If you are craving a wholesome, vibrant meal that brings together the smoky char of grilled chicken, the fresh crunch of broccoli, and the tangy richness of a luscious, creamy sauce, then this Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. It’s a colorful, protein-packed bowl that feels like a treat but comes together with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep winner, this dish offers both comfort and a burst of flavor that’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to creating the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors and textures in your Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for quick and even grilling that stays juicy.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh, green, and crisp, adding a vibrant color and gentle bite.
- Olive oil: For marinating and grilling, bringing a smooth richness and helping with caramelization.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every component’s natural flavor.
- Garlic powder and paprika: Add a smoky, savory layer to the chicken marinade.
- Cooked rice or quinoa: The perfect fluffy base to soak up all those delicious juices and sauces.
- Fresh parsley: Optional, but adds a pop of herbal freshness and a pretty finish.
- Greek yogurt and mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the garlic sauce that keeps things light but indulgent.
- Minced garlic: The star of the sauce that delivers that punch of aromatic flavor.
- Lemon juice: Lifts the sauce with bright acidity and balances richness.
How to Make Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Let’s start with the chicken—get your olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper ready in a bowl and mix them together to form a flavorful marinade. Coat the chicken breasts evenly and let them rest for at least 30 minutes, or better yet, up to 2 hours in the fridge. This step is where your chicken soaks in all those deeply savory and smoky notes, ensuring every bite bursts with taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, whip up the sauce to save time and infuse those garlicky flavors. Combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s beautifully smooth and creamy. Pop this in the fridge so the flavors meld and it stays refreshingly cool when you serve your bowl.
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill
Now, fire up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot so you can achieve those irresistible grill marks and a crisp exterior on your chicken while keeping it succulent inside.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Place your marinated chicken breasts on the grill and let them cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. The goal is a golden char, juicy texture, and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to lock in all the juices.
Step 5: Cook the Broccoli
While your chicken is grilling or resting, cook the broccoli to keep things fresh and lightly tender. You can steam or blanch it quickly for 5 minutes to retain its bright green pop and firm bite. If you prefer an extra smoky touch, toss the broccoli in some olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill it separately until lightly charred and soft, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Step 6: Assemble the Bowls
Here’s the fun part: building your bowl. Start with a bed of fluffy cooked rice or quinoa. Layer on those succulent slices of grilled chicken and juicy broccoli florets. Each component’s textures come together in a wonderful mouthfeel balance.
Step 7: Add the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Generously drizzle or dollop the creamy garlic sauce over your assembled bowl. This sauce ties everything together with its bold garlic punch and smooth, tangy flair that elevates each bite beyond ordinary.
Step 8: Final Touches and Serve
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an herbaceous lift and beautiful color contrast. Serve your Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe immediately while everything is warm and fresh—trust me, it’s best enjoyed right away!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple but impactful garnish here, adding a subtle earthiness and vibrant green hue. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a zesty twist that brightens the whole dish.
Side Dishes
If you want to accompany your bowls, a light cucumber salad or a crisp green side salad with vinaigrette dresses beautifully alongside without overpowering those rich, creamy notes. Roasted sweet potatoes also make an excellent hearty side that complements the smoky grilled flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
To elevate your presentation, consider layering the bowls in glass mason jars for meal prep or using a divided serving dish so the sauce can be added at the table. You can even swap the rice or quinoa base with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb, fresh twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the creamy garlic sauce separate if possible to maintain its fresh texture, then add it just before serving your next bowl.
Freezing
You can freeze the grilled chicken and broccoli separately, but it’s best to skip freezing the sauce as dairy tends to separate when thawed. Freeze the protein and veggies in portion-sized containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and broccoli in a skillet or microwave until steaming hot. Add the creamy garlic sauce fresh after reheating for the best flavor and texture. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the broccoli crisp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works just fine if fresh isn’t available. Just thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, and adjust your cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. This bowl keeps well in the fridge, and because the sauce can be stored separately, you can prepare portions in advance for quick, healthy lunches throughout the week.
Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?
Yes, you can swap the chicken for grilled tofu, shrimp, or even steak slices depending on your preference. Just adjust the marinade and cooking times accordingly.
What can I do if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! You can use a grill pan, a broiler in your oven, or even a cast-iron skillet to get those beautiful sear marks and smoky flavor.
How can I make the creamy garlic sauce dairy-free?
Try using a dairy-free yogurt alternative like coconut or almond yogurt and a dairy-free mayo substitute to keep the sauce creamy without dairy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about the combination of perfectly grilled chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich, creamy garlic sauce coming together in one bowl. This Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is an absolute keeper—full of bold flavors, textures, and simplicity that anyone can master. Give it a try soon, and I bet it will become your go-to for easy, fresh, and unbelievably tasty meals!
Print
Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This recipe features flavorful grilled chicken breasts paired with vibrant broccoli florets, served over a bed of rice or quinoa and topped with a tangy, creamy garlic sauce. It’s a wholesome, satisfying meal perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Cooked rice or quinoa for serving (about 2 cups)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat them evenly in the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
- Prepare the creamy garlic sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Set aside in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to get it ready for cooking the chicken.
- Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and nice grill marks. Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until bright green and tender, about 5 minutes. Alternatively, toss the broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill on a separate pan for 4-5 minutes until tender and slightly charred.
- Assemble the bowls: Begin with a base of cooked rice or quinoa in each bowl. Top with sliced grilled chicken and the prepared broccoli florets.
- Add the sauce and garnish: Generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful, nutritious grilled chicken and broccoli bowls.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 2 hours) will deepen the flavor.
- You can substitute quinoa or rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- The creamy garlic sauce can be made a day ahead to save time and allow flavors to develop more fully.
- If grilling isn’t an option, the chicken can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or baked in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Fresh parsley is optional but adds a nice color and freshness as a garnish.
