Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a wholesome and delicious meal that brings together tender grilled chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich, flavorful garlic sauce. Served over rice or your favorite grain, these bowls offer a satisfying balance of protein, fiber, and bold taste. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or prepping meals ahead of time, this recipe delivers both convenience and comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with lean protein and veggies for a nutritious meal
• The creamy garlic sauce is rich, tangy, and easy to make
• Ideal for meal prep or weeknight dinners
• Simple ingredients with big, bold flavors
• Customizable with your favorite grains or vegetables

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the grilled chicken:

• Chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Lemon or lime juice

For the broccoli and base:

• Fresh broccoli florets
• Cooked rice, quinoa, or grain of choice

For the creamy garlic sauce:

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Garlic, minced
• Lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

Directions

this recipe

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and citrus juice. Coat the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Grill the chicken: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let rest before slicing.
3. Cook the broccoli: Steam or roast broccoli until tender but still crisp.
4. Make the garlic sauce: Mix mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth.
5. Assemble the bowls: Layer rice or grains in a bowl, add broccoli and sliced grilled chicken, then drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Variations

• Low-carb: Use cauliflower rice as a base
• Spicy twist: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce
• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas
• Extra veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or avocado

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep chicken, broccoli, rice, and sauce stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Freezing: Chicken and rice can be frozen for up to 1 month (avoid freezing the sauce)
• Reheating: Microwave chicken and rice until warmed through. Add sauce after reheating to keep it creamy

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are more flavorful and stay juicy when grilled.

How do I keep broccoli from getting soggy?

Don’t overcook it—steam or roast just until bright green and crisp-tender.

Can I make this bowl dairy-free?

Use dairy-free mayo and yogurt alternatives in the garlic sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your grains and condiments (like mustard) are certified gluten-free.

Can I grill the broccoli too?

Yes, grilled broccoli adds a great smoky flavor to the bowl.

What’s the best way to meal prep this dish?

Cook and store the components separately, then assemble before eating.

Can I use a different sauce?

Absolutely—try tahini sauce, hummus, or a vinaigrette as an alternative.

How long can I store the garlic sauce?

Refrigerate for up to 4–5 days in a sealed container.

What grains work best for the base?

Rice, quinoa, couscous, farro, or even cauliflower rice all work well.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes, the mild garlic sauce and grilled chicken make it approachable for kids.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a perfect combination of healthy and indulgent. This balanced meal is easy to customize, quick to prepare, and ideal for both dinner and meal prep. With simple ingredients and a flavorful garlic sauce, it’s a go-to bowl that delivers every time.

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