Introduction
Hi there! I’m Benjamin, the home cook and dad behind Mister Recipes. Have you ever stood in your kitchen at 6 PM, staring into the fridge, and wondered if it’s possible to whip up a meal that’s both incredibly delicious and genuinely healthy, without creating a mountain of dishes? I’ve been there more times than I can count. Between soccer practice with Adams and helping Jana with her homework, weeknight dinners can feel like a mad dash. That’s why I believe so strongly in creating meals that bring joy without the stress. This brings me to a recipe that has truly changed our dinner game: my Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. It’s a complete, satisfying meal in one bowl that feels indulgent but is packed with goodness. This isn’t just another chicken and broccoli recipe; it’s a testament to the idea that simple ingredients, when prepared with a little love, can create something truly special. It has become a staple in our home, and I have a feeling it will in yours too.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
This recipe is more than just a passing dinner idea; it’s a solution for busy families who refuse to compromise on flavor or health. Here’s why it earns a permanent spot in our meal rotation:
- A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite: The magic of this bowl is in the layers of flavor. You have the smoky char of the grilled chicken, the crisp tender freshness of the broccoli, and it’s all brought together by a luxuriously creamy garlic sauce. The sauce is so good, you’ll want to put it on everything. It’s a restaurant quality meal you can be proud to have made in your own kitchen.
- Effortlessly Healthy and Balanced: This is a powerhouse of a meal. You get lean protein from the chicken, essential vitamins and fiber from the broccoli, and when served over quinoa or brown rice, it’s a perfectly balanced meal. It’s naturally low carb and can easily be made keto friendly. It proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or restrictive. It can be vibrant, satisfying, and delicious.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: If you want to set yourself up for a successful week, this recipe is your best friend. The components store beautifully, so you can cook once and have delicious, healthy lunches or quick dinners ready to go. The chicken stays juicy, the broccoli keeps its crunch, and the flavors only get better. It’s an ideal recipe for anyone looking to try a chicken burrito bowl meal prep style dish.
- Incredibly Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you can have these gorgeous bowls on the table in about 40 minutes. The steps are simple and straightforward, making it a perfect recipe for even beginner cooks. While the chicken grills, you can blanch the broccoli and whip up the sauce. It’s an efficient, streamlined process that makes getting a wholesome dinner on the table a total breeze, much like this a great external recipe .
Ingredients for Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
For the Grilled Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Broccoli:
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 to 5 cups)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, fresh
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 2 tbsp water or milk, to thin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving (Optional):
- Cooked quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
How to Make Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Step by Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This is a key step to ensure they get a beautiful sear on the grill. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub the chicken breasts on all sides with the olive oil, then coat them evenly with the spice mixture.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium high heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your chicken. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing a moist and tender result.
- Blanch the Broccoli: While the chicken is grilling, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for just 2 to 3 minutes. You’re looking for them to become bright green and crisp tender. Immediately drain the broccoli and rinse it under cold water or plunge it into an ice bath. This stops the cooking process and keeps the broccoli from becoming mushy.
- Whip Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce: This sauce is what ties everything together. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and dill. Whisk until everything is smooth and well combined. Add water or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. You want it to be pourable but still rich and creamy. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Your Bowls: Now for the fun part! Slice the rested chicken into strips. To assemble your Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce, start with a base of your choice, like quinoa or brown rice. Top it with the sliced grilled chicken and a generous portion of the blanched broccoli. Finally, drizzle everything with that irresistible creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with a little fresh parsley and a lemon wedge on the side for an extra kick of freshness.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: The key to juicy, flavorful chicken is to not overcook it. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness. Pull the chicken off the grill as soon as it hits 165°F. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly as it rests. For another take on perfect grilled chicken, check out our grilled lemon herb chicken .
- Get a Good Char on Your Veggies: If you prefer your broccoli with a bit of smoky flavor, skip the blanching and grill it instead! Toss the florets in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and cook them on the grill in a grill basket or on skewers until tender and slightly charred.
- Sauce is Boss: This creamy garlic sauce is incredibly versatile. Don’t be afraid to make a double batch! It’s fantastic as a dip for veggies, a spread for sandwiches, or a dressing for salads. You can also customize it by adding other fresh herbs like chives or parsley. It’s similar in spirit to the delicious sauce in our creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta .
- Spicy Variation: If your family enjoys a little heat like mine does, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the creamy garlic sauce. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken spice rub for an extra kick.
- Make It Dairy Free: For a dairy free version, you can substitute the Greek yogurt in the sauce with a dairy free plain yogurt (like almond or coconut based) or use a cashew cream base. The chicken and broccoli are naturally dairy free.
Serving Suggestions
While these bowls are a fantastic all in one meal, sometimes it’s nice to have a little something extra on the side. These bowls pair wonderfully with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. If you’re not using a grain base in the bowl itself, a side of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra creamy garlic sauce. For a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with a light soup, like a tomato basil soup. For a completely different but equally delicious bowl concept, you could explore our easy greek chicken bowls recipe . The fresh Mediterranean flavors would be a fun contrast. And for a simple, yet satisfying complement, our chicken and broccoli stir fry offers a different flavor profile that aligns with the core ingredients. Another fantastic take on a similar concept can be found in Delish’s chicken and broccoli pasta .
Storage & Reheating for Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
These bowls are perfect for meal prepping. To store, allow all the components to cool completely. Store the chicken, broccoli, and your grain base together in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It is best to store the creamy garlic sauce in a separate container to keep everything fresh. When you’re ready to eat, you can enjoy the bowl cold, or you can reheat it. The best way to reheat is in the microwave. Place the chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture in a microwave safe bowl and heat for 60 to 90 seconds, or until warmed through. Then, add the cold creamy garlic sauce on top. You can also gently reheat the chicken and broccoli in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water. I would not recommend freezing the assembled bowls, especially the sauce, as the texture of the yogurt sauce will change upon thawing.
FAQ about Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs would be delicious in this recipe. They have a higher fat content, which makes them extra juicy and flavorful. Just be sure to adjust the grilling time accordingly, as thighs can take a little longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill, no problem. You can cook the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop over medium high heat for the same amount of time. You can also bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten free! Just make sure your spice blend is certified gluten free and serve it over a gluten free grain like quinoa or rice.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
You can, but fresh broccoli will give you the best texture. If you use frozen broccoli, I recommend roasting it in the oven instead of blanching it to avoid it becoming too watery. Toss the frozen florets with olive oil and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 15 to 20 minutes.
Final Thoughts on Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
I truly hope you and your family love these Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls as much as mine does. It’s a recipe born from a need for quick, healthy, and delicious weeknight meals, and it delivers on all fronts. There’s something special about seeing your family enjoy a meal that you’ve created, and this is one of those meals that brings smiles to everyone’s faces. If you make this recipe, I would love to hear about it! Please leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts. And don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you can always find it!
Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub the chicken breasts on all sides with the olive oil, then coat them evenly with the spice mixture.
- Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
- While the chicken is grilling, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for just 2 to 3 minutes, until bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately drain the broccoli and rinse it under cold water or plunge it into an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and dill. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Add water or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Slice the rested chicken into strips. To assemble, start with a base of your choice like quinoa or brown rice. Top with sliced grilled chicken and a generous portion of blanched broccoli. Drizzle everything with the creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.