If you’re craving something that hits every mark—flavor, nutrition, and pure comfort—let me introduce you to Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Each colorful bowl layers juicy, tender grilled chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, bursts of sweet cherry tomato, and hearty rice or quinoa, all unified by a dreamy, tangy garlic sauce. This dish manages to taste indulgent and nourishing at the same time, and is honestly one of those recipes you’ll get requests for again and again. It’s a simple but stunning meal, perfect for quick weeknights or prepping ahead for the busiest days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce is refreshingly short, but that’s exactly why each piece plays such an important role. Every element adds bright taste, great texture, or much-needed color to this crave-worthy creation. Here’s what your shopping list should look like—plus a little tip on how to make each component shine.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb): Use fresh, evenly-sized pieces for the juiciest grilling results—perfect for slicing atop your bowls.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): This brings smooth richness and helps the spices stick beautifully to the chicken.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds that much-loved savory warmth right into every bite; don’t skimp!
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Lends gentle smokiness and a hint of color that makes the chicken pop.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for balancing and brightening every flavor in the bowl.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): The bit of peppery sharpness is just what the bold flavors need.
- Cooked rice or quinoa (2 cups): Choose whatever base you love, whether you want a classic, a protein boost, or even a low-carb swap.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups, steamed or roasted): Go for either option; roasted brings caramelized edges, while steamed keeps things tender and green.
- Cherry tomatoes (1/2 cup, halved): Slice these gems for pops of sweet, juicy acidity in every bowl.
- Red onion, chopped (1/4 cup, optional): Adds vibrant color and mild bite—use as much or as little as you like.
- For the creamy garlic sauce:
- Plain Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): The tangy, creamy backbone of the sauce; use full-fat for extra richness.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): This brings velvety texture and a luscious mouthfeel with every drizzle.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Freshly squeezed is best—it brightens and balances all the creamy notes.
- Garlic, minced (1 clove): For that lovely, punchy hit of garlic (the sauce’s not-so-secret star).
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Pinch in just enough to season the sauce perfectly.
- Water (1–2 tablespoons): Use to thin the sauce until it’s just right for drizzling.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Season and Grill the Chicken
Start by grabbing a small bowl and mixing together your olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper—this blend is like a mini-marinade that packs the chicken with flavor. Rub the mixture all over your chicken breasts, making sure to coat both sides. Fire up your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’re aiming for those beautiful, golden grill marks and perfectly juicy centers—just be sure the internal temp hits 165°F. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest for 5 minutes; this keeps all the flavorful juices locked in before you slice it.
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce
While the chicken’s soaking up that post-grill rest, whisk together the sauce ingredients: Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. Add water, a tablespoon at a time, until you have a smooth, pourable sauce that’s dreamy enough to drizzle. This creamy garlic sauce ties every element of Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce together in the most magical way.
Step 3: Prepare Your Bowls
Set out your bowls and add a generous scoop of rice or quinoa as the foundation. Layer on the steamed or roasted broccoli for crunch and deep flavor, the halved cherry tomatoes for sweet juiciness, and the optional red onion for zingy color. This is where your base becomes a vibrant canvas, all ready for the final flourish.
Step 4: Slice the Chicken and Assemble
Carefully slice your rested, grilled chicken breasts into bite-sized strips, then arrange them on top of your veggie-and-grain base. The contrast of seasoned, slightly charred chicken against those bright veggies is a thing of beauty. You can get creative with the arrangement—fan it out or pile it high—either way, it’s a showstopper.
Step 5: Drizzle and Serve
Finish by drizzling the creamy garlic sauce generously over the entire bowl. This is when the dish truly becomes Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce—no holding back! Serve the bowls warm, ideally with a little extra sauce on the side for dipping or a drizzle more if you love it as much as I do.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Garnishes
You can really have fun with the finishing touches: sprinkle on some extra chopped parsley or chives for a spark of green, add a few slices of ripe avocado for richness, or dust on a bit of smoked paprika for even more color. A little squeeze of lemon right before serving can also wake the flavors up beautifully.
Side Dishes
These bowls are hearty enough to stand alone, but if you’re looking to round out your meal, they pair wonderfully with simple sides. Try a crisp cucumber salad, roasted sweet potatoes, or a bowl of fresh fruit. Even a slice of toasted sourdough is perfect for soaking up extra sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, lay out all the components separately and let everyone build their own Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce—like a DIY bowl bar! It’s a fun way for everyone to personalize their dish with more of what they love. Or, for a super-polished look, serve in wide, shallow bowls with a neat drizzle of sauce and a scatter of microgreens or edible flowers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers, I recommend storing the chicken, vegetables, grain, and creamy garlic sauce each in separate airtight containers. This way, your veggies won’t go soggy and the chicken stays tender. Everything keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and is easy to grab for lunches or another family dinner.
Freezing
While the chicken and cooked grains freeze very well, the veggies are best enjoyed fresh, and the sauce should stay refrigerated (not frozen) for best texture. For freezer prep, simply package the grilled chicken and rice or quinoa together, freeze for up to three months, and thaw overnight when you’re ready to rebuild your bowls.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and rice/quinoa gently in the microwave or a skillet (covered with a splash of water to prevent drying), then top with cold or gently rewarmed veggies. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce on just before serving to keep it smooth and luscious. This easy method brings Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce back to their freshly assembled best, any day.
FAQs
Can I grill the chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken holds up beautifully when cooked in advance. Just let it cool, slice, and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve your Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce, give the slices a quick reheat or enjoy them cold for a speedy lunch.
What are some good substitutions for the sauce ingredients?
If you need a dairy-free option, swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based version, and use vegan mayo in place of regular. The sauce will still be creamy and delicious! If you’re out of lemon, a little apple cider vinegar does the trick for acidity.
Can I use another vegetable instead of broccoli?
Definitely! Try roasted cauliflower, green beans, or even asparagus for a different flavor profile. The concept behind Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce is totally customizable, so feel free to mix up the veggies with whatever’s in season or on hand.
What’s the best way to make this low-carb?
Swap the rice or quinoa for lightly sautéed cauliflower rice or a bed of mixed greens. You’ll cut the carbs while still keeping the flavor and satisfaction at the heart of this bowl meal.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This is one of those dishes that’s practically made for meal prep. Assemble your grains, veggies, and chicken in separate containers, keep the sauce on the side, and combine everything when you’re ready to eat. Easy, fuss-free lunches all week!
Final Thoughts
Few dishes offer the perfect mix of ease, flavor, and flexibility quite like Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, getting ahead on meal prep, or just treating yourself to something extra delicious, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen. Give it a try and make this bowl your own!
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Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal with these Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls topped with a creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or roasted)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin)
For the grilled chicken:
For the bowls:
For the creamy garlic sauce:
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Prepare the chicken: Mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts. Grill for 5 to 6 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest and slice.
- Make the sauce: Whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and water until smooth.
- Assemble the bowls: Layer rice or quinoa, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and grilled chicken. Drizzle with creamy garlic sauce. Serve warm.
Notes
- For meal prep, store sauce separately and drizzle before eating.
- Add avocado or shredded cheese for extra richness.
- Works well with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
