Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
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Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

ByLily Carter
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These Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls are a perfect balance of smoky, juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich, creamy garlic sauce—all served over your choice of rice or grains. This dish is quick, wholesome, and packed with flavor, making it a great option for meal prep or a simple weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

  • Healthy & Satisfying – Packed with protein and fiber, this meal keeps you full and energized.
  • Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
  • Customizable – Swap grains, change up the veggies, or make it dairy-free.
  • Meal-Prep Friendly – Make a batch ahead for easy lunches throughout the week.

Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Boneless, skinless chicken works best for quick grilling.
  • Broccoli – Fresh broccoli florets add crunch and nutrition.
  • Olive Oil & Lemon Juice – Enhance flavor and keep the chicken tender.
  • Garlic – Fresh garlic infuses the creamy sauce with bold, savory depth.
  • Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream – Adds creaminess while keeping the sauce light.
  • Parmesan Cheese – A little umami-rich parmesan makes the sauce irresistible.
  • Rice or Quinoa – Choose your favorite grain for a hearty base.
  • Paprika & Italian Seasoning – Add warmth and a hint of spice to the chicken.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or steak.
  • Use cauliflower rice or greens for a low-carb version.
  • Add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for more veggies.
  • Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Coat the chicken and let it marinate for 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until charred and cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temp). Let it rest before slicing.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

Toss broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 4-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until slightly charred but still crisp. Alternatively, roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt (or sour cream), minced garlic, lemon juice, parmesan, and a splash of water or milk. Adjust consistency as needed.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Divide rice or quinoa into bowls. Top with sliced grilled chicken, charred broccoli, and a drizzle of creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra parmesan.

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Expert Tips for the Best Results

  1. Pound the Chicken Evenly – Ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.
  2. Let the Chicken Rest – This keeps the juices locked in for extra tenderness.
  3. Adjust the Sauce Thickness – Add more water for a thinner drizzle or keep it thick for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a side salad or roasted sweet potatoes for extra nutrients.
  • Serve with naan or pita bread for a Mediterranean twist.
  • Add a soft-boiled egg or avocado for a protein boost.
Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Store the sauce separately to keep everything fresh.

Reheating

  • Stovetop: Reheat chicken and broccoli in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
  • Cold Option: Enjoy straight from the fridge as a refreshing meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
A: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Definitely! It keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Q: How do I make this dairy-free?
A: Swap Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt and omit the parmesan.

Final Thoughts

These Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are the perfect balance of fresh, hearty, and flavorful—a meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy. Give them a try and let me know how you customize yours! What’s your favorite bowl combo? Drop your ideas in the comments!

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Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

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  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Healthy, Meal Prep
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Description

Smoky, juicy grilled chicken paired with crisp-tender broccoli and drizzled with a rich, creamy garlic sauce—served over your choice of rice or grains. This easy, protein-packed meal is perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Broccoli:

  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • 1–2 tablespoons water or milk (adjust for consistency)

For Serving:

  • 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • Extra parmesan (optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken:

    • In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

    • Coat the chicken and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours).

  2. Grill the Chicken:

    • Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

    • Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until charred and cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temp).

    • Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

  3. Cook the Broccoli:

    • Toss broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

    • Grill for 4-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until slightly charred.

    • Alternatively, roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes.

  4. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

    • In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, parmesan, and water or milk.

    • Adjust consistency as needed.

  5. Assemble the Bowls:

    • Divide rice or quinoa into bowls.

    • Top with sliced grilled chicken and charred broccoli.

    • Drizzle with creamy garlic sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • Pound the chicken evenly for the best results.
  • Let the chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy.
  • Thin the sauce for a drizzle or keep it thick for dipping.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 42g
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Life at home is full of love, laughter, and good food. I’m Lily Carter, a mom to two lively girls who keep me on my toes. When I’m not with them, I’m in the kitchen cooking meals that bring us comfort. And it’s not just me—my husband’s the quiet force behind the scenes, making sure everything looks just as good as it tastes.

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