Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are one of those go-to weeknight dinners you’ll instantly fall in love with. Juicy, spice-rubbed chicken and vibrant broccoli come together in a bowl, all brought to life by a lusciously tangy, garlicky sauce that’s pure magic. This dish is a lifesaver when you want something nourishing, fast, and packed with flavor — and let’s be honest, it’s also the kind of meal that’ll have you licking your fork and already planning for seconds. Whether you’re feeding the family or just yourself, these bowls are deeply satisfying yet surprisingly simple to make.

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce packs a punch, making each bite pop with flavor, texture, and color. Don’t skip or skimp — the magic is in the details, and these essentials work together perfectly.

Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean, and quick to cook, they’re the star protein for these bowls.
Broccoli Florets: Adds a wonderful crunch, color, and a burst of fresh vegetable goodness.
Olive Oil: Divided between the marinade and for sautéing, it gives richness and keeps everything juicy.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the best flavors; don’t hold back on seasoning.
Smoked Paprika: Gives the chicken a smoky, vibrant kick that’s irresistible.
Garlic Powder: Boosts the savory factor in both marinade and chicken.
Onion Powder: Adds a subtle depth that rounds out the chicken’s seasoning.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Its brightness ties together the marinade and the creamy sauce beautifully.
Mayonnaise: The backbone of the sauce, it creates that creamy, dreamy texture.
Plain Greek Yogurt: Adds tang and balances the richness of the mayo.
Minced Garlic Cloves: The key to a punchy, unforgettable garlic sauce.
Dijon Mustard: Just a little delivers noticeable flavor complexity to the sauce.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): A burst of green to finish, adding freshness and a pop of color.

How to Make Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken every chance to shine. In a mixing bowl, whisk together half the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This fragrant blend does wonders, infusing each piece of chicken with smoky brightness and a mouthwatering aroma. Coat the chicken thoroughly and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes—the longer, the better for deep flavors.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Once your chicken has soaked up all those delicious flavors, fire up your grill (or grill pan). Cook the breasts over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, just until they’re golden outside and perfectly juicy inside. Let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing—this keeps every bite succulent and tender.

Step 3: Sauté or Steam the Broccoli

While the chicken works its magic on the grill, turn your attention to the broccoli. You can steam it until tender-crisp for a healthy, vibrant result, or give it a quick sauté in the remaining olive oil for a touch of caramelized flavor. The goal is bright green, crisp-tender broccoli that holds up nicely in your bowls.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Now for the sauce—a total showstopper! Combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix until everything is smooth and luscious. This Creamy Garlic Sauce is tangy, garlicky, and packed with zest, truly bringing your Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls together.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

To serve, start with a layer of steamed or sautéed broccoli, then pile on the sliced chicken. Drizzle generously with that irresistible Creamy Garlic Sauce, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with fresh parsley. Every component works in harmony, making each forkful something special.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

A few thoughtful garnishes can turn your Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce from great to spectacular. I love a shower of chopped fresh parsley for color, a final squeeze of lemon for brightness, or even a scattering of toasted sesame seeds for crunch. Each little touch adds freshness and flair, making your bowls restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Though totally satisfying on their own, these bowls also pair beautifully with simple sides—think herby quinoa, fluffy rice, or a crisp side salad tossed in vinaigrette. For carb lovers, warm pita or naan bread is lovely for mopping up extra sauce and rounding out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to have fun with how you plate your Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Try layering the ingredients in a wide, shallow bowl for a modern look, or serve the sauce on the side for stylish dipping. For parties, turn them into a colorful deconstructed platter, letting guests build their own bowl creations exactly the way they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a breeze and absolutely delicious! Layer any remaining chicken, broccoli, and sauce in airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Since the ingredients hold up well, you’ll have flavorful lunches or speedy dinners ready to grab.

Freezing

While the chicken and broccoli themselves freeze very well for up to a month, it’s best to make the Creamy Garlic Sauce fresh when you reheat because the yogurt and mayo in the sauce can change texture after freezing. Simply freeze the chicken and broccoli in separate containers, and you’ll always have meal components on hand.

Reheating

To bring everything back to life, reheat the chicken and broccoli gently in the microwave or a skillet until just warmed through. Drizzle with freshly mixed sauce and you’ll find the flavors are just as vibrant the second time around. If you’re a fan of meal prep, this makes lunch or dinner effortless.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly richer and stay very juicy on the grill, making them a delicious substitute in these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs may take a little longer.

Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?

Yes! Swap in a dairy-free yogurt and a vegan mayo for a creamy, tangy sauce that’s totally dairy-free. The garlic and lemon flavors will still sing in your bowl.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Definitely. A grill pan or even a hot skillet on the stove works beautifully. As long as you get a nice sear on the chicken and cook it through, you’ll have all the flavor and tenderness you want in these bowls.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to customize your Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce by adding roasted bell peppers, snap peas, or even shredded carrots for more color and texture. The creamy sauce plays well with just about any veggie you love.

Can I prep any components ahead?

You sure can. You can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance, and even grill it ahead of time if you like. Broccoli can also be cooked ahead, and sauce can be mixed up to 2 days before serving—just store everything separately for the freshest flavors.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce, they’ll become a beloved favorite in your home. They’re fresh, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying, whether you’re serving family dinner or whipping up a quick solo lunch. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself—you deserve it!

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: Chloe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a delicious and healthy meal option. Tender grilled chicken paired with lightly steamed broccoli, all topped with a creamy garlic sauce, make for a satisfying dish.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken and marinate for 20 minutes.
Grill the Chicken: Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through. Let it rest and then slice.
Prepare the Broccoli: Steam or sauté broccoli until tender-crisp.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Mix all sauce ingredients until smooth.
Assemble the Bowls: Arrange bowls with chicken and broccoli. Drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling, Sautéing, Steaming
Cuisine: American