Let’s be real—weeknights are chaos. Between juggling work, kids, laundry, and figuring out if that mystery Tupperware in the fridge is still edible (spoiler: it’s not), dinner can feel like the final boss battle of the day. But Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce? Oh, honey. This recipe is your cheat code.
It’s everything you want at the end of a long day: warm, satisfying, and packed with flavor without requiring a culinary degree or a pantry full of unicorn dust. Whether you’re trying to eat a little cleaner, feed picky eaters, or just need a go-to meal that won’t leave you with a sink full of regrets—this chicken and broccoli bowl is the MVP your dinner routine deserves.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
First off, it’s grilled chicken. And if there’s one thing we all agree on, it’s that grilled chicken is basically the little black dress of protein—versatile, flattering (hello, protein-packed), and always in style.
Add perfectly steamed (or roasted, if you’re feeling fancy) broccoli, a scoop of fluffy rice or nutty quinoa, and drizzle it all with a creamy garlic sauce that tastes like it came from your favorite café? Chef’s kiss. This dish checks all the boxes: balanced, delicious, easy on cleanup, and gasp even meal-prep friendly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it simple and wholesome—no wild goose chases through the grocery store.
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Bowls:
- 1 lb broccoli florets (steamed or roasted—your call)
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- Lime wedges, for serving
How to Make These Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cayenne (if using), and lime juice. Add the chicken and toss until fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you’ve got time.
2. Fire Up the Grill (or Grill Pan):
Grill your marinated chicken over medium-high heat for about 6–7 minutes per side (depending on thickness), until beautifully charred and fully cooked. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
Whisk together the mayo, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Taste it—then try not to eat it all with a spoon. It’s that good.
4. Build Your Bowl:
Scoop rice or quinoa into your bowls, add a generous helping of broccoli, then top with sliced grilled chicken. Drizzle with that dreamy garlic sauce and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime.
5. Serve and Savor:
Take a deep breath, grab your fork, and dig in. Dinner = done.
Quick Tips for Delicious Results
- Broccoli Drama? If your crew isn’t big on steamed veggies, try roasting the broccoli with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. It brings out a nutty, almost sweet flavor that might win over even the broccoli skeptics.
- Make It Low-Carb: Swap the rice or quinoa for cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage slaw.
- Sauce Hack: Make a double batch and use it as a dip for veggies or sandwich spread throughout the week.
My Favorite Way to Serve This Bowl
Okay, story time: I first made this on a Sunday night when I was exhausted but still trying to channel my “put together mom” energy. My kids were skeptical at first (because green things), but that creamy garlic sauce? Total game changer. They licked their Bowls clean. Now it’s on weekly rotation—and I secretly love how easy it is to prep everything ahead and just reheat for a stress-free dinner.
FAQs About This Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely. Just steam it up and toss it in. Roasting works better with fresh, but frozen is totally fine in a pinch.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Grill the chicken, cook the rice, and whip up the sauce on Sunday. Then just reheat and assemble when you’re ready to eat. Lunches = sorted.
What’s the best substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce?
If you’re not a mayo fan, Greek yogurt works well. It’ll be tangier, but still creamy and flavorful.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep everything separate in airtight containers in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. Reheat gently and drizzle on sauce just before serving.
Conclusion
With its balance of protein, greens, and just the right amount of indulgence, this Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowl with Creamy Garlic Sauce brings the comfort of a home-cooked meal without the usual fuss. Whether you’re feeding the fam or just yourself after a marathon Zoom day, this bowl brings the flavor, the ease, and the kind of “I’ve got this” energy we could all use a bit more of.
Ready to give your dinner routine a glow-up? These bowls are calling your name. 🌟
More Chicken Magic You’ll Love
Can’t get enough of these Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce? We’ve got you covered! Here are some more crave-worthy recipes to keep your meal rotation exciting and delicious:
- 🧄 Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf: A cozy, flavorful twist on a classic favorite—juicy, cheesy, and totally satisfying.
- 🍯 Honey Mustard Chicken with Roasted Asparagus and Cheese: A tangy-sweet combo that makes weeknight dinners feel like a treat.
- 🧀 Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight: Comfort food at its finest, with a spicy-sweet kick and ultra-creamy sauce.
- 🌽 Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: Bold Tex-Mex flavors meet juicy chicken and roasted corn goodness—perfect for lunch or dinner.
Bookmark these for when you need quick, easy, and downright magical chicken meals!
Print
Grilled Chicken And Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowl with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the ultimate quick and easy dinner for busy weeknights. Packed with juicy grilled chicken, tender broccoli, fluffy rice (or quinoa), and a zesty, rich garlic sauce, it’s a healthy(ish), flavor-packed meal the whole family will devour.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
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
For the Bowls:
1 pound broccoli florets, steamed or roasted
2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl or zip-top bag, mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cayenne (if using), and lime juice. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours if time allows).
Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Build the Bowls: In each bowl, layer rice or quinoa, broccoli, and sliced grilled chicken. Drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
Want a low-carb version? Swap the rice/quinoa for cauliflower rice or a shredded slaw base.
This recipe is great for meal prep! Store components separately in airtight containers.
Try roasting the broccoli with olive oil and a pinch of salt for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg