Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Have you ever wondered if healthy meals can actually taste better than takeout—without taking hours to make?
If you’re tired of boring lunches or dinners that leave you hungry an hour later, it might be time to switch things up. These Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are the perfect balance of hearty, fresh, and flavorful. They’re quick to put together, packed with protein and veggies, and layered with a sauce that’s rich and garlicky—without being heavy.

Let’s dive into this feel-good meal that works just as well for meal prep as it does for a family dinner!

Why You’ll Love These Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls

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This recipe checks all the boxes: it’s flavorful, nutritious, and easy to throw together even on a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s flexible enough to adjust to your taste or what you have in the fridge.

Here’s what makes it special:

• Quick cook time: Ready in about 30 minutes.
• Beginner-friendly: No fancy skills or tools needed.
• Healthy: Loaded with lean protein and fiber-rich veggies.
• Meal prep winner: Perfect for lunch boxes and batch cooking.

Essential Ingredients for Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious, healthy meal:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness

For the Broccoli:

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Pinch of salt

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream for a richer version)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional for extra creaminess)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Splash of water to thin if needed

For Serving:

• 2 cups cooked brown rice, white rice, or quinoa
• Optional toppings: shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, sesame seeds, avocado slices

Substitutions and Variations:

• Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier cut.
• Replace broccoli with roasted cauliflower or zucchini.
• Swap rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
• Use dairy-free yogurt to make the sauce vegan.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down the steps to make this meal simple and stress-free:

Step 1: Marinate and Grill the Chicken

1. Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally for quicker cooking.
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the chicken pieces and let them sit for 10–15 minutes (or longer if you have time).
4. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
5. Grill chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
6. Let the chicken rest before slicing.

Tip: Don’t move the chicken around too much while grilling. Let it get those nice grill marks.

Step 2: Roast or Steam the Broccoli

• Roasting: Toss broccoli with olive oil and salt. Roast in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes until slightly crispy.
• Steaming: Steam for 5–6 minutes until tender but still bright green.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings.
2. Stir well until smooth. Add a splash of water if it’s too thick.
3. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed.

How to Assemble Your Chicken & Broccoli Bowls

Now for the fun part—putting it all together:

1. Start with a scoop of your grain base (rice or quinoa).
2. Add a generous portion of grilled chicken and broccoli.
3. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over everything.
4. Sprinkle with your favorite toppings like sesame seeds or fresh herbs.
5. Serve warm or chilled—both are delicious!

Presentation Tip: Layer the ingredients in separate sections for a clean, colorful look.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Want to make this ahead of time? Great choice! Here’s how:

• Refrigerator: Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm chicken and broccoli in the microwave or a skillet. Add sauce fresh or serve it cold.
• Sauce storage: Keep the garlic sauce in a sealed container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 5 days.

Recipe Variations

These bowls are super flexible. Here are a few ways to change them up:

• Asian-style: Swap garlic sauce for peanut or teriyaki sauce. Add shredded cabbage.
• Mexican-style: Use grilled corn, black beans, and a lime crema.
• Vegan version: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Make sauce with plant-based yogurt.
• Spicy kick: Add a little Sriracha or chili flakes to the garlic sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowl is more than just a recipe—it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again. It’s healthy without being boring, flavorful without being complicated, and filling without weighing you down. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or meal prepping for the week, this bowl has you covered.

So go ahead—grab those ingredients, fire up the grill, and make something that feels good to eat and even better to share.

This recipe can be a low-carb meal if you make a few smart swaps. Just skip the grain base and enjoy all the high-protein, veggie-packed goodness with creamy garlic sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just slice it and warm it before adding it to the bowl.

2. Is this recipe low-carb?
It can be. Use cauliflower rice instead of grains and go light on the sauce.

3. Can I make the garlic sauce dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use a plant-based yogurt or cashew cream.

4. What’s the best way to meal prep these bowls?
Store the chicken, broccoli, rice, and sauce in separate containers. Assemble when ready to eat to keep it fresh.

5. How can I add more vegetables?
Toss in sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, cucumbers, or even a handful of spinach.