Grilled Chicken with Creamy Sauce, Rice, Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli
If you’re craving a wholesome, flavorful dinner that hits all the right notes, this recipe for Grilled Chicken with Creamy Sauce, Rice, Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli is exactly what you need. Combining tender, smoky grilled chicken with a rich and velvety creamy sauce, fluffy rice, golden roasted potatoes, and vibrant broccoli, this dish feels like a complete celebration on your plate. It’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors that’s both comforting and refreshing, making it ideal for family meals or impressing guests without stress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced Flavors: Each component complements the others, creating a harmonious taste experience from savory chicken to creamy sauce and crisp veggies.
- Simple Prep: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is approachable even for busy weeknights.
- Nutritious & Filling: This meal provides lean protein, wholesome carbs, and vibrant vegetables for a well-rounded, satisfying plate.
- Customizable: It’s easy to tweak according to your preferences or dietary needs without losing its magic.
- Great for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, you’ll find this dish accessible and rewarding.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is in its straightforward, quality ingredients that come together to build striking flavors and textures. Each item plays an important role in delivering the perfect balance of creaminess, crispness, and heartiness.
- Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless for even grilling and tenderness.
- Heavy Cream: For a lush, rich sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Garlic: Adds aroma and depth to the creamy sauce and veggies alike.
- White Rice: A fluffy, neutral base that soaks up the sauce and balances the meal.
- Baby Potatoes: Roasted until golden and crispy to add satisfying crunch.
- Broccoli Florets: Steamed or roasted to keep their vibrant color and crunchy bite.
- Olive Oil: Essential for roasting and grilling to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.
- Lemon Juice: Gives a bright, fresh kick that cuts through the richness.
- Parmesan Cheese: A finishing touch that boosts savory notes in the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: To season just right and bring out natural flavors.
Variations for Grilled Chicken with Creamy Sauce, Rice, Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli
This recipe is a fantastic base to personalize depending on what’s in your pantry or what you’re craving. Feel free to explore these variations to keep things exciting while sticking to the core concept.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to your potatoes for an aromatic uplift.
- Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy but vegan-friendly option.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.
- Different Grains: Replace the rice with quinoa or couscous for a nutty flavor and more texture variety.
- Vegetable Swaps: Use asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts instead of broccoli depending on availability or preference.
How to Make Grilled Chicken with Creamy Sauce, Rice, Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash baby potatoes and cut larger ones in halves to ensure even roasting. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional herbs, then spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes until crisp and golden, flipping halfway through for uniform color and texture.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
While the potatoes roast, rinse 1 cup of white rice under cold water until clear. Combine with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until all water is absorbed and the rice is tender and fluffy. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place chicken on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the outside has nice grill marks. Remove from heat and let rest briefly.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring it just to a gentle simmer. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, whisking until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then pour over the grilled chicken immediately.
Step 5: Steam or Roast the Broccoli
For bright green, crisp-tender broccoli, either steam florets for 5 minutes or roast alongside potatoes for the last 10 minutes of cooking, tossing with olive oil, salt, and pepper. This ensures the broccoli is perfectly cooked and ready to balance the richness of the creamy sauce.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Chicken with Creamy Sauce, Rice, Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli
- Even Chicken Thickness: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent grilling and juicier results.
- Rest the Meat: Let grilled chicken rest for a few minutes to keep the juices locked in after cooking.
- Potato Size Matters: Choose uniform potato sizes or cut larger ones to ensure everything cooks evenly.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly grated Parmesan and fresh lemon juice for the brightest and most authentic flavors.
- Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Overcooked broccoli loses its vibrant color and crunch; steam or roast just until crisp-tender.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken with Creamy Sauce, Rice, Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley or chives sprinkled over the creamy sauce add vivid color and a fresh herbal note that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair this meal with a crisp green salad or a simple tomato cucumber salad to add extra freshness and balance the richness of the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the grilled chicken sliced over a bed of rice with roasted potatoes and broccoli neatly arranged around it — drizzle extra creamy sauce on top to make it look as inviting as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover grilled chicken, rice, roasted potatoes, and broccoli together or separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
While the grilled chicken and potatoes freeze well individually, the creamy sauce might separate when frozen, so freeze it separately if possible and reheat gently when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat remnants in the oven or on the stovetop for best texture; add a splash of milk or cream when warming the sauce to bring back its luscious consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra moistness and flavor; just adjust grilling time accordingly since thighs might take a little longer to cook.
Is there a way to make the creamy sauce lighter?
For a lighter sauce, substitute half the heavy cream with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt, but add it at the end of cooking to prevent curdling.
Can I prepare the roasted potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the potatoes earlier and reheat them in the oven before serving to restore their crispness.
What’s the best way to keep broccoli bright green when cooking?
Steaming broccoli and immediately rinsing it under cold water (blanching) helps maintain its vivid green color and crisp texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! All ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, just ensure your seasoning blends and store-bought items don’t contain gluten additives.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken with Creamy Sauce, Rice, Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a comforting, balanced meal that’s packed with flavor and texture. Once you try it, you’ll appreciate how simple ingredients transform into something truly special — a recipe to keep in your go-to dinner rotation. So grab your grill and get cooking this delicious dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
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Grilled Chicken with Creamy Sauce, Rice, Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli
A wholesome and flavorful dinner featuring tender grilled chicken breasts topped with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce, served alongside fluffy white rice, golden roasted baby potatoes, and vibrant broccoli. This balanced meal offers a comforting yet refreshing combination of textures and tastes, perfect for family meals or entertaining with ease.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Roasting, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Rice
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups water
- Pinch of salt
Roasted Potatoes
- 1 lb baby potatoes (halved if large)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh rosemary or thyme
Broccoli
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash the baby potatoes and cut larger ones in halves to ensure even roasting. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional fresh herbs. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until crisp and golden.
- Cook the Rice: While the potatoes roast, rinse 1 cup of white rice under cold water until clear. Combine with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and rice is tender. Fluff with a fork before serving.
- Grill the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and grill marks form. Remove from heat and let rest briefly to retain juices.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, whisking until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the sauce over the grilled chicken immediately.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Steam broccoli florets for about 5 minutes until crisp-tender, or roast them alongside potatoes for the last 10 minutes of cooking, tossing with olive oil, salt, and pepper. This keeps the broccoli bright and crunchy to balance the creamy sauce.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent grilling and juicier results.
- Let the grilled chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
- Choose uniform potato sizes or cut larger ones to ensure even roasting.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan and fresh lemon juice for the best flavors.
- Avoid overcooking broccoli to maintain its bright color and crisp texture.
- For a dairy-free sauce alternative, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
- To add a spicy kick, stir in red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the creamy sauce.
- Serve grilled chicken sliced over rice with potatoes and broccoli arranged neatly; drizzle extra sauce on top for an inviting presentation.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze chicken and potatoes separately for best results; freeze sauce separately to avoid separation.
- Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or cream to the sauce to restore creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: grilled chicken, creamy sauce, roasted potatoes, rice, broccoli, easy dinner, healthy meal, gluten free
