Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy weekdays or meal prep. The combination of juicy grilled chicken, tender broccoli, and a creamy garlic sauce will make you crave this bowl again and again. Whether you’re looking for a protein-packed dinner or a healthy, flavorful dish, this recipe has it all!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it’s packed with flavor and is super easy to make. The grilled chicken comes out juicy and perfectly seasoned, while the broccoli adds a wonderful texture. What really sets this dish apart, though, is the creamy garlic sauce—it’s tangy, rich, and smooth, adding the perfect finishing touch to each bite. Plus, it’s a great recipe for meal prepping since it holds up well in the fridge for a few days. I can enjoy a healthy, balanced meal throughout the week without spending too much time cooking.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 lime, juiced
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowls:
1 pound broccoli florets, steamed or roasted
2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
Lime wedges, for serving
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, I combine the chicken, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). I add the lime juice and toss to coat. Then, I let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours if I have time to prep ahead.
Cook the Chicken: I grill or pan-fry the chicken over medium-high heat until cooked through and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per side. After cooking, I let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, I whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Bowls: I divide the rice or quinoa between two bowls. I top them with the steamed or roasted broccoli and sliced chicken. Then, I drizzle everything with the creamy garlic sauce and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Variations
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like grilled tofu or chickpeas.
Different Grains: You can swap the rice or quinoa for another whole grain, like farro or barley, for a unique twist.
Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne or chili flakes to the chicken marinade for an extra punch of heat.
Additional Vegetables: Try adding roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or avocado to your bowls for added flavor and texture.
Storage/Reheating
I recommend storing the chicken, broccoli, rice, and creamy garlic sauce in separate airtight containers. The chicken and broccoli will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the chicken and broccoli in a microwave or on the stove until warmed through. Add the creamy garlic sauce fresh when serving to keep its texture smooth. If you prefer, you can also freeze the chicken and rice for up to a month, though the broccoli is best consumed fresh.
Related Recipes:
- Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
- Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole
FAQs
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a little heat, I suggest adding extra cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade or using a spicy sauce like sriracha in the creamy garlic sauce.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used, though I recommend steaming or roasting it until tender for the best texture and flavor.
Can I prep this meal ahead of time?
Absolutely! I like to marinate the chicken the night before and then grill or cook it the next day. You can also cook the rice or quinoa in advance and store it in the fridge for quick assembly.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, simply swap the mayonnaise and sour cream for dairy-free alternatives, such as vegan mayo and sour cream.
What other proteins can I use instead of chicken?
You can substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, steak, or even a plant-based protein like tempeh or tofu for a different take on the dish.
Conclusion
Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce is an easy, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or prepping for the week ahead, it’s a satisfying dish that I know I’ll keep coming back to. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a balanced meal that’s both tasty and nutritious.
📖 Recipe:
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Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowl with creamy garlic sauce is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights. With juicy grilled chicken, tender broccoli, and a rich, tangy garlic sauce, this bowl is packed with flavor and nutrition. A great source of protein and veggies, it’s customizable and can be made in advance for quick and satisfying meals.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 lime, juiced
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowls:
1 pound broccoli florets, steamed or roasted
2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine chicken, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add lime juice and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours if prepping ahead. - Cook the Chicken:
Grill or pan-fry the chicken over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through and slightly charred. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing. - Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. - Assemble the Bowls:
Divide rice or quinoa between bowls. Top with steamed or roasted broccoli and sliced chicken. Drizzle with creamy garlic sauce and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
To make this recipe dairy-free, use vegan mayonnaise and sour cream alternatives.
The creamy garlic sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days.
For added texture, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the bowls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Meal Prep
- Method: Grilled, Pan-fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal
