Creamy & Savory Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls 🍗🥦✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal, look no further than the grilled chicken and broccoli bowls. This dish combines tender, juicy grilled chicken with crisp broccoli, all smothered in a flavorful, creamy sauce. Perfect for a hearty lunch or a satisfying dinner, these savory chicken bowls are easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re a busy professional or a home cook looking for an exciting new recipe, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite.
2. Ingredients for Creamy & Savory Chicken & Broccoli Bowls
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for dairy-free option)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for serving
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare the Perfect Creamy Chicken & Broccoli
Preparing the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
Cooking the Broccoli
While the chicken is resting, steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender yet still crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Making the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream or coconut milk, and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese if using, to enhance the creaminess. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Combining and Serving
Add the cooked broccoli and sliced chicken into the sauce, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. Serve the creamy and savory chicken bowls over a bed of cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy!
4. Tips for Perfectly Creamy & Savory Chicken Bowls
- For an extra flavor boost, marinate the chicken in your favorite spices before grilling.
- Use fresh broccoli for the best texture, or frozen if fresh isn’t available.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more cream or allowing it to reduce further.
- For a healthier version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut cream.
5. Storage & Reheating Tips for Leftover Creamy & Savory Chicken & Broccoli
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Stir well before serving to maintain the creamy texture. For best results, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce if it thickens upon storage.
6. Serving Suggestions for Your Chicken & Broccoli Bowl
This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with various sides. Serve over fluffy rice, protein-rich quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Add a side of roasted sweet potatoes or a fresh mixed green salad to round out your meal. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle additional Parmesan or drizzle with a tangy lemon juice.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more juiciness and flavor. Just cook them slightly longer to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. You might also want to omit Parmesan cheese or find dairy-free alternatives to keep it plant-based.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
From start to finish, you can comfortably prepare this dish within 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
What are some good side dishes to serve with creamy chicken and broccoli?
Consider serving with cooked grains like rice or quinoa, or low-carb options such as cauliflower rice. Roasted vegetables or a light salad also complement the flavors well.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Ensures even cooking & easy cleanup for preparing your chicken and sauce.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Makes chopping broccoli and garlic quick and effortless.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Keep beverages chilled or create a refreshing side drink while you cook!
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 – An excellent tool if you want to add crispy roasted vegetables or chicken.
9. Conclusion
Enjoy the mouthwatering experience of homemade creamy and savory grilled chicken & broccoli bowls. This nutritious and satisfying dish combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a luscious sauce, all served over your favorite grains. Easy to make, customizable, and perfect for meal prepping, it’s an ideal addition to your dinner rotation. Try this recipe today and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
Print
Creamy & Savory Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls
Creamy & Savory Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls 🍗🥦✨. Discover a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal featuring tender grilled chicken, crisp broccoli, and a flavorful creamy sauce. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, these savory chicken bowls are simple to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights and healthy eating.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for dairy-free option)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for serving
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
- While the chicken is resting, steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender yet still crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream or coconut milk, and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese if using, to enhance the creaminess. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked broccoli and sliced chicken into the sauce, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. Serve over cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- For an extra flavor boost, marinate the chicken in your favorite spices before grilling.
- Use fresh broccoli for the best texture, or frozen if fresh isn’t available.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more cream or allowing it to reduce further.
- For a healthier version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Healthy, Comfort Food
- Diet: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg