Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce is everything a weeknight dinner should be—simple, satisfying, and packed with bold flavor. Featuring juicy grilled chicken, tender broccoli, and a dreamy creamy garlic sauce all served over fluffy grains, this bowl is the perfect mix of comfort and nutrition. Every bite is layered with rich, smoky, tangy, and creamy notes that come together like magic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: From start to finish, this meal is on the table in under 30 minutes (excluding marination).
• Wholesome & Balanced: Protein-rich chicken, fiber-packed broccoli, and healthy grains make this bowl feel good and taste amazing.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The chicken and sauce can be prepped ahead, perfect for meal prep.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Delicious enough for a dinner party, simple enough for a busy weekday.
• Customizable: You can easily swap grains or veggies to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Protein & Seasoning:

• 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

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

Vegetables & Base:

• 1 pound broccoli florets, steamed or roasted
• 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
• Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add lime juice and mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the fridge for maximum flavor.

Cook the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill marinated chicken for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Prepare the Broccoli

While the chicken is cooking, toss broccoli florets with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Roast at 400°F for about 15 minutes, until edges are slightly crisp and the florets are tender. Alternatively, steam until just tender for a softer texture.

Cook the Grains

Prepare rice or quinoa according to package instructions. Once done, fluff with a fork and keep warm.

Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth. For best flavor, let it chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Assemble the Bowls

Divide the cooked grains evenly between two bowls. Top with roasted or steamed broccoli and slices of grilled chicken. Generously drizzle creamy garlic sauce over everything. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Make it spicy: Add more cayenne to the chicken rub or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Vegetarian option: Swap chicken with grilled tofu or seasoned chickpeas.
• Switch up the base: Try couscous, farro, or brown rice for variety.
• Extra veggies: Add sliced avocado, shredded carrots, or sautéed bell peppers.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad for extra freshness.
• Add crushed roasted nuts like almonds or cashews for a crunchy topping.
• Warm pita or crusty bread is perfect for scooping up the leftover sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store chicken, sauce, broccoli, and grains in separate airtight containers.
• Fridge: Keeps well for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Microwave gently or warm each component on the stovetop. Sauce may need a little whisking after chilling.
• Freezing: The sauce may separate when frozen, so it’s best made fresh.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes! Just thaw and dry it well before roasting to prevent sogginess.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Use dairy-free mayo and sour cream alternatives.

What grains work best?
A: White or brown rice, quinoa, or farro are great choices.

Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely. Just grill the chicken in batches for even cooking.

Is this good for meal prep?
A: Perfectly! Just store components separately and assemble before serving.

Conclusion

This Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce brings together smoky, savory, and creamy flavors in a balanced, nutritious dish. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a dinner guest, it’s a no-fail recipe that’s delicious, satisfying, and super adaptable. Try it once, and you’ll want it on your weekly rotation!

More recipes you’ll love:

French Dip Sliders for Dinner

Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps

Smothered Chicken Over Rice

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