Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

There’s nothing quite as comforting and vibrant as tucking into Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. This standout dish brings together tender, juicy grilled chicken, crisp-tender broccoli florets, and a swoon-worthy creamy garlic sauce, all arranged in a bowl that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying. Whether you’re craving a wholesome weeknight dinner or something impressive for guests, this recipe is endlessly customizable and sure to become a staple at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With a handful of familiar ingredients, you’re just minutes away from a bowlful of flavor. Each component is chosen for its role in adding freshness, color, or that irresistible savory zing to the Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce!

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless cuts keep things lean while soaking up every drop of marinade for maximum juiciness.
• Broccoli Florets: Their bright green color and satisfying crunch make the perfect counterpoint to the creamy sauce.
• Olive Oil: Adds rich flavor and helps the spice mix cling to the chicken and broccoli.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential to bring out the best in every ingredient—don’t hold back!
• Smoked Paprika: Lends a subtle, smoky depth that takes simple grilled chicken from bland to bold.
• Garlic Powder: Adds an aromatic kick to both the chicken and vegetable elements.
• Onion Powder: Enhances savory notes and rounds out the marinade.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: A splash of acidity brightens every bite and balances the creaminess of the sauce.
• Mayonnaise: The backbone of your creamy garlic sauce, giving it body and richness.
• Plain Greek Yogurt: Lightens the sauce and adds a wonderfully tangy note.
• Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh garlic delivers pungency and unmistakable flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Gives the sauce zip and complexity with hints of spice.
• Salt & Pepper (for the sauce): Seasoning here ties the sauce together and lets it sing atop your bowl.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): A fresh, herby garnish for a pop of color and flavor at the finish line.

How to Make Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken breasts generously in this aromatic marinade, ensuring every surface gets a good layer. Let them soak up all those flavors for at least 20 minutes—perfect for prepping your other ingredients while the magic happens.

Step 2: Grill That Chicken

Fire up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lay your marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked through with irresistible char marks. The secret to juicy chicken? A proper rest! Let the chicken sit tented in foil for a few minutes before slicing so every piece stays moist and full of flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

While your chicken is resting, steam or sauté the broccoli florets until they’re bright green and just fork-tender—about 3 to 5 minutes is all it takes. If sautéing, use a little olive oil and toss until the edges are just golden. The goal is to keep that crunch alive, adding texture and freshness to each bowl.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You’re aiming for a silky, pourable consistency that’s bursting with garlicky tang. If you’re a garlic lover, go ahead and add another clove—the sauce can handle it!

Step 5: Assemble & Finish Your Bowls

Divide the broccoli and sliced grilled chicken between two dinner bowls. Generously drizzle everything with your homemade creamy garlic sauce, letting it pool in all the right places. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top is the final flourish. Your Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are ready to serve!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

The finishing touch makes all the difference—a little chopped parsley or thin lemon zest brightens up the bowl visually and brings out the freshness of the sauce. Try a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

While these bowls are wonderfully balanced on their own, you can pair them with a fluffy bed of rice, quinoa, or even couscous. For even more color, a fresh green salad or roasted sweet potatoes on the side work beautifully with the savory notes of the Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your imagination run wild! Pile everything in a wide, shallow bowl for a restaurant-style look, or make mini versions in mason jars for meal-prep lunches. You can even offer a DIY bowl bar, letting family and guests build their own Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce with various veggies and toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken, broccoli, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything tasting as fresh as possible, and the sauce stays nice and creamy for up to 3 days.

Freezing

While the components freeze best separately, you’ll get the best results freezing the grilled chicken and blanched broccoli. Store them in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. The creamy garlic sauce is best made fresh, as mayonnaise and yogurt can separate after thawing.

Reheating

For a quick lunch, reheat the chicken and broccoli gently in the microwave or a skillet until warmed through. Drizzle with fresh sauce after heating to keep those textures creamy and vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and rich flavor to your bowl. Just adjust the cooking time a bit as thighs may take slightly longer to grill through.

What veggies can I substitute for broccoli?

Feel free to swap in cauliflower, asparagus, green beans, or a colorful medley of whatever’s seasonal. These bowls are flexible and work well with nearly any roasted or sautéed vegetable.

Can I make the Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce dairy-free?

Yes, just substitute a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternative for the Greek yogurt in the sauce. The rest of the ingredients are already dairy-free!

Is there a way to lighten up the creamy garlic sauce?

For a lighter version, you can increase the Greek yogurt and decrease the mayonnaise proportion, or use all nonfat Greek yogurt instead. It still delivers plenty of flavor while cutting down on calories.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165F. If you don’t have a thermometer, slice into the thickest part; the juices should run clear, not pink.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a feel-good meal that’s as easy as it is flavorful, the Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are truly a winner. Give it a try and add your own twist—your kitchen will never smell better, and your tastebuds will thank you!

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