If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy nights, you’ve found it! These Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a delightful combination of juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and a dreamy sauce that brings everything together. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up dinner for the family, this dish is sure to become a regular on your table.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. You can swap out ingredients, adjust the spice level, or add your favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is approachable for even the busiest home cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to adore about this dish. Let’s break it down:

Key Benefits

• Quick and Easy: With just a little prep and some grilling, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
• Healthy and Satisfying: Loaded with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the broccoli, it’s a balanced meal that won’t leave you hungry.
• Versatile: It works just as well for a casual weeknight dinner as it does for meal prep. Plus, it’s easy to customize for different diets or preferences.

Suitable For

• Busy Weeknights: When time is tight, this recipe delivers a delicious dinner fast.
• Meal Prep Enthusiasts: Make a batch, pack it up, and enjoy ready-made lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Anyone Who Loves Flavor: The creamy garlic sauce adds a zesty, tangy touch that elevates every bite.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, these bowls are a no-fail choice that’s as comforting as it is delicious. And don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned cook—this recipe is designed to be straightforward, with plenty of room to experiment. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls

Here’s what you’ll need to make these flavorful bowls:

Core Ingredients

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully here. Breasts are lean and firm, while thighs bring a bit more juiciness and flavor—use whichever you prefer!
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are the perfect veggie for this dish. You can steam them for a bright green finish or roast them for a slightly caramelized, nutty flavor.
• Grains: Cooked rice or quinoa serves as the base. Choose your favorite, whether it’s fluffy white rice, hearty brown rice, or protein-packed quinoa.
• Creamy Garlic Sauce: This sauce is a showstopper! You’ll need mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

Substitutions and Tips

• Swap Chicken: Want to mix things up? Use shrimp, tofu, or even roasted chickpeas for a plant-based twist.
• Broccoli Alternatives: Don’t love broccoli? Try roasted cauliflower, green beans, or asparagus instead.
• Grain-Free Options: For a low-carb version, use cauliflower rice or skip the grains altogether and load up on extra veggies.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the chicken marinade for a little heat.

Best Chicken Cut for Grilling

When it comes to grilling chicken, the cut you choose matters.

• Chicken Breasts: These are lean and cook quickly, but they can dry out if overcooked. To keep them juicy, marinate them well and cook just until the internal temperature hits 165°F.
• Chicken Thighs: With a bit more fat, thighs are naturally juicier and harder to overcook. They’re a great choice if you want a more forgiving cut of meat.

Pro Tip: If you’re grilling on high heat, pound your chicken to an even thickness to ensure it cooks evenly.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need a ton of fancy equipment for this recipe, but a few tools will make the process smoother:

Must-Have Tools

• Grill or Grill Pan: Whether you’re cooking outside or indoors, you’ll need something to get those perfect grill marks.
• Mixing Bowls: Use these for marinating the chicken and mixing up the creamy garlic sauce.
• Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for trimming the chicken, chopping broccoli, and slicing the finished chicken.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Citrus Juicer: Makes squeezing fresh lime or lemon juice a breeze.
• Food Thermometer: Ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
• Tongs: Great for flipping chicken on the grill without piercing the meat.

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

Now comes the fun part—bringing all these flavors together! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious, balanced meal that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Let’s dive into the process step by step.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

This is where all the flavor begins. The marinade is simple but effective, giving the chicken a bold, smoky, and zesty kick.

• Mix the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a touch of cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy). Squeeze in fresh lime juice for brightness.
• Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken to the bowl and toss until it’s fully coated. Cover and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but if you have the time, let it soak overnight. Trust me, the longer it marinates, the better the flavor.

Pro Tip: If you’re in a rush, even a quick 15 minutes will do, but aim for 24 hours whenever possible for the best results.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Here’s where your kitchen (or backyard) starts to smell amazing.

• Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
• Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. You’re looking for those gorgeous grill marks and a juicy interior.
• Check for doneness with a food thermometer—the internal temperature should read 165°F.

Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This step is crucial to keep the juices locked in.

Pro Tip: Don’t press down on the chicken while it’s cooking. You’ll lose all those tasty juices that keep it tender!

Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli

While the chicken is cooking, it’s time to get your broccoli ready. You can either steam or roast it, depending on your preference.

• To Steam: Place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 5–7 minutes until they’re bright green and tender-crisp.
• To Roast: Toss the florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re slightly charred and caramelized.

Pro Tip: Roasting brings out a nutty, sweet flavor in broccoli that pairs beautifully with the grilled chicken and creamy sauce.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

This sauce is what takes these bowls to the next level. It’s creamy, garlicky, and perfectly tangy.

• In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you prefer a bit more tang, add an extra squeeze of lemon juice.

You can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days—it only gets better as the flavors meld together.

Pro Tip: Use freshly minced garlic for the boldest flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, roast the garlic beforehand.

Assembling the Bowls

Now for the fun part—putting it all together!

• Start with a generous scoop of your cooked rice or quinoa as the base.
• Add the steamed or roasted broccoli on one side and the sliced grilled chicken on the other.
• Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce generously over the top.

For the finishing touch, serve with lime wedges on the side. A quick squeeze of lime juice right before eating brightens up all the flavors and ties everything together.

Pro Tip: Feel free to customize your bowl with toppings like sliced avocado, shredded cheese, or a dollop of extra sour cream.

Tips for Success

Even the simplest recipes can benefit from a few pro tips to make them even better:

• Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To avoid dry chicken, always use a food thermometer to check that it’s cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Letting the chicken rest after cooking locks in the juices and ensures every bite is tender.
• Roast Your Broccoli: While steaming is quicker, roasting your broccoli adds an amazing depth of flavor. The slightly crisp edges and caramelized notes elevate the dish in a big way.
• Customize the Heat: If you enjoy some spice, don’t hold back! Add extra cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade or sprinkle red chili flakes over the finished bowl.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice, garlic, and broccoli make a noticeable difference in the flavor of this dish.

Remember, cooking is all about making the recipe your own, so don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and textures.

How to Store Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls

Whether you’re meal prepping or saving leftovers, storing your bowls properly will keep them fresh and delicious.

At Room Temperature

If you’re serving the bowls later on the same day, keep them at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent bacteria growth.

In the Refrigerator

Store the chicken, broccoli, grains, and sauce in separate airtight containers. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the sauce from making the grains soggy. Properly stored, they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating Tip: Warm the chicken, broccoli, and grains in the microwave or on the stovetop, but leave the sauce cold for a refreshing contrast—or heat it slightly for a cozy touch.

Freezing Tips

If you’re planning to freeze this meal:

• Chicken: Freeze cooked chicken slices in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag.
• Broccoli: Roast the broccoli slightly underdone so it doesn’t overcook when reheated.
• Grains: Quinoa and rice freeze well; portion them out for easy reheating.
• Creamy Garlic Sauce: Unfortunately, the mayonnaise base doesn’t freeze well, so make this fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Frozen components will last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some common questions to make this recipe even easier to tackle:

How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, let it soak for up to 24 hours. If you’re short on time, a quick marinade will still give you a great result.

Can I make the creamy garlic sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a quick stir before serving.

What’s a good substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce?

If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can use plain Greek yogurt or mashed avocado as a base for the sauce. Both options add creaminess with a slightly different flavor.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

It’s easy! Just use gluten-free grains like quinoa or cauliflower rice, and double-check that your Dijon mustard is labeled gluten-free.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely. If fresh broccoli isn’t available, frozen florets work perfectly. Just steam or roast them straight from frozen—no need to thaw beforehand.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls recipe, you might enjoy these from RecipeEasys:

• Chicken Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce: Another spin on chicken and creamy garlic sauce with a tangy twist.
• Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce: Crispy chicken paired with a rich garlic sauce.
• Golden Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Parmesan Pasta: A pasta lover’s dream with golden chicken bites.
• Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne: Perfect for fans of broccoli and creamy sauces.

These recipes provide even more ways to enjoy garlic-infused dishes and versatile chicken meals.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce aren’t just a recipe—they’re a solution for busy nights, a wholesome option for meal prep, and a flavorful way to enjoy a balanced meal. With juicy, well-seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and that irresistible garlic sauce, this dish hits all the right notes.

The best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef to make it happen. With just a handful of ingredients and a little time, you’ll have a meal that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Plus, the flexibility of this recipe means you can adapt it to fit your tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

So go ahead—grab your grill pan, whip up that creamy sauce, and dig in. And if you love it as much as we think you will, don’t forget to share your creations with friends, family, or even on social media. Cooking should always be fun, and recipes like this make it easier than ever to enjoy every step of the process. Happy cooking!

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Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

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• Author: Ava
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A perfect mix of juicy grilled chicken, tender broccoli, and a creamy garlic sauce served over rice or quinoa. This recipe is ideal for meal prep or a quick, wholesome dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Chicken Marinade:

  • 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)
  • Juice of 1 lime

• 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

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Instructions

• Marinate the Chicken: Combine marinade ingredients, coat the chicken, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
• Grill the Chicken: Cook chicken on a grill or grill pan for 5–7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest and slice.
• Prepare the Broccoli: Steam or roast broccoli until tender.
• Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Whisk together all sauce ingredients.
• Assemble the Bowls: Divide rice or quinoa into bowls. Add broccoli and chicken. Drizzle with sauce and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

• Swap broccoli for cauliflower or green beans if preferred.
• For a low-carb version, replace grains with cauliflower rice.
• Adjust cayenne pepper in the marinade for your spice preference.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 35g

Keywords: Grilled chicken bowls, broccoli chicken dinner, creamy garlic chicken recipe, healthy chicken and broccoli bowl