out the chicken for other proteins. Think about using grilled shrimp, turkey, or pork tenderloin. Each option brings its own flavor and texture. If you're looking for a vegetarian choice, try firm tofu or chickpeas. Just season these options well to match the dish's bold flavors. If you want a lighter sauce, swap the heavy cream for Greek yogurt or coconut milk. This change keeps the creaminess but cuts down on calories. You can also spice things up by adding herbs like basil or thyme. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add some heat too. Feel free to mix in seasonal veggies for variety. In spring, try asparagus or peas. In summer, add bell peppers or zucchini. You can also bring in flavors from other cuisines. Consider adding a splash of soy sauce for an Asian twist or using curry powder for a warm Indian flavor. To store leftovers, first let the dish cool to room temperature. Place the chicken and broccoli in an airtight container. Pour the garlic cream sauce separately into another container. This keeps the chicken and broccoli from getting soggy. You can store the leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the chicken and broccoli gently. Use the microwave or a skillet on low heat. For the sauce, gently warm it in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. This keeps the sauce creamy and smooth. If you want to freeze the dish, do so before adding the sauce. Wrap the chicken and broccoli tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. The meal can freeze for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw the chicken and broccoli in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above, then add the garlic cream sauce before serving. This way, you keep the flavors fresh and delightful. Grilling chicken breasts takes about 6-7 minutes on each side. This is for breasts that are about one inch thick. If your chicken is thicker, add a few extra minutes to ensure it cooks through. The key is to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This keeps your chicken safe to eat and helps it stay juicy. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just remember to thaw it first. You can do this by placing it in warm water or letting it sit in the fridge overnight. After thawing, you can blanch it briefly in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. This keeps the bright green color and crunch. You can serve many sides with these bowls. A simple green salad pairs well. Quinoa or brown rice adds great texture. You might also try garlic bread for a tasty crunch. Each side complements the flavors of the chicken and sauce. Absolutely! To make the sauce dairy-free, try using coconut cream in place of heavy cream. You can also use a dairy-free cheese alternative to mimic the Parmesan. Nutritional yeast is another great option for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Just mix and adjust to your taste! In this blog post, I covered how to make delicious grilled chicken and broccoli bowls. We explored the key ingredients, from marinating the chicken to creating a creamy garlic sauce. You learned tips for grilling and how to present your dish beautifully. Plus, I shared variations to keep your meals exciting. Remember, cooking is about experimenting and having fun. Enjoy your tasty bowls that can please everyone!

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Garlic Cream Sauce

A delicious and healthy bowl featuring grilled chicken, blanched broccoli, and a creamy garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are evenly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let the chicken sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once grilled, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
  • While the chicken is grilling, bring a medium-sized pot filled with salted water to a rolling boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn a vibrant bright green and retain a slight crunch. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the broccoli to a colander to drain the water, then set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm an additional tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Gradually add in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Finally, stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • In serving bowls, start by placing a generous portion of blanched broccoli at the bottom. Layer the sliced grilled chicken over the broccoli and generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce on top.
  • Finish each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for brightness. Serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant flavors and colors.

Notes

For an eye-catching presentation, use colorful bowls and arrange the chicken strips neatly over the broccoli.
Keyword broccoli, chicken, garlic sauce, grilled, healthy