Name: Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 cups broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

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Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are about to become your new weeknight best friend. This dish is a powerhouse of juicy grilled chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and the dreamiest garlic sauce you’ll ever drizzle. With a colorful, wholesome base and a creamy, lemon-kissed finish, every bite is balanced, satisfying, and made for those days when you crave deliciousness without fuss. It’s bright, clean, and versatile enough for dinner, lunch, and even meal prep, making it a healthy classic you’ll want on repeat.

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce is how every ingredient truly counts. These are pantry staples, yet each adds a layer of flavor, a pop of color, or creamy richness you’ll crave. Here’s everything you’ll need for a vibrant bowl that tastes restaurant-special but comes together fuss-free at home.

Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quicker grilling and easy slicing.
Broccoli florets: Fresh is best for a crisp-tender finish and that super green color, but frozen works in a pinch.
Olive oil: Divided between marinade and broccoli, it brings moisture and helps infuse all the spices.
Smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and a gorgeous color to the chicken.
Garlic powder: Layers in that deep garlicky flavor, complementing the fresh garlic in the sauce.
Onion powder: Just a touch brings subtle background sweetness to the marinade.
Lemon juice: A splash here brightens the chicken and lifts the creamy sauce too.
Salt and pepper: Season everything well for bold, balanced taste in every bite.
Mayonnaise: The base of the sauce for that irresistibly creamy texture.
Plain Greek yogurt: Adds tang and a lighter, protein-rich creaminess to the garlic sauce.
Garlic cloves: Fresh, minced garlic packs a punchy, aromatic kick into the sauce.
Dijon mustard: For a little edge and complexity, just a teaspoon goes a long way.
Chopped parsley (optional): Sprinkle on top for fresh color and herbal brightness.

How to Make

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, plus a good pinch of salt and pepper. Rub this flavorful marinade generously over your chicken breasts, really working it in so every bite is seasoned. For best results, let the chicken soak up those flavors for at least 20 minutes. (If you have more time, an hour in the fridge makes it even better.)

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Heat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook your marinated chicken breasts for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the outside is golden with lovely grill marks and the inside reaches 165°F. Don’t skip the rest: let your chicken sit for a few minutes before slicing—it keeps it perfectly juicy every time.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

While the chicken is grilling, steam or sauté your broccoli florets until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. I love a quick steam for about 4 minutes, but you can also toss them in a hot pan with a splash of the remaining olive oil for extra flavor and a hint of char.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is smooth and creamy. Tip: Start slow with the garlic, since raw garlic is strong—you can always add more to taste!

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Grab your favorite bowls and layer in the broccoli and sliced grilled chicken. Drizzle with a generous spoonful of the creamy garlic sauce and, if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with parsley. Your Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are ready to wow!

How to Serve

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way in adding both flavor and flair. Freshly chopped parsley brightens the whole bowl, while a squeeze of extra lemon amps up the freshness. For a pop of color and crunch, scatter on a few toasted almonds or sesame seeds. These little additions make Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce look as delicious as they taste!

Side Dishes

These bowls are super satisfying on their own, but they pair perfectly with fluffy brown rice, tangy quinoa, or even a swirl of lemony couscous. For a low-carb twist, cauliflower rice is a fresh, mild base that soaks up the creamy garlic sauce beautifully. Toss in a simple mixed greens salad or roasted sweet potatoes if you’re feeling extra hungry.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce into colorful meal-prep containers for the week, packed up and ready to go. Or, try letting guests assemble their own bowls for a fun, hands-on dinner party. These flavors make fantastic wraps too—just tuck the chicken, broccoli, and sauce into warm tortillas or lettuce leaves for a fresh twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store the chicken and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate so everything stays fresh and the flavors don’t muddle. When you’re ready for more Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce, just reassemble and enjoy—simple as that.

Freezing

You can freeze the grilled chicken and broccoli for up to two months. Let them cool completely before packing into freezer-safe bags. Wait to make the creamy garlic sauce until you’re ready to serve; mayonnaise-based sauces don’t freeze well and are best enjoyed fresh for their creamy, silky texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat your chicken and broccoli in the microwave in short bursts or in a skillet with a splash of water or broth for moisture. This keeps everything juicy and tender. Only add the creamy garlic sauce after reheating so it stays rich and luscious, rather than splitting or thinning out.

FAQs

Can I make Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely! These bowls hold up beautifully in the fridge, making them an ideal choice for meal prepping lunches or dinners. Just remember to keep the sauce in a separate container and add it right before eating for the best texture and freshest flavor.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy free?

Definitely. Simply swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt and choose a vegan mayonnaise. The sauce stays creamy and tangy, and you’ll enjoy all the flavors of Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce in a dairy-free way.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and work beautifully here. They’re juicy, tender, and incredibly flavorful. Just adjust the grilling time as needed—thighs often cook a bit faster or slower depending on thickness, so check for doneness.

How spicy is the creamy garlic sauce?

The sauce isn’t spicy—it’s more about bold, fresh garlic and creamy tang. If you love a little kick, sneak in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to taste for a personalized punch of heat.

What else can I add to the bowls for extra variety?

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are super flexible. Try adding roasted bell peppers, shredded carrots, pickled onions, or even a handful of crispy chickpeas for more crunch and color. You can easily tailor the bowls to what you have on hand or your favorite veggies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a bowl that’s easy, fresh, and packed with flavor, Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce check every box. They’re nourishing, endlessly customizable, and—for me—always hit the spot. I hope you give them a try soon and discover just how crave-worthy simplicity can be!