Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Picture this: soft, smokey grilled chicken with broccoli that is just the right amount of crisp and tender, all on a bed of fluffy grains and topped with a creamy garlic sauce that brings everything together in the most soothing way. Doesn’t that sound great? I promise that this recipe will revolutionize the way you eat on weeknights. It’s good for you, tastes great, and is really easy to make. It’s also one of those dishes that seems nice but doesn’t really take much work. Let’s get started—you’ll enjoy this!

Why You’ll Love Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Flexible: This dish works for a hectic Tuesday night or a laid-back weekend dinner. It’s filling enough to eat on its own, but it also goes well with various sides.
Quick & Easy: Everything comes together with little trouble, from cooking the chicken to creating the sauce. This one is flawless, even for people who are new to it!
Packed with nutrients: This dish has lean protein, bright broccoli, and a little bit of indulgence from the garlic sauce. It’s the perfect mix of health and flavor.
You can change it: Do you like cauliflower or spinach better than broccoli? Do you want to add more spice to the sauce? Do it! You can change this recipe in any way you like.
Crowd-Pleaser: These bowls are sure to please everyone, whether you’re feeding picky youngsters or trying to dazzle dinner guests.

What goes into Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls

To prepare these tasty bowls, you’ll need:

The chicken breasts are the best part of the meal. They are juicy and properly browned off the grill.
Broccoli Florets: Bright and crunchy, they go great with the smokey chicken.
Choose your grains: For a substantial base, think of fluffy rice, quinoa, or even couscous.
The secret ingredient is the creamy garlic sauce! A smooth, garlicky sauce that makes every bite better.
Olive Oil and Spices: For grilling and seasoning to perfection.

( ) 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
( ) 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 (optional)
( ) 1 lime, juiced
( ) 1/2 cup mayonnaise
( ) 1/4 cup sour cream
( ) 2 cloves garlic, minced
( ) 1 tablespoon lemon juice
( ) 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
( ) 1/4 teaspoon salt
( ) 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
( ) 1 pound broccoli florets, steamed or roasted
( ) 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
( ) Lime wedges, for serving

How to Cook the Chicken and Broccoli Bowls

Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the lime juice and stir to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.

Cook the Chicken: Grill or pan-fry the chicken until cooked through and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes per side. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Prepare the Broccoli: Steam broccoli florets until tender-crisp. Alternatively, toss broccoli florets with olive oil, a sprinkling of salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F until soft with crispy edges.
Prepare the Grains: Cook your choice of grains according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and keep heated.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide the rice or quinoa between two bowls. Top with the steamed broccoli and sliced chicken. Drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce. Serve with lime wedges.

How to do it

Cook the chicken on the grill.
Spread olive oil on the chicken breasts and season them well with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Set your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it is juicy and slightly browned, rotating it once to make sure it cooks evenly.
Roast the Broccoli
Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, a sprinkling of salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F until soft with crispy edges.
Prepare the Grains
Cook your choice of grains according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and keep heated.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In a small saucepan, stir together garlic, butter, and cream until smooth and aromatic. Add salt and pepper, then let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens a little.
Put the Bowls Together
Put a lot of grains at the bottom, then add the grilled chicken and roasted broccoli on top. Finally, drizzle the creamy garlic sauce on top. Add fresh chives or parsley on top for more color and taste.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls

With a Side Salad: A crisp, refreshing green salad with a mild vinaigrette complements the heavy garlic sauce well.
Topped with Crunchy Nuts: A sprinkle of toasted almonds or cashews provides texture and nutty taste.
With Crusty Bread: Scoop up every last piece of that garlic sauce with warm, crusty bread.

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead: Grill the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble the bowls just before serving.
Spice It Up: Add chili flakes to the garlic sauce for a little heat or add smoked paprika on the chicken for extra depth.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for grilled tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based twist.
Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick next-day dinner.

Notes

For a hotter dish, add additional cayenne pepper to the chicken flavoring.
You can use whatever sort of cooked grain you choose, such as brown rice or quinoa.
Customize the bowls with your favorite toppings, such as avocado, shredded cheese, or a dab of sour cream.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?: Absolutely! Just defrost and pat it dry before roasting to prevent sogginess.
Q2: Can I make this dish dairy-free?: Swap the cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free substitute for the sauce.
Q3: What’s the best way to store leftovers?: For up to three days, keep everything in airtight containers.
Q4: Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of grilling it?: Yes, bake it at 400°F for around 20 to 25 minutes, or until it is thoroughly cooked.
Q5: Is it possible to double the recipe?: Definitely! Just make sure you grill the chicken in batches for even cooking.
Q6: How do I keep the sauce from being lumpy?: To maintain it smooth, cook it on low heat and stir it continuously.
Q7: Is it okay to use different vegetables?: Yes, of course! It would be great with cauliflower, zucchini, or asparagus.
Q8: Can I freeze the sauce?: Yes, although it might separate when thawed. Reheat gently and whisk to bring it back together.
Q9: What grains work best?: Rice, quinoa, or even farro are terrific possibilities for the basis.
Q10: How can I make the food gluten-free?: Use gluten-free grains and ensure the sauce ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 dish
Calories: 527.8 kcal
Sugar: 4.2g
Sodium: 631mg
Fat: 32.4g
Saturated Fat: 5.3g
Unsaturated Fat: 25.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16.4g
Fiber: 5.1g
Protein: 48.2g
Cholesterol: 142mg

And there you have it—Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce, your new go-to for weekday dinners or casual events. It’s soothing, tasty, and versatile enough to fit into any mealtime mood. Trust me, once you taste the smokey grilled chicken, the tender-crisp broccoli, and that heavenly garlic sauce, you’ll want this recipe on repeat. Plus, it’s so easy to personalize, making it a win for everyone at the table.

So grab your apron, fire up the grill, and get ready to make magic happen in your kitchen. I promise—this dish is going to be a huge game-changer. Enjoy every bite!