Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Sizzling Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Cooking a delightful grilled chicken & broccoli bowl brings unexpected magic to your weeknight dinner routine.

Juicy protein and vibrant green vegetables create a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Crisp broccoli florets complement the tender, seasoned chicken in remarkable ways.

Homemade creamy garlic sauce adds a luxurious touch that elevates every single bite.

Fresh ingredients and simple techniques make this meal both nutritious and satisfying.

Minimal prep time means you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish without complicated cooking methods.

Dive into this delectable recipe and experience a quick, wholesome meal that will become a fast favorite.

Why Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Garlic Sauce

How to Make Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls Properly
  • Boost Nutrition: Packed with lean protein from chicken and fiber-rich broccoli, this recipe delivers a powerhouse of essential nutrients for a balanced diet.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like quinoa for rice, add different vegetables, or adjust spices to match personal taste preferences and keep meals exciting.
  • Master Quick Cooking: Minimal prep and cooking steps make this recipe perfect for busy individuals seeking a delicious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Impress Dinner Guests: The creamy garlic sauce transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes sophisticated, making it great for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients Needed for Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein source that provides a hearty base for the bowl.
For the Vegetables:
  • Broccoli Florets: A nutritious green vegetable that adds crunch and essential vitamins to the dish.
For the Sauce Base:
  • Greek Yogurt: A creamy and tangy ingredient that creates a smooth and rich sauce base.
For the Sauce Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Lemon Juice, Parsley, Paprika: These ingredients add depth, brightness, and a subtle spicy warmth to the creamy garlic sauce.
For the Cooking and Seasoning:
  • Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential for marinating the chicken, roasting the broccoli, and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
For the Base:
  • Rice, Quinoa: A nutritious foundation that provides a satisfying and wholesome background for the chicken and broccoli.

How to Make Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls Properly

How to Make Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls Properly

Step 1: Marinate Chicken Pieces

Grab your chicken breasts and sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper. Drizzle olive oil all over the meat and massage the seasonings into every corner.

Let the flavors sink deep into the chicken while you prep other ingredients.

Step 2: Fire Up The Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high temperature.

Place chicken on the grates and cook until golden brown and completely done. You’ll want to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Once cooked, slice chicken into delectable strips or bite-sized chunks.

Step 3: Transform Broccoli

Toss broccoli florets with:
  • Olive oil
  • Pinch of salt
  • Dash of black pepper

Spread them on a baking sheet or grill basket.

Roast in hot oven at 400°F or grill until edges turn crispy and golden, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Greek yogurt
  • Minced garlic
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Chopped parsley
  • Sprinkle of paprika

Stir everything until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Create Delicious Bowls

Layer cooked rice or quinoa as your base. Top with grilled chicken strips and roasted broccoli.

Drizzle that dreamy garlic sauce over everything. Garnish with extra parsley or paprika if you’re feeling fancy.

Step 6: Serve And Savor

Dive into your meal immediately while everything’s warm and delicious. Enjoy your protein-packed, flavor-explosion bowl!

Helpful Tips for Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls

  • Let chicken sit in seasoning for 30 minutes before grilling to enhance taste and tenderness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165F, preventing overcooking and maintaining juiciness.
  • Pat broccoli dry before roasting to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent soggy texture.
  • Adjust Greek yogurt sauce thickness by adding a splash of water or lemon juice for desired creaminess.
  • Prepare components separately and store in refrigerator for quick assembly during busy weekdays.

Variations to Try With Chicken and Broccoli Bowls

  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Bowl: Replace paprika with dried oregano and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Mix chipotle powder into the sauce, add black beans, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern version.
  • Asian-Inspired Sesame Bowl: Swap creamy garlic sauce with sesame-soy dressing, garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an east Asian transformation.
  • Pesto Protein Power Bowl: Substitute garlic sauce with fresh basil pesto, include sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle pine nuts for an Italian-style protein meal.

What to Serve With Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the garlic sauce's tangy notes and cut through the chicken's richness, creating a refreshing balance.
  • Match with Herbal Iced Tea: Mint or lemon-infused iced tea provides a light, cooling counterpoint to the warm grilled chicken and roasted broccoli, enhancing the meal's fresh flavors.
  • Serve with Citrus-Infused Water: Sliced lemon or cucumber water brightens the dish's profile, echoing the lemon in the creamy garlic sauce and adding a hydrating, zesty touch.
  • Add Crusty Bread Side: Warm sourdough or rustic baguette slices help soak up the extra creamy garlic sauce, providing a delightful textural contrast to the grilled chicken and roasted vegetables.

Best Storage Practices for Chicken and Broccoli Bowls

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken, broccoli, and sauce to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
  • Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Chicken and broccoli can be frozen for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the yogurt-based sauce as it may separate.
  • Place chicken and broccoli on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle with a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great. They’re more flavorful and tend to stay juicier, so they’re an excellent alternative to chicken breasts.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice or quinoa. Just double-check your ingredients to ensure no hidden gluten sources.

  • How can I make this recipe more protein-rich?

Add extra protein by topping the bowl with chickpeas, grilled tofu, or a sprinkle of nuts like almonds or pumpkin seeds. These additions will boost the protein content significantly.

  • What if I don't have fresh parsley?

No worries! You can substitute with dried parsley or skip it entirely. Alternatively, use fresh chives or green onions for a similar fresh herb flavor.

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Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe


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4.5 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Sizzling Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls bring Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with a zesty creamy garlic sauce. Wholesome ingredients combine in this quick, satisfying meal that delivers bold taste and nutritious comfort for hungry families.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables:

  • 2 cups (200 grams) broccoli florets

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Serving Base:

  • Cooked rice or quinoa

Instructions

  1. Prepare chicken by coating with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Heat grill to medium-high and cook chicken until internal temperature reaches 165F (75C), approximately 6-8 minutes per side. Allow meat to rest briefly, then slice into uniform strips.
  2. Simultaneously, prepare broccoli by tossing with remaining olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper. Spread florets on baking sheet and roast at 400F (200C) for 15-20 minutes, ensuring edges become slightly crispy and golden.
  3. Craft creamy garlic sauce by whisking Greek yogurt with minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and paprika until smooth and well-integrated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Construct meal bowls by layering cooked grain base with grilled chicken strips and roasted broccoli florets. Generously drizzle creamy garlic sauce over entire dish, ensuring even coverage.
  5. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and light sprinkle of paprika. Serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and sauce maintains creamy consistency.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken overnight for deeper, more intense flavor that penetrates the meat completely.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exact 165F, preventing dryness while guaranteeing food safety.
  • Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut or almond yogurt for vegan and lactose-intolerant diets.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting garlic and adding red pepper flakes for those who enjoy spicier profiles.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 385 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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