Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

If you’re searching for your next easy-but-irresistible dinner idea, look no further: these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are about to become a staple at your table. This power bowl brings together juicy grilled chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, fluffy rice or quinoa, and a lusciously tangy garlic sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything. It’s healthy, speedy enough for a weeknight, and absolutely bursting with color and flavor—making it the perfect meal to both satisfy and impress!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simple goodness: just a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients come together in a way that lets each flavor truly shine. From the bold paprika-scented chicken to the creamy garlic sauce, every item earns its place in these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: The star protein, juicy and quick-cooking—use breasts for leaner bowls or thighs for extra tenderness.
• Olive oil: Adds richness to both the chicken and broccoli, helping spices stick and giving a golden finish.
• Garlic powder: Infuses warmth and savory backbone into the chicken; a pantry must-have!
• Paprika: Lends subtle smokiness and gorgeous color to the grilled chicken.
• Salt and pepper: Brings all the flavors into balance; don’t be shy with it!
• Broccoli florets: Roasts or grills up beautifully, offering freshness and a lovely crunch.
• Rice or quinoa (cooked): The hearty base that soaks up all the juices and sauce—choose your favorite or both!
• Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (for sauce): This forms the rich, creamy backbone of the dreamy garlic sauce.
• Mayonnaise (for sauce): Gives the sauce body and that extra silkiness.
• Lemon juice (for sauce): Brightens everything up with fresh, tangy notes.
• Minced garlic (for sauce): Packs a flavorful punch—fresh is best for maximum zing.
• Dijon mustard (for sauce): Adds a subtle kick and complexity to the creamy sauce.
• Water (for sauce): Thins the sauce to your perfect drizzling consistency.

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

Step 1: Prep & Marinate the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken dry—this helps the seasonings stick and delivers maximum grill flavor. Rub the chicken all over with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, making sure every nook and cranny gets coated. Let the chicken sit while you prep everything else so those flavors have time to work their magic!

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lay the seasoned chicken on and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until beautifully charred and cooked through with an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). Resist the urge to fuss with it so you get those epic grill marks! Once cooked, transfer to a plate and let the chicken rest while you finish your veggies.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

Toss your broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can grill them alongside the chicken or roast them in a hot oven at 400°F (204°C) for 15 to 20 minutes. The goal? Tender broccoli with irresistible crispy edges and a hint of smokiness—this step takes the dish from everyday to crave-worthy.

Step 4: Whisk Up Creamy Garlic Sauce

While everything is cooking, grab a small bowl and mix together the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayo, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in just enough water to thin it out so it drizzles easily. This sauce is the secret that ties the Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce together—tangy, garlicky, and totally spoonable.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Now the fun part! Divide your rice or quinoa between bowls, layer on sliced grilled chicken, and add heaps of those caramelized broccoli florets. Generously drizzle everything with your creamy garlic sauce. Don’t forget a final grind of black pepper or splash of lemon if you love extra brightness!

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

Garnishes

Think of garnishes as the finishing touch to make your Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce extra-special. Try a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives, scatter some toasted sesame seeds, or lay on a few slices of ripe avocado for creamy richness. A wedge of lemon on the side adds color and a little zing with every bite.

Side Dishes

While this bowl is hearty on its own, it pairs beautifully with a simple cucumber salad, a crisp slaw, or even a bowl of soup on chilly nights. If you love a little more crunch, serve with baked pita chips or a side of lightly roasted sweet potatoes for sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For family-style, serve all the components in separate bowls and let everyone build their own masterpiece. For meal prep, layer all the ingredients in grab-and-go containers. Hosting friends? Plate the bowls in wide, shallow dishes and drizzle the creamy garlic sauce in a pretty zigzag for a gourmet presentation—they’ll be wowed at first glance!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days in the fridge. Store each component—chicken, broccoli, sauce, and rice or quinoa—in separate airtight containers, so nothing gets soggy and everything tastes just-cooked when you’re ready to reheat.

Freezing

You can freeze the grilled chicken and broccoli for up to two months in tightly sealed containers. The rice also freezes well. For the best texture, keep the creamy garlic sauce in the fridge and simply make a fresh batch when you’re ready to assemble your next bowl.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken, broccoli, and rice gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir the sauce before serving, and if it’s thickened in the fridge, just add a splash of water or lemon juice and whisk until smooth. Drizzle over everything just before eating for that same fresh-from-the-grill flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor to the Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Their slightly higher fat content means even more tender bites after grilling—just check they reach 165°F for doneness.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the sauce?

Both sour cream and plain regular yogurt work beautifully in the creamy garlic sauce, keeping it tangy and rich. For a dairy-free alternative, try unsweetened coconut yogurt and your favorite vegan mayo.

Do I have to grill the chicken and broccoli, or can I bake them?

No grill? No problem! You can bake the chicken and broccoli on a sheet pan in a hot oven, or even use a stovetop grill pan. The results are just as delicious and full of flavor—broiling for the last 2 minutes adds an extra smoky note.

Can I make these bowls ahead for meal prep?

These Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce were made for meal prep! Assemble your bowls in containers, keep the sauce separate, and refrigerate. When hunger strikes, just reheat, drizzle, and dive in.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—all the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free. If you use a gluten-free grain (like quinoa or certified GF rice) and check that your mustard and mayo are gluten-free, these bowls fit right into a GF lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

If you love a meal that’s as nourishing as it is craveable, Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are about to win your heart. With their bold flavors, quick prep, and endless ways to customize, they might just become a regular dinner at your place—so go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy every bite!

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