Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

 Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

A Restaurant-Quality Dish Made Easily at Home

If you're searching for a wholesome, flavor-packed, and easy-to-make dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant, look no further than these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. This recipe is the ultimate blend of tender grilled chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a velvety homemade garlic cream sauce that ties it all together in irresistible harmony.

Perfect for meal prep, quick weeknight dinners, or when you're simply craving a satisfying, high-protein, low-carb meal, this bowl delivers both on taste and nutrition. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this 5-star meal in your own kitchen.

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🛒 Ingredients & What They Do

For the Grilled Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

> Provides lean protein; thighs add more juiciness, while breasts are leaner.

2 tablespoons olive oil

> Helps the spices adhere and prevents the chicken from sticking to the grill.

1 teaspoon paprika

> Adds smoky depth and a hint of sweetness to balance the garlic notes.

1 teaspoon garlic powder

> Enhances the savory flavor, ensuring garlic taste is present even before the sauce.

1 teaspoon onion powder

> Rounds out the spice blend with subtle sweetness and umami.

½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

> Introduces an earthy herbal note that pairs beautifully with the garlic.

Salt and black pepper, to taste

> Essential for seasoning and flavor balance.

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

1 tablespoon butter

> Creates a rich base and carries flavor.

3–4 cloves garlic, minced

> The star of the sauce – delivers bold, aromatic flavor.

1 cup heavy cream

> Provides the luscious, creamy texture we crave in a garlic sauce.

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

> Adds sharpness, umami, and helps thicken the sauce.

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

> Blends herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary for added complexity.

Salt and pepper, to taste

> Brings out the depth of all other ingredients.

For the Bowl Assembly:

2 cups steamed or roasted broccoli florets

> Adds fiber, nutrients, and vibrant green color for contrast.

Optional: cooked rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa

> A base to turn the bowl into a complete, customizable meal.

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🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate and Grill the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.

2. Coat chicken evenly with the mixture. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours in the fridge).

3. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

4. Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F) and charred for that smoky finish.

5. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

2. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30–45 seconds.

3. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

5. Let simmer until slightly thickened (4–5 minutes). Stir frequently to avoid scorching.

3. Assemble the Bowls

1. Add a base of your choice: rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa.

2. Top with steamed or roasted broccoli.

3. Add sliced grilled chicken strips.

4. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce.

5. Optional: sprinkle with extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes for kick.

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❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe

Flavor-forward: The garlic cream sauce is luxuriously smooth, with layers of savory depth from herbs, cheese, and real garlic.

Customizable: Great with any base—low-carb cauliflower rice or hearty grains like farro or brown rice.

Meal-prep friendly: Prep the components ahead and assemble fresh when needed.

Restaurant-quality at home: A polished, impressive dish that feels gourmet without the effort.

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👨‍🍳 Pro Tips for Success

Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken—no guesswork.

Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep juices sealed inside.

Grate Parmesan fresh for the smoothest melt and best flavor.

Thin out the sauce with a splash of milk or chicken broth if it thickens too much after cooling.

Steam broccoli briefly (3–4 minutes) to retain crunch and vibrant green color.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Complete the meal with:

A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette.

A light glass of white wine (like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc).

Roasted sweet potatoes or garlic bread on the side, if you're not going low-carb.

Want to go fully keto? Skip the grains and double the broccoli!

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✨ Final Thoughts

These Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are the definition of comfort food meets clean eating. They offer the perfect balance of lean protein, crunchy vegetables, and a rich, satisfying sauce—all made with everyday ingredients in under 45 minutes.

Whether you're cooking for yourself, family, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is simple, nourishing, and absolutely crave-worthy. Make it once, and it’ll be on repeat in your kitchen.

Try it tonight and taste what everyone’s been ra

ving about—this is not just a bowl, it’s a whole experience.

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📌 Save this recipe for later and share it with fellow food lovers. For more mouthwatering, high-protein bowl ideas, check out our other easy dinner recipes!