If you’re after a meal that’s as vibrant as it is hearty, you’ll fall head over heels for these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Juicy, smoky chicken pairs with charred broccoli and nutty brown rice, all tied together with a luscious, tangy garlic sauce that brings everything to life. This is the kind of bowl that makes healthy eating feel like a treat, with every bite packing in flavor, protein, and satisfaction. Whether you’re meal prepping or spicing up your weeknight dinner, Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce is in the simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each element plays its own role, from the smoky chicken to the creamy sauce, building layers of texture and taste you’ll crave again and again.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are perfect for soaking up smoky, savory flavors on the grill.
- Olive oil: Used twice, it helps keep both the chicken and broccoli juicy and flavorful while grilling.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a deep, smoky undertone that transforms the chicken from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a gentle garlic warmth that complements the sauce beautifully.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors—don’t skimp on it!
- Black pepper: Just the right amount of bite to balance the creamy sauce and roasted veggies.
- Broccoli florets: When grilled, these develop irresistible charred edges and a tender-crisp bite.
- Cooked brown rice or quinoa: The wholesome, nutty base that soaks up every drop of sauce.
- Greek yogurt: Full of tang and creaminess, it forms the light, protein-rich backbone of the garlic sauce.
- Mayonnaise: Adds a touch of richness and helps the sauce stay silky smooth.
- Lemon juice: Brightens up the sauce, balancing richness with a fresh citrus zing.
- Fresh garlic: Minced and mixed into the sauce, it gives that unmistakable garlicky punch.
- Water: Just a splash or two to get the sauce to the perfect drizzling consistency.
How to Make Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by grabbing your chicken breasts and giving them a quick pound to even out the thickness—this helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Drizzle with olive oil, then rub in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This simple spice blend infuses the chicken with tons of flavor and gives it a gorgeous color once grilled.
Step 2: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat until it’s nice and hot. Lay the seasoned chicken on the grill and let it cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’re aiming for beautiful grill marks and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing—it keeps every bite juicy.
Step 3: Char the Broccoli
While the chicken is grilling, toss your broccoli florets with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Pop them on the grill (or sauté in a pan if you prefer) and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. The goal is tender florets with just a bit of char—this caramelization brings out the broccoli’s natural sweetness and adds so much depth to your bowl.
Step 4: Whisk Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth, then add a splash of water (start with one tablespoon) to reach your desired drizzling consistency. This sauce is the star of the show—it’s creamy, tangy, and garlicky, tying the whole bowl together.
Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls
Spoon a generous serving of cooked brown rice or quinoa into each bowl. Nestle in the sliced grilled chicken and charred broccoli, then give it all a healthy drizzle of that dreamy creamy garlic sauce. Feel free to load up on extra veggies or toppings—this is your bowl, after all!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds lends a nutty crunch, while fresh chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro add a burst of color and freshness. For extra zing, add a few slices of avocado or a squeeze of lemon over the top—each addition takes Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce to new heights.
Side Dishes
While these bowls are plenty satisfying on their own, you can round out your meal with a crisp green salad, some roasted sweet potatoes, or even a bowl of soup. The flavors in Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce pair beautifully with simple, fresh sides that let the main ingredients shine.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or family meal, set out all the components buffet-style and let everyone build their own bowls. Or, for meal prepping, portion everything into containers for grab-and-go lunches. You can even turn these bowls into wraps by stuffing the fillings into large whole-grain tortillas—Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are endlessly versatile!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, these bowls keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, store the creamy garlic sauce separately and drizzle it on just before eating to keep everything fresh and vibrant. The chicken and broccoli will hold up beautifully, making this dish a fantastic option for meal prep.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze portions for later, keep the grilled chicken, broccoli, and rice or quinoa in separate airtight containers. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can freeze it in a pinch—just know the texture may change slightly after thawing. Thaw everything in the fridge overnight before reheating and assembling your Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the chicken, broccoli, and rice in the microwave or a skillet until hot. If you stored the sauce separately, give it a quick stir and drizzle it over just before serving. This keeps every bite as creamy and delicious as when it was first made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as delicious and bring a bit more richness to Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Adjust the cooking time as needed, since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can swap the chicken for grilled tofu or even chickpeas. The creamy garlic sauce is just as tasty with plant-based proteins, making Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce a hit with vegetarians, too!
How do I make the sauce dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, try using a plain non-dairy yogurt in place of Greek yogurt and a vegan mayonnaise. The sauce will still be creamy and flavorful, perfect for drizzling over your bowls.
What other vegetables work well in these bowls?
Almost anything goes! Roasted carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini are all fantastic additions. Just grill or roast your favorites and add them alongside the broccoli for even more color and flavor.
Can I make the Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce ahead of time for meal prep?
Definitely! Prepare all the components ahead of time and store them in separate containers. Assemble your bowl and add the sauce right before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious, and Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce fit the bill perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe promises flavor, comfort, and a little bit of weeknight magic. Give it a try and let these bowls brighten up your table!
Print
Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls recipe features tender grilled chicken breasts paired with charred broccoli and served over a nourishing base of brown rice or quinoa. Topped with a creamy garlic sauce made from Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, this healthy and flavorful bowl is perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner, offering a balanced blend of protein, vegetables, and grains.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Broccoli
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Base
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Grill and Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to coat evenly.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) indicating they are fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Cook the Broccoli: While the chicken is grilling, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil. Grill or sauté the broccoli for 5–7 minutes until tender with a slight char, which adds flavor and texture.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add water one tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked brown rice or quinoa between serving bowls. Top with the sliced grilled chicken and grilled broccoli. Drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce before serving for a delicious, balanced meal.
Notes
- To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the chicken with grilled tofu.
- Add variety by including extras such as shredded carrots, sliced avocado, or toasted sesame seeds for enhanced texture and flavor.
- The creamy garlic sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
