Grilled Chicken & Roasted Broccoli Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Simple Grilled Chicken & Roasted Broccoli Bowls Recipe

My weekend meal prep always includes these delicious grilled chicken & roasted broccoli bowls that pack serious flavor into every single bite.

Crisp vegetables complement succulent protein perfectly.

Minimal ingredients create maximum satisfaction in this simple yet elegant dish.

garlic sauce adds creamy richness that makes each component sing with delightful complexity.

Nutritious and hearty, these bowls come together quickly for busy individuals seeking balanced meals.

Marinade techniques ensure tender meat while roasting technique brings out broccoli natural sweetness.

Come explore this foolproof recipe that will become your new weeknight dinner champion.

Variations to Try on Chicken Broccoli Bowls

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Bowl: Replace traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a lower-carb alternative that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Bowl: Add za'atar spice blend and swap creamy sauce for tzatziki for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile with extra zest.
  • Vegetarian Protein Power Bowl: Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, maintaining the marinade and roasting technique for a plant-based protein option.
  • Dairy-Free Herb Sauce Variation: Replace creamy garlic sauce with a dairy-free alternative using cashew cream or tahini, keeping the same garlicky and herbal notes.

What Goes Well with Grilled Chicken Bowls

Crisp Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the grilled chicken’s zesty marinade and cuts through the creamy garlic sauce with its bright, acidic profile.

Fresh cilantro or parsley sprinkled on top adds a vibrant green note that enhances the dish’s overall herbal undertones and provides a refreshing contrast.

Toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds sprinkled over the bowl introduce a delightful nutty crunch that elevates the smooth rice and tender chicken textures.

Pickled red onions or quick-preserved lemon slices bring a tangy brightness that cuts through the rich creamy sauce and adds complexity to each bite.

How to Store Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls

  • Store leftover chicken, broccoli, and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap chicken and broccoli individually in freezer-safe containers or bags, keeping sauce separate. Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Place chicken and broccoli in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle with a few drops of water, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Stir sauce separately and drizzle after heating.
  • Preheat oven to 350F, spread chicken and broccoli on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes. Refresh sauce at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make the marinade flavorful?

The marinade combines olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to create a zesty and aromatic coating that tenderizes and adds depth to the chicken.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165F/75C. This ensures the chicken is safely cooked through and remains juicy.

  • Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes, you can use a skillet or grill pan on the stovetop to cook the chicken. The key is maintaining medium-high heat and cooking each side for 5-6 minutes.

Why Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls Are So Good

  • Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Pack your plate with lean protein from grilled chicken and fiber-rich broccoli, creating a balanced meal that supports healthy eating goals.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like quinoa for rice, add different vegetables, or adjust sauce spiciness to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Quick Cooking Adventure: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour, making weeknight dinners exciting and stress-free.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by roasting broccoli on a single baking sheet while grilling chicken, saving time and reducing dish-washing duties.

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A lean protein that forms the hearty base of this delicious bowl.
Vegetables:
  • Broccoli: A nutrient-packed green vegetable that adds crunch and nutritional value to the dish.
  • Avocado: A creamy, rich ingredient that provides healthy fats and smoothness.
  • Lemon: A citrus fruit that adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the chicken's flavor and create a delicious marinade.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spicy kick to the roasted broccoli.
  • Fresh Herbs: Provides a fresh, aromatic garnish that elevates the dish's visual and flavor profile.
Sauce Components:
  • Garlic: The star ingredient that gives the creamy sauce its robust, bold flavor.
Base Ingredients:
  • Rice, Quinoa: A nutritious foundation that completes the bowl and adds hearty substance.

How to Make Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls

Step 1: Prepare Marinade

Create a flavor-packed marinade by combining olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Generously coat the chicken and let it soak up the delicious flavors for 15-30 minutes.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Carefully place the marinated chicken on the hot surface and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side.

Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for perfect doneness. Allow the chicken to rest briefly before slicing.

Step 3: Prepare Oven for Roasting

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), getting ready to transform broccoli into a crispy, flavorful side.

Step 4: Season and Roast Broccoli

Gather your broccoli and toss with:
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Red pepper flakes

Spread the seasoned broccoli on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until tender and slightly crispy.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Garlic Sauce

Blend all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth, adjusting seasonings to your taste preference.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowl

Layer cooked rice or quinoa as the base of your bowl.

Top with sliced grilled chicken and roasted broccoli. Drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce and garnish with fresh avocado slices, chopped herbs, and a squeeze of lemon.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken and Broccoli

  • Allow chicken to absorb flavors by marinating at least 15 minutes, but avoid exceeding 30 minutes to prevent texture breakdown.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165F internally, preventing undercooking and guaranteeing food safety.
  • Spread broccoli in a single layer on the baking sheet for even roasting, ensuring crispy edges and tender center.
  • Whisk creamy garlic sauce until smooth, adjusting thickness by adding small amounts of water or milk if too thick.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added brightness and depth to the dish.
Print
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Grilled Chicken & Roasted Broccoli Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Grilled Chicken & Roasted Broccoli Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe


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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Mediterranean-inspired Grilled Chicken & Roasted Broccoli Bowls promise a flavor explosion of fresh ingredients and zesty garlic sauce. Lean protein and crisp vegetables combine in a quick, nutritious meal perfect for health-conscious diners seeking delicious simplicity.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Oils and Liquids:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Craft a zesty marinade by blending olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice in a mixing container.
  2. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the marinade and allow to rest for 15-30 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Preheat grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat around 400°F.
  4. Grill marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  5. Remove chicken from heat and let it rest for 3-4 minutes before slicing to preserve juiciness.
  6. Set oven temperature to 400°F for roasting broccoli.
  7. Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes until evenly coated.
  8. Spread seasoned broccoli on a baking sheet in a single layer for even roasting.
  9. Roast broccoli for 15-20 minutes until edges turn crispy and vegetable becomes tender.
  10. Whisk creamy garlic sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and well-combined.
  11. Prepare base layer of rice or quinoa in serving bowls.
  12. Arrange sliced grilled chicken over grain base.
  13. Top with roasted broccoli florets.
  14. Drizzle creamy garlic sauce generously over the bowl.
  15. Garnish with avocado slices, fresh herbs, and lemon wedges for added freshness and flavor.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken for extra flavor by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade, enhancing its taste profile.
  • Ensure even cooking by pounding chicken to uniform thickness before marinating, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
  • Customize the dish for dietary needs by substituting rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb options or using gluten-free alternatives.
  • Maximize meal prep efficiency by grilling extra chicken and roasting additional broccoli for quick lunches throughout the week.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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