🧀 Ultimate Grilled Chicken & Rice Bowl with Broccoli & Creamy Cheese Sauce 🍗🥦✨

If comfort food had a modern makeover, this bowl would be it! Juicy grilled chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant broccoli, and a silky cheese sauce all come together for the ultimate weeknight dinner. It’s hearty, balanced, and so satisfying—perfect for when you want something wholesome but still indulgent.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4 | ~640 kcal per serving)

For the Chicken:

• 4 chicken breasts (about 600 g) 🍗
• 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
• 1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
• 1 tsp paprika 🌶️
• Salt & black pepper 🧂

For the Rice:

• 250 g basmati or jasmine rice 🍚
• 500 ml water 💧
• Pinch of salt 🧂

For the Broccoli:

• 300 g broccoli florets 🥦
• Pinch of salt 🧂

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter 🧈
• 2 tbsp flour 🌾
• 400 ml milk 🥛
• 150 g cheddar cheese, grated 🧀
• 50 g mozzarella 🧀
• Salt & pepper 🧂
• Fresh thyme or parsley 🌱

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Rice

Bring salted water to a boil, add rice, and simmer until fluffy. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Broccoli

Steam broccoli florets for 4–5 minutes until tender but still bright green. Season lightly with salt.

3. Grill the Chicken

Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill on medium-high heat until golden, juicy, and cooked through (about 6–7 minutes per side). Slice into strips.

4. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux, then slowly add milk while whisking until smooth. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.

5. Assemble the Bowl

Layer rice at the base, top with grilled chicken slices, broccoli florets, and finish with a generous drizzle of cheese sauce. Garnish with parsley or thyme.

💡 Notes & Variations

• Swap broccoli for roasted cauliflower.
• Add a pinch of chili powder to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use turkey or shrimp instead of chicken for a lighter twist.

✨ This dish isn’t just dinner—it’s a hug in a bowl. Serve it for meal prep, family dinner, or even cozy Sunday nights. One bite of that creamy cheese sauce with smoky chicken, and you’ll be hooked!