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Chicken and broccoli bowls with creamy garlic sauce served over white rice in a white bowl with fresh parsley garnish

Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Juicy marinated chicken, golden roasted broccoli, and a rich homemade creamy garlic sauce served over rice or quinoa for a satisfying and easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil for the chicken marinade
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt for the chicken marinade
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 pinch chili flakes
  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced in half horizontally for faster and more even cooking
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for the broccoli
  • salt and pepper to taste for the broccoli
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves freshly minced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/3 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan
  • salt and pepper to taste for the sauce

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Skillet
  • Small saucepan
  • Mixing bowl or zip-top bag
  • Whisk
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and chili flakes in a bowl or zip-top bag. Add the chicken, coat well on all sides, and marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 18 to 20 minutes until the edges are golden and slightly caramelized. For a quick option, steam for 5 to 6 minutes instead.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a small drizzle of oil. Sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Avoid moving the chicken too early. Rest for 5 minutes on a cutting board before slicing.
  4. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Whisk the flour into the garlic butter and cook for 30 seconds. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in Greek yogurt and Parmesan until smooth and fully combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a small splash of milk and stir to loosen.
  7. Build the bowls with a base of cooked rice or quinoa. Top with roasted broccoli and sliced chicken, then spoon the creamy garlic sauce generously over everything. Finish with fresh parsley or lemon zest and serve immediately.

Notes

Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally before marinating for faster, more even cooking and better marinade absorption. Marinating overnight deepens the flavor. Store the sauce separately to maintain broccoli texture. Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. If the sauce develops lumps, strain through a fine mesh sieve or blend briefly with an immersion blender before adding the yogurt.