Description
This recipe for Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce combines tender grilled chicken breasts with vibrant steamed broccoli, all topped with a rich and flavorful creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect as a wholesome, protein-packed meal suitable for a family dinner or meal prep, it’s simple to prepare with fresh ingredients and a delicious homemade sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish and Serving Suggestions
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and thoroughly coat them with the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Steam the broccoli: While the chicken marinates, prepare the broccoli by steaming the florets until they are tender yet still bright green, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, set aside.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for approximately 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Make the creamy garlic sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, warm a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, along with salt and pepper to taste, and continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Assemble the bowls: In serving bowls, layer the sliced grilled chicken and steamed broccoli. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce. For a fuller meal, add cooked rice or quinoa if desired.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese if preferred. Serve warm and enjoy your healthy and flavorful grilled chicken broccoli bowl!
Notes
- Marinate chicken for up to 2 hours for even more flavor.
- Use fresh garlic for the best sauce flavor; garlic powder won’t yield the same results.
- Steaming broccoli just until tender helps retain the vibrant color and nutrients.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or broiler can be used to cook the chicken.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though sauce will be less rich.
- Add cooked quinoa or rice to the bowls for a complete balanced meal.
