Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with flavor-packed, hassle-free dinners! Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are what mealtime dreams are made of: juicy, smoky grilled chicken, super-green broccoli, and a downright irresistible creamy garlic sauce that ties it all together. One bite, and you’ll see why I keep this recipe in weekly rotation: it’s fresh, filling, and just the right mix of hearty and healthy. Every piece of this dish is thoughtfully crafted to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it a true household hero.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how a handful of staple ingredients come together in the Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Each ingredient has its moment to shine, from the vibrant broccoli to the zippy garlic, and the sauce brings it all together with a creamy tang. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you shouldn’t skip a single item!

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts become deliciously juicy and charred on the grill, making them the hearty centerpiece of these bowls.
• Broccoli florets: Four cups of crisp-tender broccoli add gorgeous color, nutrients, and a satisfying crunch to every bite.
• Olive oil (divided): This pantry staple keeps the chicken moist during grilling and adds a hint of richness to both the meat and veggies.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple, yes, but totally essential for seasoning every layer as you go.
• Smoked paprika: Just a teaspoon brings a gentle smoky aroma that makes the chicken taste as if it lived on the grill all day.
• Garlic powder: This pumps up the savory notes for a mouthwatering result.
• Onion powder: A sprinkle is all you need for a boost of umami that works magic in the marinade.
• Fresh lemon juice: One tablespoon brings zingy brightness, perking up the flavors in both the marinade and the creamy sauce.
• Mayonnaise: The base of our dreamy creamy garlic sauce—use real mayo for the richest flavor.
• Plain Greek yogurt: This lends tang and lightness to the sauce, balancing out the richness of the mayo.
• Minced garlic cloves: Two cloves make the sauce shine with unmistakable garlicky punch.
• Dijon mustard: Just a teaspoon gives the sauce delightful tanginess and depth.
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional): This green fleck offers extra freshness and makes your bowls Instagram-pretty.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by whisking together a vibrant combo of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. This simple marinade infuses the chicken breasts with so much flavor—zesty, slightly smoky, and perfectly seasoned. Toss your chicken in the marinade to coat every nook and cranny, then let it sit for at least 20 minutes (if you have a little extra time, 30 minutes is heavenly), allowing all those flavors to soak right in.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lay the marinated chicken breasts down and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for gorgeous grill marks and juicy centers—don’t overcook! Let the chicken rest on a cutting board for a few minutes so the juices settle (trust me, it makes all the difference). Then, slice into strips; you’ll notice how beautifully flavorful and tender it is.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

While the chicken is grilling, it’s time to get that broccoli tender-crisp and vibrant green. You can steam it for pure simplicity, or sauté it in a hot skillet with a small drizzle of olive oil for extra depth. The key is to keep it bright and just slightly crunchy, so it adds color and a fresh bite to the bowls.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper until it’s completely smooth. Taste and adjust if you want more garlic or a little more tang! If you’re in the mood, stir in a bit of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. This sauce is absolutely magic; it’s creamy, garlicky, and has the perfect tang to tie every bite together.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Now for the fun part: assembly! Divide the steamed or sautéed broccoli between your bowls, top with sliced grilled chicken, and finish with a generous drizzle (or dollop) of the creamy garlic sauce. Give everything a final grind of black pepper, and if you have parsley on hand, shower on some fresh leaves. Congratulations—you’ve just made Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce worthy of a restaurant!

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

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the finished bowls and adds a faintly herbal flavor that works so well with the creamy garlic sauce. For extra flair, add a zest of lemon right before serving. If you love a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes is amazing. The sauce itself also doubles as a fantastic dip, so keep a little extra on the side for those saucy bites!

Side Dishes

While these bowls are plenty satisfying on their own, they’re extra fabulous with a side of fluffy rice, quinoa, or chewy farro to soak up any leftover sauce. For a lighter meal, a mixed green salad or a simple cucumber-tomato salad with lemon vinaigrette is a fresh counterpoint to the richness of Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd, make a DIY “bowl bar” and let everyone customize with add-ons like roasted sweet potatoes, sliced avocado, or toasted nuts. Or, for meal prep, portion the bowls in individual containers—the colors alone will have you counting down to lunch! For a party, try cutting the chicken into bites, threading them onto skewers, and serving with broccoli and dip as a stunning appetizer spin on the classic Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken, broccoli, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything tasting fresh and prevents the sauce from making the broccoli soggy. When stored properly, the components will keep well for up to three days, making Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce perfect for meal prep or grab-and-go lunches.

Freezing

You can freeze the grilled chicken and broccoli for up to three months! Freeze them separately in freezer-safe bags or containers. The creamy garlic sauce, however, is best made fresh, as freezing can change its texture and make it separate when thawed. Simply whip up a new batch of sauce when you’re ready to eat.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat the chicken and broccoli in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If using the microwave, add a splash of water to keep the chicken moist. Always add the creamy garlic sauce after reheating to preserve its silky, luscious texture—cold sauce on warm bowls is downright dreamy.

FAQs

Can I make Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce without a grill?

Absolutely! A grill pan on the stove produces beautiful results, or you can simply bake the chicken in your oven at 400°F until cooked through, which usually takes about 18-20 minutes. You’ll still get deliciously seasoned chicken for your bowls.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the sauce?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, regular plain yogurt works in a pinch (just drain off any excess liquid). Sour cream is another excellent substitute, bringing its own tangy flavor to the creamy garlic sauce.

Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?

Yes! Use a high-quality vegan mayo and swap the Greek yogurt for a non-dairy yogurt alternative. Just be sure your substitute has a neutral flavor so all that garlicky goodness shines through.

Can I add more veggies to the bowl?

Definitely—these bowls are endlessly customizable. Roasted bell peppers, sautéed zucchini, or even crispy chickpeas are all amazing ways to boost flavor, texture, and color in your Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

It’s fantastic for meal prep! Assemble the bowls in containers, store the sauce separately, and add the garlic sauce right before eating for lunch or dinner any day of the week. The dish holds up beautifully in the fridge, staying fresh and tasty.

Final Thoughts

From start to finish, Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a treasure for busy weeknights, healthy lunches, or whenever you’re craving something vibrant and satisfying. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let it earn a spot in your kitchen rotation—it’s just too good not to share!

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