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Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

A comforting dish featuring grilled chicken, broccoli, and a creamy garlic sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice: If you haven’t cooked your rice yet, now’s the time! You can use a rice cooker or stovetop. Follow package instructions, adding a pinch of salt for flavor. This will take about 20 minutes, so you can multitask while this cooks!
  2. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, drizzle the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Give it a good rub so the seasoning penetrates the meat. Let it marinate while you prepare the other ingredients. A hint of lemon can brighten this up too if you have it on hand!
  3. Prep the Broccoli: While the chicken marinates, wash and chop your broccoli into bite-sized florets. If you’re using frozen broccoli, simply measure out what you need and it’s ready to go!
  4. Grill the Chicken: Heat your grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). The goal is to have nicely charred grill marks while ensuring the chicken stays juicy. Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate results!
  5. Blanch the Broccoli: In a separate pot, bring water to a rolling boil and add a pinch of salt. Toss in the broccoli florets and blanch for about 2 minutes until vibrant green and slightly tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
  6. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic, letting it sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (but don’t let it brown!). Pour in the heavy cream, and stir well. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper to your liking. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is silky. If you find it too thick, add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth.
  7. Assemble the Bowls: Grab your favorite bowls—start with a generous scoop of rice, layer on the blanched broccoli, and slice the grilled chicken on top. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce generously over everything. This is where the magic happens!

Notes

Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a lovely presentation.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, broccoli bowls, creamy garlic sauce, quick dinner recipe, comfort food