I love making these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce when I want something wholesome, filling, and packed with flavor. The smoky grilled chicken pairs perfectly with tender broccoli and a rich, creamy garlic sauce that brings everything together. I find this bowl satisfying enough for dinner but simple enough for meal prep during the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the chicken & broccoli:
2 large chicken breasts (or thighs), boneless and skinless
1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
2 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the creamy garlic sauce:
½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 tablespoon mayonnaise
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional)
To serve:
Cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
Optional toppings: sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, chili flakes
Directions
I start by preheating my grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. While it heats, I toss the broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and half of the garlic powder. I set that aside.
Next, I brush the chicken with the remaining olive oil and season it with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and the remaining garlic powder.
I grill the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, making sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, I remove it from the grill and let it rest before slicing.
I grill the broccoli for about 3 to 5 minutes, just until it becomes slightly charred and tender.
While everything cooks, I whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs in a small bowl to make the creamy garlic sauce.
To assemble, I add cooked rice or quinoa to a bowl, top it with grilled broccoli and sliced chicken, then drizzle the creamy garlic sauce generously over everything. I like to finish with green onions, sesame seeds, or chili flakes for extra flavor.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
I sometimes swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs when I want juicier meat. If I do not have a grill, I roast the broccoli in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes until tender and slightly crisp on the edges.
For a dairy-free option, I replace the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with a blended avocado dressing or a tahini-based sauce. I also like adding roasted sweet potatoes or cucumbers to the bowl for extra texture and color.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I prefer keeping the sauce separate if I plan to reheat the chicken and broccoli.
To reheat, I warm the chicken and broccoli in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through. I usually add the sauce after reheating to keep it fresh and creamy.
FAQs
Can I cook the chicken on the stovetop instead of grilling?
Yes, I often cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for about 6 to 7 minutes per side until fully cooked. I make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
I find this recipe perfect for meal prep. I prepare all components in advance and store them separately, then assemble the bowls when I am ready to eat.
What can I use instead of broccoli?
I sometimes use zucchini, asparagus, or green beans when I want to switch things up. I grill or roast them the same way.
How do I make the sauce lighter?
I use all Greek yogurt and skip the mayonnaise for a lighter version. I still get a creamy texture with fewer calories.
Can I freeze this dish?
I do not recommend freezing the sauce because the texture can change. However, I can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months and prepare fresh broccoli and sauce when serving.
Conclusion
I love how these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce combine simple ingredients into a flavorful, satisfying meal. The creamy garlic sauce makes every bite delicious, and I appreciate how easy it is to customize based on what I have in my kitchen. Whether I make it for a quick dinner or weekly meal prep, this recipe always becomes a reliable favorite in my home.
📖 Recipe:
Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a wholesome, flavor-packed meal featuring smoky grilled chicken, tender charred broccoli, and a rich, tangy garlic yogurt sauce served over rice or grains. Perfect for a satisfying dinner or easy weekly meal prep.
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
1 tsp garlic powder
½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 tbsp mayonnaise
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil (for sauce)
1 tsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional)
Cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for serving
Sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or chili flakes (optional toppings)
Instructions
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Toss broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and half of the garlic powder. Set aside.
- Brush chicken with remaining olive oil and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and remaining garlic powder.
- Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest before slicing.
- Grill broccoli for 3–5 minutes until slightly charred and tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs to make the creamy garlic sauce.
- Assemble bowls with cooked rice or quinoa, grilled broccoli, and sliced chicken. Drizzle generously with creamy garlic sauce.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier option.
Broccoli can be roasted at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes if no grill is available.
For a lighter sauce, use only Greek yogurt and omit mayonnaise.
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days; keep sauce separate for best texture.
Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months; prepare fresh sauce when serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (without additional grains)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 50 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
