Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Introduction
Craving a healthy bowl that’s just as satisfying as it is simple? These Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce hit all the right notes—juicy, marinated chicken, tender-crisp broccoli, fluffy grains, and a bold garlic sauce that brings it all together. This is weeknight cooking with flavor that feels like a restaurant-level win.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s nothing better than a meal that checks all the boxes: high in protein, customizable, easy to prep ahead, and delicious enough that you actually look forward to leftovers. The creamy garlic sauce brings a punch of flavor that ties everything together, while the grilled chicken adds smoky depth. Whether you’re eating clean or just want something comforting without being heavy, this bowl does it all.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowls:
- 1 pound broccoli florets, steamed or roasted
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- Lime wedges, for serving
Swaps and Notes
- Protein swap: Use shrimp, tofu, or sliced steak instead of chicken.
- Grain options: Brown rice, farro, or cauliflower rice work great too.
- Dairy-free? Sub coconut yogurt or vegan mayo/sour cream in the sauce.
- Short on time? Use pre-cooked chicken or a rotisserie shortcut.
Recipe Steps
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and lime juice. Add chicken and coat well. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes while you prep everything else.
2. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, stir together mayo, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust to your liking. Chill in the fridge while you grill.
3. Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken 6–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and beautifully charred. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice.
4. Steam or Roast the Broccoli
Steam broccoli in a pot or microwave until just tender, or roast it at 425°F with olive oil and salt for about 20 minutes if you prefer crisp edges.
5. Build Your Bowls
Divide rice or quinoa among bowls. Top with broccoli, sliced chicken, and a generous drizzle of creamy garlic sauce. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Tips for Success
- For juicy chicken, don’t skip the resting time after grilling—it helps lock in flavor.
- Make extra garlic sauce and use it as a dip for veggies or as a spread in wraps.
- To keep broccoli bright green when steaming, plunge it in ice water right after cooking.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve this bowl as a standalone meal or pair it with something light and fun:
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas are perfect for feeding a bigger crowd.
- Add a side of Beer Cheese Dip and veggies for game night vibes.
- Craving something sweet after? Go with these cozy Pumpkin Spice Muffins.
Storage and Leftovers
- Fridge: Store assembled bowls or separate components in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Meal prep tip: Pack rice, broccoli, and chicken in containers and add sauce right before serving.
- Freezer: Chicken and rice freeze well; avoid freezing the sauce for best texture.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re into balanced, satisfying meals with major flavor, try these next:
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or making a quick dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls are the kind of staple you’ll come back to again and again. The creamy garlic sauce elevates the whole dish with very little effort—and that’s always a win.
Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it went! Leave a comment or share it with your crew. And don’t forget to follow along for more easy, flavor-packed recipes every week.
Stay hungry,
Jason Griffith – ChefManiac.com
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