Grilled Chicken and Broccoli with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Need a weeknight dinner that’s fast, flavorful, and feels like a treat? This grilled chicken and broccoli with creamy garlic sauce is your answer. It’s wholesome, comforting, and comes together in just 30 minutes; perfect for busy evenings when you still want something satisfying.

The grilled chicken turns out juicy and golden; the broccoli stays perfectly crisp-tender; and the creamy garlic sauce ties everything together with rich, velvety goodness. It’s one of those dishes that feels restaurant-level but is easy enough to whip up anytime.

I love making grilled chicken and broccoli with creamy garlic sauce because it checks all the boxes—lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and bold flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of meal your family will request again and again; and honestly, I don’t blame them.

So if you're craving something simple yet memorable, grilled chicken and broccoli with creamy garlic sauce is always a winning choice.

Why This Grilled Chicken and Broccoli with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe Stands Out

Grilled chicken and broccoli with creamy garlic sauce isn’t just healthy it’s seriously satisfying. Sure, grilled chicken and broccoli are classics for being high in protein and low in carbs; but it’s that rich, creamy garlic sauce that transforms them into real comfort food.

This recipe fits perfectly into your weekly routine; easy to prep ahead, great with rice, cauliflower rice, or even tossed with pasta for a grilled chicken and broccoli alfredo-style twist. Whether you're eating low-carb, feeding a family, or just craving something cozy and quick, grilled chicken and broccoli with creamy garlic sauce always hits the mark.

Jump to:

• Why This Grilled Chicken and Broccoli with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe Stands Out
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Dietary Modifications
• Equipment
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Saucy Secret That Changes Everything
• FAQ
• Related
• Pairing
• Grilled Chicken and Broccoli in Creamy Garlic Sauce

Ingredients

For the Grilled Chicken:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Dried oregano

For the Broccoli:

• Fresh broccoli, cut into florets
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Butter
• Garlic, minced
• All-purpose flour
• Heavy cream
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh lemon juice

See recipe card for quantities.

Ingredient Notes & Smart Swaps

To make the most of this grilled chicken and broccoli with creamy garlic sauce, here are a few flexible options that keep the flavor high and the prep stress-free:

• Chicken: While chicken breasts are classic, boneless chicken thighs are a great alternative; they stay extra juicy and add rich flavor to your grilled chicken and broccoli with creamy garlic sauce.
• Broccoli: Fresh is best for a bit of bite, but if you're in a rush, frozen broccoli florets will work just fine—just thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid watering down your creamy garlic sauce.
• Heavy Cream: You can lighten things up by swapping in half-and-half; your grilled chicken and broccoli with creamy garlic sauce will still be deliciously smooth, just with a slightly lighter texture.
• Parmesan: Freshly grated gives the best melt and flavor, but pre-grated works in a pinch—perfect for weeknight speed.
• Gluten-Free Option: Simply use cornstarch instead of flour in the sauce to keep your grilled chicken and broccoli with creamy garlic sauce gluten-free without sacrificing that velvety finish.

Instructions

Marinate and Prep

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
2. Marinate the boneless skinless chicken breast for 15-30 minutes.
3. While chicken marinates, cut broccoli into uniform florets and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F).
2. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Cook the Broccoli

• Cook broccoli using your preferred method:
  • grill in a basket for 8-10 minutes,
  • roast at 425°F for 12-15 minutes,
  • or steam for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender.

Make Sauce and Combine

1. In a large skillet, melt butter and cook minced garlic for 30 seconds.
2. Whisk in flour, then gradually add heavy cream.
3. Simmer until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, stir in parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
5. Add sliced chicken and broccoli, toss to coat, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Expert Cooking Tips

Cooking grilled chicken and broccoli with creamy garlic sauce doesn’t have to be complicated; these pro tips will help you get it just right every time:

• Perfect Chicken Every Time: For tender, juicy chicken, use a meat thermometer and cook until it hits exactly 165°F. This simple step ensures your grilled chicken turns out just right—never dry, never undercooked.
• Sauce Consistency: If your creamy garlic sauce looks like it’s separating, take it off the heat and whisk in a splash of cold cream; it’ll smooth out beautifully and keep your grilled chicken and broccoli with creamy garlic sauce luxuriously velvety.
• Broccoli Texture: Don’t let the broccoli go mushy. For the perfect bite, cook it just until it turns vibrant green and still has a slight crunch. That balance of textures is key to a great grilled chicken and broccoli with creamy garlic sauce experience.
• Make-Ahead Tip: For deeper flavor, marinate your chicken up to 24 hours ahead. It’s an easy upgrade that takes your grilled chicken and broccoli with creamy garlic sauce from great to unforgettable.

Recipe Variations & Dietary Modifications

One of the best things about grilled chicken and broccoli with creamy garlic sauce is how easily it adapts to different tastes and diets. Here are a few creative twists to make it your own:

• Keto-Friendly Version:
  Grilled chicken and broccoli with creamy garlic sauce is naturally low in carbs, making it a great fit for keto eaters. Just serve it over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a satisfying keto chicken and broccoli dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
• Dairy-Free Alternative:
  To make this dairy-free, swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and omit the parmesan. A dash of nutritional yeast can add that savory, cheesy flavor and keep your grilled chicken and broccoli with creamy garlic sauce rich and satisfying—without any dairy.
• Meal Prep Bowls:
  For a customizable meal prep option, serve grilled chicken and broccoli with creamy garlic sauce over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. It holds up well in the fridge and makes an excellent lunch bowl with minimal effort.
• Pasta Version:
  Craving something more filling? Toss everything with cooked pasta and an extra handful of parmesan for a hearty grilled chicken and broccoli alfredo-style dish. It’s comfort food at its best.
• Vegetable Additions:
  Boost the nutrition and color by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. These extra veggies blend beautifully into the creamy garlic sauce and give your grilled chicken and broccoli with creamy garlic sauce even more flavor and texture.

Equipment

Essential Tools:

• Outdoor grill or grill pan
• Meat thermometer for perfect chicken
• Large skillet for the sauce
• Whisk for smooth sauce preparation
• Grill basket for vegetables (if grilling broccoli)

Budget-Friendly Alternatives:

• A fork can work instead of a whisk, though it takes more effort
• Cast iron skillet can substitute for a grill pan
• Indoor grill or even a regular skillet works if you don't have an outdoor grill

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Grilled chicken and broccoli with creamy garlic sauce isn’t just a great dinner—it’s also perfect for planning ahead. Here’s how to store and prep it like a pro:

• Refrigerator Storage:
  Keep leftover grilled chicken and broccoli with creamy garlic sauce fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps preserve the flavor and keeps the creamy garlic sauce from picking up other smells.
• Freezing Instructions:
  You can freeze grilled chicken and broccoli with creamy garlic sauce for up to 3 months, but note that cream-based sauces may separate a bit when thawed. To bring it back to life, reheat slowly over low heat and stir in a splash of cream until it’s smooth again.
• Meal Prep Strategy:
  This recipe is ideal for weekly meal prep. Cook everything as directed, then portion into containers. When it’s time to reheat, just add a tablespoon of water or cream to loosen the sauce and revive that creamy texture.

FAQ

A Weeknight Favorite You'll Crave Again

This grilled chicken and broccoli with creamy garlic sauce is living proof that healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. With juicy, well-seasoned chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and that dreamy garlic cream sauce, it hits every note. comforting, flavorful, and weeknight-friendly.

Whether you enjoy it as-is, turn it into grilled chicken and broccoli bowls, or toss it with pasta for a creamy alfredo-style twist, this one’s bound to be a family favorite. And hey, if you’re in the mood to keep the flavor train rolling, try pairing this recipe with my Bang Bang Chicken Skewers for a spicy kick, or mix things up with a bowl of Creamy Broccoli Pasta ; both are simple, satisfying, and just as crave-worthy.

Give it a go, and don’t be shy; share your results, photos, or clever twists. I’d love to see how your version of grilled chicken and broccoli with creamy garlic sauce turns out!

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Grilled Chicken and Broccoli with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe: