If you’re searching for the ultimate weeknight dinner that delivers both on flavor and nutrition, Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are about to become your new obsession! These bowls combine juicy grilled chicken, perfectly-charred broccoli, and hearty brown rice (or quinoa) — all tied together with a tangy, luscious garlic sauce that you’ll want to put on everything. The best part? It’s easy enough for a frantic Monday but is impressive enough for guests. You truly get the best of everything: fresh veggies, lean protein, and a sauce you’ll crave all week.

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce has a crucial role — from adding smoky depth to the chicken, boosting the vibrant color of the veggies, or bringing everything together with that unforgettable sauce. Gather these essentials, and you’re halfway to dinner bliss!

Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): Lean and quick to cook, these are the base for your flavorful protein.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Adds moisture, helps with caramelization, and brings subtle richness to both chicken and veggies.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Lays down a garlicky foundation that infuses the chicken with bold flavor.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives the chicken a gentle smokiness that pairs like a dream with grilled flavors.
Salt (¾ teaspoon, divided): Enhances every other ingredient and helps bring out the natural flavors of chicken and broccoli.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon + ¼ teaspoon): For a touch of heat and earthy depth.
Broccoli florets (3 cups): The veggie hero — chars beautifully and adds crunch and nutrition.
Cooked brown rice or quinoa (2 cups): The hearty, wholesome base that soaks up all that incredible sauce.
Plain Greek yogurt (½ cup): Brings creamy tanginess for the sauce without extra heaviness.
Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Adds luxurious texture and keeps the sauce smooth.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Gives a hit of brightness and zing, tying all the sauce ingredients together.
Minced garlic (2 cloves): Provides a punch of fresh, aromatic flavor in the creamy garlic sauce.
Water (1–2 tablespoons): For thinning the sauce to your ideal drizzling consistency.

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

Step 1: Marinate and Grill the Chicken

To get perfectly juicy and flavorful chicken, rub the breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let them sit while you prep everything else — even 10 minutes of seasoning time makes a difference! Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, then grill the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side. You’re aiming for gorgeous char marks and an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to lock in all those tasty juices.

Step 2: Char the Broccoli

While the chicken is grilling, toss your broccoli florets in olive oil and a pinch of salt. Have your grill hot, or use a 400°F oven if you prefer roasting. Grill or roast the broccoli for about 10–12 minutes until the edges are crispy and the insides are still tender. That caramelization adds so much flavor and really brings the bowls to life!

Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add a splash of water to thin it out just enough for drizzling, but keep it luxuriously creamy. This sauce hits all the right notes — tangy, garlicky, and silky smooth. Don’t be surprised if you want to taste test… repeatedly!

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls

To build your Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce, start with a hearty base of brown rice or quinoa in each bowl. Top with slices of juicy grilled chicken and plenty of charred broccoli. Finish with a generous drizzle of that dreamy garlic sauce and any toppings your heart desires. The combination of flavors, textures, and colors is absolutely irresistible!

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

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Toasted sesame seeds, a handful of microgreens, or thinly sliced green onion also make fancy (but effortless) toppings. Don’t forget extra sauce on the side — people will ask for it!

Side Dishes

These bowls are a well-rounded meal on their own, but they play nicely with warm pita bread, a crisp green salad, or a bowl of seasonal fruit. If you want to keep it light, sliced avocado or a scoop of chilled tzatziki is always a winner.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce to guests, arrange the chicken and broccoli artfully, and serve extra sauce in tiny pitchers for dramatic drizzling. Or try layering in a big platter for a family-style, serve-yourself vibe. For lunchboxes, keep the sauce in a separate container so everything stays fresh.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce hold up beautifully for 3 to 4 days in the fridge — just store the sauce separately to keep everything optimally fresh.

Freezing

The chicken, broccoli, and brown rice or quinoa can be frozen separately for up to three months if you’re into meal prep. However, skip freezing the sauce as the texture can become grainy; whip up a fresh batch when you’re ready to enjoy another bowl!

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm everything together in a skillet for a few minutes. Add a splash of water if needed to keep the rice moist. Serve with freshly made garlic sauce for best flavor and texture — it perks everything right up.

FAQs

Can I make Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the Greek yogurt for your favorite unsweetened dairy-free yogurt and use a vegan mayonnaise. The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free, so you won’t miss out on texture or flavor.

What’s the best substitute for broccoli?

If you’re out of broccoli or just want to switch it up, try cauliflower or zucchini. Both grill and roast beautifully and soak up the sauce wonderfully. Even sliced bell peppers can add a burst of color!

Can I grill the chicken and broccoli ahead of time?

Yes, both components can be cooked a day or two in advance! Just store them in separate containers in the fridge, and reheat gently before assembling your Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce for lunch or dinner.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

This might be one of the all-time best meal prep recipes! The grilled chicken and veggies hold their flavor for days, and the sauce is quick to whip up fresh. Just assemble your bowls when you’re ready to eat for an easy grab-and-go meal.

Can I use something besides rice or quinoa as the base?

Definitely! Farro, couscous, or even cauliflower rice can all work as the base for Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Choose your favorite grain or grain-free substitute to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

There’s something super satisfying about digging into a homemade bowl packed with fresh, wholesome goodness, and these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are proof that healthy can mean both easy and exciting. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to for busy nights or impressive meal prep — give it a try and watch everyone around the table light up!

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 bowls 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a delicious and healthy meal option. Tender grilled chicken, charred broccoli, and a flavorful creamy garlic sauce come together to create a satisfying dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Grilled Chicken:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Broccoli:

3 cups broccoli florets
1 tablespoon olive oil (for broccoli)

For the Rice/Quinoa:

2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

½ cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1–2 tablespoons water (to thin, if needed)

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Instructions

Preheat the grill: Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Prepare the chicken: Rub chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and let rest before slicing.
Grill the broccoli: Toss broccoli florets with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then grill or roast at 400°F for 10–12 minutes until tender and slightly charred.
Make the sauce: Whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Add water as needed to reach desired consistency.
Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked rice or quinoa between 4 bowls. Top with sliced grilled chicken and broccoli. Drizzle with creamy garlic sauce and serve warm.