I love making this Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowl using tender chicken brushed with olive oil and seasoned with garlic powder and paprika. I combine it with crisp broccoli tossed in olive oil, then finish with a savory creamy sauce made with garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese for a nutritious meal.

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I’ve been experimenting with healthy dinners lately and this Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowl with a creamy garlic sauce has quickly become one of my faves. I started with 1 lb of boneless chicken breasts, which I marinated in olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika, then grilled until they were perfectly charred.

The broccoli florets get a quick toss in olive oil, salt, and pepper before they hit the grill, so they come out tender but with a bit of crunch. I then whipped up a sauce using butter, minced garlic, heavy cream, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese that ties the whole dish together.

It’s that kind of meal that’s low in carbs yet packed with flavor making it a solid choice for dinner for the week or a healthy dinner on a budget. Enjoy trying this out!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe for a few reasons. First, I really like how the chicken gets all this smoky, charred flavor when it’s grilled. It makes every bite taste like it was cooked just perfectly. Second, I enjoy that the broccoli comes out tender yet still has a little crunch, which adds a nice textural contrast to the dish. Third, the creamy garlic sauce is seriously amazing — it’s rich and savory, and it ties everything together in a way that makes me want to have more. Lastly, I appreciate that it feels healthy and low-carb but still feels indulgent, which is awesome when I’m trying to eat good without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

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Chicken: Lean protein that builds muscle, keeping you full and energized.
Broccoli: A crunchy vegetable rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals essential for health.
Garlic: Adds a punch of savory flavor and supports the immune system naturally.
Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, creamy texture that treats dishes with decadence.
Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats and a subtle fruity note in cooking.
Parmesan: Offers a salty, umami kick that deepens the overall flavor.
Butter: Adds rich creaminess that smooths and balances bold flavors.
Parsley: A fresh herb sprinkle giving visual appeal and a light flavor boost.
Paprika: Gives a mild smoky taste and a bright color accent to the dish.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for brushing the chicken)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 large heads broccoli, cut into florets

1 tbsp olive oil (for tossing the broccoli)

Salt and pepper to taste (for the broccoli)

2 tbsp butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste (for the sauce)

Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and get ready to cook.

2. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is coated well.

3. Brush some olive oil over the chicken pieces and then grill them for about 6-8 minutes per side until they’re nicely charred and cooked through.

4. While the chicken is grilling, toss the broccoli florets with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper on a separate pan or grill tray.

5. Grill the broccoli for about 5-7 minutes until they’re tender and have a slight char, stirring them halfway through.

6. In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes until it smells really good.

7. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and let it come to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously to avoid burning.

8. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and season the sauce with salt and pepper; let the sauce thicken slightly for about 3-4 minutes.

9. Combine the grilled chicken and broccoli in serving bowls, then pour the creamy garlic sauce generously on top.

10. If you like, sprinkle some chopped parsley for garnish and serve right away while it’s hot and delicious.

Equipment Needed

1. Grill to cook the chicken and broccoli on
2. Mixing bowl to toss the chicken with oil and spices
3. Basting brush to spread extra olive oil on the chicken
4. Tongs to flip the chicken and broccoli on the grill
5. Grill tray or pan for cooking the broccoli separately
6. Saucepan to melt butter and prepare the cream sauce
7. Stirring spoon to mix the garlic and heavy cream in the sauce
8. Serving bowls for plating the final dish

FAQ

Q: How do I keep the chicken from gettin dry?

A: Try not to overcook it and always brush a little extra olive oil on before grillin. Also, let it rest for a few mins after grillin so it stays juicy.

Q: Can I use a lighter cream instead of heavy cream?

A: Yeah, you can use half-and-half if its too rich for your taste, but keep in mind your sauce might lose a bit of that creamy feel.

Q: I dont have a grill, can I still make this?

A: Sure thing! You can bake the chicken in an oven preheated to 400°F for about 20 minutes, until its fully cooked. Then follow the steps for the broccoli and sauce.

Q: What if I want to amp up the flavor?

A: You can add extra touches like a squeeze of lemon in the sauce or even a pinch of chili flakes to give it a bit of a kick.

Q: How do I know the broccoli's done grilling?

A: Toss the florets with olive oil, salt and pepper, then grill them until they’re tender and have a little char. It usually takes around 8-10 minutes.

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce – Healthy, Savory & Delicious! Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have chicken breasts, you can try turkey breast or even pork tenderloin cut into similar bite-sized pieces.
Instead of garlic powder, you can use a bit more minced fresh garlic for an extra punch in flavor.
Heavy cream can be substituted with half and half if you’re looking for a lighter option, though the sauce may be a bit less rich.
Olive oil works great here, but if you’re out, you can use avocado oil or even a mild canola oil.

Pro Tips

1. Try marinating the chicken for like 10-15 mins before grillin it so all them flavors really get into the meat and it stays more juicy, ya know?
2. Keep an eye on that cream sauce when yer cooking it – stirring it constant-like helps it not burn and keeps it from gettin too thick, which is a common oopsie.
3. When grillin the broccoli, toss it one more time with a bit more oil halfway through – it helps it char a little more evenly.
4. If ya wanna add a little extra zing, a tiny squeeze of lemon or sprinkle of lemon zest on the finished sauce can cut through the richness pretty nice.