This Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowl is the perfect marriage of smoky, charred protein and a luxurious, steakhouse-style cream sauce. It’s a sophisticated, low-carb meal that feels much more indulgent than your average “chicken and broccoli” dinner. The secret is the triple-threat marinade of soy, lemon, and garlic, which tenderizes the chicken before it hits the grill, while the heavy cream reduction creates a silky finish that ties the whole bowl together.
Prep Time: 30 min | Cook Time: 20 min | Total Time: 50 min
Key Ingredients
The Marinated Chicken
- Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (~1.5 lbs).
- The Marinade: 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice.
The Veggies & Sauté
- Broccoli: 2 cups fresh florets (cut into bite-sized pieces).
- Cooking Fat: 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste.
The Creamy Garlic Sauce
- The Base: 1 cup heavy cream.
- Flavor Boost: 2 cloves minced garlic and a splash of soy sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate: Place the chicken in a bowl or zip-top bag with the soy sauce, 2 cloves of garlic, and lemon juice. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high. Grill the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Sauté the Broccoli: While the chicken is grilling, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the broccoli for 5–7 minutes. You want it “tender-crisp”—vibrant green with just a bit of a snap. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer the Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together the heavy cream, the remaining minced garlic, and a dash of soy sauce. Let it simmer gently (do not boil) until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Assemble: Slice the grilled chicken into strips. Arrange a bed of broccoli in each bowl, top with the chicken, and drizzle generously with the warm garlic cream sauce.
Tips & Tricks for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Sauce: Heavy cream can separate if boiled too vigorously. Keep the heat low and slow for a perfectly smooth emulsion.
- Lemon Freshness: Add a tiny bit of fresh lemon zest to the cream sauce at the very end to brighten up the richness of the dairy.
- The Marinade Hack: If you want to use the leftover marinade in the sauce as the recipe suggests, ensure you boil it in the saucepan for at least 2–3 minutes first to make it food-safe after touching the raw chicken.
Serving Suggestions
- Grain Base: To make this a heartier meal, serve over a bed of jasmine rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to soak up that extra garlic sauce.
- Added Crunch: Sprinkle some toasted sliced almonds or sesame seeds over the top for texture.
- Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the cream sauce adds a lovely subtle warmth.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Fat | Net Carbs | Fiber |
| 1 bowl | 550 | 46g | 35g | 7g | 2g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is an estimate. This dish is naturally high in protein and very low in carbohydrates, making it excellent for keto or low-carb lifestyles.
