Scrumptious Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Ever wondered how a simple grilled chicken and broccoli combination can become a mouthwatering meal that sparks joy at the dinner table?

Crisp vegetables and tender meat create a perfect harmony of flavors in this delightful bowl.

Garlic sauce adds a creamy, luxurious touch that turns an ordinary dish into something spectacular.

Our recipe brings together protein-packed ingredients with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Fresh broccoli roasted to perfection complements the juicy chicken in every delectable bite.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this easy, nutritious bowl that feels like a restaurant-quality treat.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when comfort and flavor matter most.

What Makes Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce Special

• Boost Flavor Fast: Marinate chicken with a zesty blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, and lime juice to create an instant flavor explosion that transforms a simple protein into a mouthwatering meal.
• Customize Your Comfort: Flexible recipe allows swapping rice or quinoa base, adjusting spice levels, and mixing protein choices, making it perfect for personalized dinner experiences that cater to individual tastes.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Packed with lean protein and nutritious broccoli, this one-bowl meal comes together in minimal time, delivering a balanced dinner that satisfies hunger and nutrition needs without complicated cooking techniques.
• Sauce Magic Maker: Creamy garlic sauce with tangy mayo, sour cream, and Dijon mustard elevates the entire dish, adding a luxurious restaurant-quality touch that makes home cooking feel special and indulgent.

All Ingredients For Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce

• Chicken: Tender meat marinated with spices for a flavorful and juicy result.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices and enhance chicken's flavor.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Spice blend that adds depth and heat to the chicken.
• Lime Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy base for the garlic sauce.
• Garlic: Provides robust and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tangy freshness to balance the creamy sauce.
• Dijon Mustard: Contributes a subtle sharp and tangy note.
• Salt, Pepper: Seasoning to enhance the sauce's overall taste.

• Rice, Quinoa: Hearty and nutritious foundation for the bowl.
• Broccoli: Nutritious green vegetable that adds color and texture.

• Lime Wedges: Fresh citrus accent to brighten the dish.

Simple Steps For Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in the chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and a dash of cayenne for extra kick. Squeeze fresh lime juice over everything and mix thoroughly. Let the chicken soak up those amazing flavors for at least 30 minutes, or if you’re planning ahead, stash it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Perfection

Fire up your grill or heat a skillet to medium-high. Cook the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until it’s fully cooked with some beautiful char marks. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into delicious strips.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce

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

Whisk everything until the sauce is silky smooth and packed with flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Divide cooked rice or quinoa into serving bowls. Top each bowl with roasted broccoli and those mouthwatering chicken slices. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce generously over everything. Serve with fresh lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty touch.

Smart Ideas For Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce

• Marinate Masterfully: Let chicken soak in the flavorful marinade for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, to infuse deep, zesty flavors into every bite.
• Grill with Precision: Cook chicken over medium-high heat until slightly charred and internal temperature reaches 165°F for juicy, perfectly cooked meat.
• Sauce Smoothness: Whisk creamy garlic sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a silky, well-blended dressing that complements the grilled chicken.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace rice or quinoa with cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version that keeps the dish nutritious and satisfying.
• Veggie Boost: Roast or steam broccoli briefly to maintain its bright green color and crisp texture, adding extra nutritional value to the bowl.

Tasty Spins On Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce

• Vegetarian Grain Bowl: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, marinated in same spices. Add roasted chickpeas for extra protein.
• Mediterranean Variation: Swap cayenne for za'atar spice blend, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Top with cucumber, olives, and feta cheese.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute rice or quinoa with cauliflower rice. Add extra roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
• Spicy Asian Remix: Use sesame oil in marinade, add ginger and soy sauce. Replace creamy garlic sauce with sriracha-spiked mayo and garnish with green onions.

Sides That Work With Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Crisp sauvignon blanc complements the tangy lime and garlic flavors, cutting through the creamy sauce with bright, refreshing notes.
• Enhance with Cucumber Salad: Light, cool cucumber salad adds crunch and balances the rich, warm grilled chicken, creating a perfect texture contrast.
• Boost with Citrus Sparkling Water: Effervescent citrus-infused sparkling water echoes the lime in the dish, cleansing the palate between bites and adding a refreshing element.
• Match with Herbed Quinoa Side: Additional herbed quinoa provides extra protein and absorbs the creamy garlic sauce, amplifying the overall flavor profile of the meal.

How To Store Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce

• Store leftover grilled chicken and broccoli in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Separate chicken, broccoli, and sauce into different containers to maintain freshness. Consume within 3-4 days.
• Wrap chicken and broccoli separately in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Sauce doesn't freeze well, so prepare fresh when reheating.
• Place chicken and broccoli in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

Questions About Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce

• How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor absorption.

• Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef to create different variations of this dish.

• Is the creamy garlic sauce spicy?

The sauce is not spicy; it’s creamy and tangy with a mild garlic flavor. If you want heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

• What cooking methods work best for the chicken?

You can grill the chicken or pan-fry it over medium-high heat until it’s fully cooked and slightly charred, which takes about 5-7 minutes per side.

Grilled Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory grilled chicken & broccoli bowls bring Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with a luscious garlic sauce. Crisp broccoli and perfectly charred chicken create a wholesome meal packed with protein and zesty goodness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 pound (454 grams) broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic
• Lime wedges

Seasoning 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
• 1 lime (juice)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Grains:

• 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Add lime juice and thoroughly coat the meat. Allow flavors to meld for 30 minutes to 24 hours in refrigerator.
2. Heat grill or skillet to medium-high temperature. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F, achieving a slight char and golden exterior.
3. Rest grilled chicken for 3-4 minutes to retain juices, then slice into thin strips against the grain.
4. Prepare creamy garlic sauce by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Distribute cooked rice or quinoa evenly across serving bowls as a base layer.
6. Arrange steamed or roasted broccoli florets on top of grain foundation.
7. Layer sliced chicken over broccoli, ensuring even distribution.
8. Generously drizzle creamy garlic sauce across chicken and broccoli.
9. Garnish with fresh lime wedges on the side for optional extra citrus brightness.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, ensuring each bite bursts with zesty seasoning.
• Avoid overcooking chicken by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfect juiciness.
• Swap mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed sauce that maintains creamy texture.
• Roast broccoli instead of steaming to add smoky caramelized edges and enhance overall dish complexity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 409 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 344 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg