Dreamy Grilled Chicken & Roasted Broccoli Bowls Recipe

Crafting a wholesome grilled chicken and roasted broccoli bowl might just become your new weeknight dinner obsession.

Weeknight meals demand simplicity without sacrificing flavor complexity.

Charred chicken pieces nestled alongside caramelized broccoli florets create a protein-packed canvas.

Creamy garlic sauce adds a luxurious dimension that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques mean you can whip up this delicious combination in under 30 minutes.

Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of seasoning elevate these bowls from basic to restaurant-worthy.

Dive into this delectable recipe and experience a meal that promises satisfaction in every single bite.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the marinade special?

The marinade combines olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice, which helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with bold, zesty flavors that enhance the meat’s natural taste.

• Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works great with other proteins like salmon, tofu, or pork. Just adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose to ensure proper doneness.

• Is the creamy garlic sauce difficult to make?

Not at all. The sauce is simple to prepare, requiring just butter, garlic, flour, milk, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. It takes about 5-7 minutes to create a rich, smooth sauce that elevates the entire dish.

Garlic Sauce Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls

• Conquer Weeknight Cooking: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious dinner solutions.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the bowl with different proteins, swap rice for quinoa, or adjust sauce thickness to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and calcium-loaded Parmesan, this dish delivers balanced nutrition in every satisfying bite.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare components ahead of time, making it an ideal option for quick lunches, work week meals, or feeding hungry families without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Chicken & Roasted Broccoli Bowls

• Chicken Breasts: Lean meat that provides a protein-packed base for the dish.

• Broccoli Florets: Nutritious green vegetable that adds crunch and earthy flavor to the bowl.

• Butter: Creamy ingredient that helps create a rich and smooth sauce.
• Flour: Thickening agent that helps develop the sauce's consistency.
• Milk: Liquid base that provides a smooth and creamy texture.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and robust flavor to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty and tangy cheese that enhances the sauce's richness.

• Olive Oil: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a smooth, rich flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a concentrated garlic flavor to the chicken.
• Oregano: Herb that adds an earthy and slightly peppery note to the marinade.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.

• Rice: Neutral grain that serves as a hearty foundation for the bowl.

How to Prepare Chicken with Garlic Sauce Bowls

Step 1: Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor

• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh lemon juice

Massage the marinade all over the chicken breasts, ensuring every inch gets coated. Let the chicken soak up those delicious flavors for at least 15 minutes (overnight works even better for intense taste).

Fire up your grill or heavy skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until it’s perfectly golden and reaches 165F, about 5-6 minutes per side.

Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 2: Transform Broccoli into Crispy Goodness

Crank your oven to 400F.

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Spread the seasoned broccoli on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 15-20 minutes until the edges turn delightfully crispy and golden.

Step 3: Craft the Luxurious Garlic Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and let it dance around for about a minute, releasing its aromatic magic.

Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for another minute to create a smooth base. Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps.

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Remove from heat once it reaches a creamy consistency.

Step 4: Build Your Perfect Bowl

Layer cooked rice into serving bowls. Arrange sliced grilled chicken and roasted broccoli on top.

Generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over everything.

Step 5: Dive Into Deliciousness

Grab your fork and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every single bite!

Tips for Flavorful Grilled Chicken Bowls

• Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the chicken's taste and create deeper, more complex flavors.
• Let chicken rest after grilling to lock in juices, ensuring a moist and tender texture every time.
• Pat broccoli completely dry before roasting to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy vegetables.
• Whisk milk slowly and continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth, silky garlic sauce.
• Swap rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version of the dish that still delivers incredible flavor.

Variations to Try with Garlic Chicken Bowls

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace oregano with za'atar spice blend, add cucumber and feta cheese, swap creamy sauce for tzatziki for a Greek-inspired bowl.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Use chili powder and cumin in chicken marinade, replace broccoli with roasted corn and black beans, top with salsa and cilantro-lime crema.
• Asian-Inspired Sesame Bowl: Marinate chicken in soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, swap garlic sauce for peanut sauce, garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
• Caribbean Jerk Adventure: Coat chicken with jerk seasoning, roast pineapple chunks with broccoli, drizzle with coconut-lime sauce and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro.

Pairings That Complement Chicken Broccoli Bowls

• Pair Perfectly with Zesty White Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy garlic sauce, balancing the rich flavors with its bright, citrusy notes.
• Complement with Crunchy Garlic Bread: Toasted artisan bread provides a delightful textural contrast, soaking up the extra creamy sauce while adding a satisfying crunch.
• Enhance with Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Cucumber, tomato, and feta salad adds refreshing lightness, bringing a tangy zip that brightens the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Boost with Herbal Sparkling Water: Lemon or mint-infused sparkling water cleanses the palate, offering a light, crisp accompaniment that refreshes between bites.

Best Storage for Chicken Broccoli Bowls

Store leftover chicken, broccoli, rice, and sauce separately in airtight containers. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

Place cooled components in freezer-safe containers. Chicken and broccoli can be frozen for 2-3 months. Sauce might separate when thawed, so consider freezing without it.

Warm chicken and broccoli separately at 50% power to prevent drying. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep moisture. Heat rice last to maintain texture.

Gently reheat chicken and broccoli in a skillet with a little olive oil. Use medium-low heat to prevent overcooking. Stir sauce separately to restore creamy consistency.

Grilled Chicken & Roasted Broccoli Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent grilled chicken and roasted broccoli bowls deliver a flavor-packed Mediterranean-inspired meal that satisfies completely. Drizzled with creamy garlic sauce, this bowl combines lean protein and crisp vegetables for a nutritious and delicious dining experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Vegetables:

• 3 cups broccoli florets

Seasoning for Chicken:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Seasoning for Broccoli:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Creamy Garlic Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream)
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Bowl Base:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)

Garnish:

• Chopped parsley or fresh basil (optional)

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Instructions

1. Infuse chicken with a robust marinade combining zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and aromatic spices. Allow proteins to absorb flavors for minimum 15 minutes or overnight for enhanced taste profile.
2. Heat grill or skillet to medium-high temperature around 400°F. Cook chicken thoroughly until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring golden exterior and juicy interior. Rest meat briefly before slicing.
3. Prepare broccoli by tossing florets with seasoning. Spread vegetables evenly on baking sheet, creating space between pieces to encourage crispy caramelization.
4. Roast broccoli in preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee uniform browning and tender-crisp texture.
5. Craft creamy garlic sauce by gently melting butter, then introducing minced garlic. Incorporate flour to create smooth roux, gradually whisking in milk until sauce thickens and develops luxurious consistency.
6. Enhance sauce with Parmesan cheese, introducing rich, nutty undertones. Season with salt and pepper for balanced flavor profile.
7. Construct bowls by layering fluffy rice as foundation. Arrange sliced grilled chicken and roasted broccoli atop rice.
8. Finish by generously drizzling velvety garlic sauce, creating harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Serve immediately for optimal dining experience.

Notes

• Marinate chicken overnight for deeper, more intense flavor that penetrates every fiber of the meat.
• Ensure broccoli is cut into similar-sized florets to guarantee even roasting and perfect caramelization.
• Use a meat thermometer to precisely check chicken’s internal temperature, preventing dry or undercooked meat.
• Customize sauce thickness by adjusting milk quantity – less milk creates a richer, more concentrated sauce.
• Swap rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for lower-carb, gluten-free alternatives that maintain delicious bowl structure.
• Add red pepper flakes to sauce for subtle heat and extra flavor complexity.
• Store leftover sauce separately to prevent soggy rice and maintain ideal texture when reheating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 625 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 46 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg