Easy Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Savory grilled chicken bursts with flavor in these delightful broccoli bowls that promise a nutritious meal.

Crisp vegetables and tender meat combine for a perfect lunch or dinner option.

garlic sauce adds a creamy twist that makes each bite irresistible.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together without complicated techniques.

Marinating the chicken beforehand ensures maximum taste and tenderness throughout the meal.

Lean protein and vibrant greens create a balanced plate that satisfies hunger and nutrition needs.

Explore this simple yet delicious recipe that will become a weekly favorite.

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Garlic Sauce

• Boost Flavor Fast: Marinate chicken with bold spices like paprika and cayenne for a punch of taste that transforms an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.
• Perfect Protein Power Bowl: Combine grilled chicken and broccoli for a nutritious, balanced meal packed with lean protein and vital nutrients that keep you satisfied and energized.
• Customize with Ease: Swap rice with quinoa, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated cooking techniques.
• Simple Sauce Magic: Creamy garlic sauce brings everything together with minimal ingredients, creating a rich, tangy complement that elevates the entire dish with just a few whisks.

Ingredients for Chicken & Broccoli Bowls

• Chicken: A lean and flavorful protein that serves as the main component of this dish.
• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy bases that contribute richness to the sauce.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Spices that add depth and enhance the chicken's flavor profile.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy and slightly sharp note to the creamy garlic sauce.

• Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color and texture to the bowl.
• Lime, Lemon: Citrus fruits that bring brightness and acidity to the dish.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds robust flavor to both the chicken marinade and sauce.

• Rice, Quinoa: Versatile grains that serve as a hearty base for the chicken and broccoli bowl.

• Olive Oil: A healthy oil used for marinating and cooking the chicken.

Preparing Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• Olive oil
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Lime juice

Thoroughly mix the ingredients to ensure the chicken is completely coated. Allow the chicken to soak up the flavors for a minimum of 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for an even more intense taste.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Heat your grill or skillet to medium-high temperature. Cook the marinated chicken until it develops a beautiful golden-brown char and reaches a fully cooked state.

This typically takes about 5-7 minutes on each side. The chicken should have a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Minced garlic
• Lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.

Step 4: Rest and Slice the Chicken

Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.

This helps retain the juices. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces that will be easy to eat.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Divide cooked rice or quinoa between serving bowls. Layer with steamed or roasted broccoli and the sliced chicken.

Generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh lime wedges for an extra burst of brightness.

Tips for Creamy Garlic Sauce Bowls

• Let chicken soak in the marinade for up to 24 hours to intensify flavors and tenderize the meat for a more delicious result.
• Cook chicken over medium-high heat to achieve a perfect char while keeping the inside juicy and fully cooked.
• Adjust the creamy garlic sauce by adding more lemon juice for tanginess or extra garlic for a bolder flavor profile.
• Replace rice or quinoa with cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carbohydrate alternative that's equally satisfying.
• Prepare chicken, sauce, and grains in advance for quick and easy assembly during busy weekdays.

Variations on Chicken & Broccoli Bowls

• Vegetarian Protein Bowl: Swap chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, marinated in the same spices for a plant-based protein option.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace rice or quinoa with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly alternative that keeps the meal light and nutritious.
• Mediterranean-Style Adaptation: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the sauce, add oregano to the chicken marinade, and top with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Asian Fusion Version: Modify the sauce with sriracha, replace lime juice with rice vinegar, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an Asian-inspired transformation.

Pairings That Complement Grilled Chicken Bowls

Select a crisp, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the creamy garlic sauce and complements the grilled chicken’s zesty marinade.

Choose a light wheat beer or hoppy pale ale that balances the dish’s rich flavors and provides a refreshing contrast to the grilled protein.

Mix a fresh lime margarita that echoes the lime juice in the marinade and offers a bright, tangy counterpoint to the creamy sauce and grilled chicken.

Blend a sparkling cucumber-mint spritzer that delivers a cool, herbaceous note to refresh the palate and lighten the dish’s robust flavors.

Storing Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken, sauce, and broccoli in different compartments to maintain freshness.
• Wrap chicken and broccoli separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Keep sauce in a separate container to prevent soggy texture.
• Place chicken and broccoli in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Warm chicken and broccoli in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little olive oil or water to prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated through, ensuring even temperature.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

You can use either chicken breasts or thighs. Breasts are leaner, while thighs offer more flavor and tenderness. Just adjust cooking time accordingly – breasts typically cook faster than thighs.

• Is marinating the chicken really necessary?

Marinating adds flavor and helps tenderize the chicken. Even a short 30-minute marinade makes a big difference in taste, but longer marination (up to 24 hours) develops deeper, more intense flavors.

• What if I don't have a grill?

No problem! You can pan-fry the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat or use a grill pan. The key is achieving a slightly charred exterior while keeping the inside juicy and cooked through.

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor sumptuous grilled chicken & broccoli bowls with a luscious garlic sauce that melds Mediterranean flavors into a wholesome meal. Protein-packed ingredients and zesty seasonings create a delightful dining experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables and Starches:

• 1 pound (454 grams) broccoli florets, steamed or roasted
• 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 lime wedges, for serving

Seasonings and Sauce Ingredients:

• 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)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cayenne, and lime juice, ensuring even coating.
2. Allow chicken to absorb flavors for minimum 30 minutes, or refrigerate up to 24 hours for enhanced taste profile.
3. Heat grill or skillet to medium-high temperature, cooking chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior develops golden-brown char, approximately 5-7 minutes per side.
4. Remove chicken from heat, let rest 3-4 minutes to retain moisture, then slice into uniform bite-sized pieces.
5. Create creamy garlic sauce by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until silky smooth.
6. Layer cooked rice or quinoa as base in serving bowls, arranging steamed or roasted broccoli and sliced chicken on top.
7. Drizzle generously with prepared creamy garlic sauce, garnishing with fresh lime wedges for additional zesty brightness.

Notes

• Marinating Magic: Letting chicken sit longer than 30 minutes allows deeper flavor penetration and tenderizes the meat effectively.
• Spice Flexibility: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control heat level, making the dish mild or spicy based on personal preference.
• Sauce Swap: Replace mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb version or quinoa for gluten-free and higher protein meal option.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 427 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 390 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 97 mg