Sink your fork into a bowlful of vibrant flavors with these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. This dish is the ultimate answer to what’s-for-dinner dilemmas. Juicy, spice-rubbed grilled chicken and crisp-tender broccoli nestle together under a velvety, tangy garlic sauce that makes every bite a celebration. Whether you’re after a weeknight powerhouse or prepping for lunches, Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce satisfy cravings for bold flavors, pleasing textures, and a meal that leaves you feeling light yet fully satisfied.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce serves a wonderful purpose—building bright flavors, adding crave-worthy texture, and giving your bowl that colorful, fresh look. Most of these are pantry staples, making this dish both simple and totally doable on a busy evening!

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The foundation of our bowl, these soak up marinade flavors and grill up juicy every time.
Broccoli florets: Their earthy crunch adds color and balances the richness of the sauce.
Olive oil: Divided for marinating the chicken and sautéing broccoli, it lends silkiness and depth.
Salt and black pepper: The simplest, most essential seasoning to enhance all the right notes.
Smoked paprika: Adds warmth and a gentle smokiness to the chicken for a memorable, savory bite.
Garlic powder: Layers in garlic flavor to complement the sauce and chicken marinade.
Onion powder: Rounds out the marinade with subtle sweetness.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens up both the marinade and sauce, cutting through richness.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for our sauce, giving it that luscious texture.
Plain Greek yogurt: Adds tang and lightens the mayo for a balanced, creamy finish.
Garlic cloves, minced: Brings bold, fresh flavor to the sauce—use as much as you dare!
Dijon mustard: For a peek of sharpness and complexity in the cream sauce.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green for freshness and flair.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Lay your chicken breasts in this aromatic marinade, turning to coat every surface. Give them about 20 minutes—just enough time for the flavors to work their magic and tenderize the meat. If you have extra time, let them soak a little longer for even more taste!

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken on and grill for 5–7 minutes per side, making sure you get those lovely char marks and that the chicken cooks through without drying out. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes so the juices can redistribute, then slice into strips or bite-size pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli

While your chicken rests, steam or sauté the broccoli florets until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. If you love a little char, you can toss them right on the grill (brushed lightly with olive oil). This not only brings out sweetness but also keeps them vibrant and not mushy.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the sauce is smooth and dreamy. Adjust seasoning as needed. The sauce should be pourable and taste both creamy and garlicky, with a tang that lifts the whole bowl.

Step 5: Assemble Your Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Now comes the fun part! Layer your broccoli and sliced grilled chicken in each bowl. Generously drizzle with creamy garlic sauce, then garnish with fresh parsley if you have it. The combination of juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and that irresistible sauce makes every forkful a winner.

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

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley breathes brightness onto these bowls, while a dusting of cracked black pepper or zest of fresh lemon adds zing and visual pop. For a little extra crunch, try scattering toasted sesame seeds or slivered almonds on top—these extra touches turn Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce into a show-stopper.

Side Dishes

These bowls are totally satisfying on their own, but if you’re feeding hearty appetites, pair them with fluffy jasmine rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a wholesome, filling meal. Crusty bread is another stellar option to mop up every bit of that creamy garlic sauce. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette will add a fresh contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun spin, serve the chicken and broccoli on a bed of warm farro or couscous, or wrap them up in a large lettuce leaf for a handheld version. If you’re prepping for a crowd, set up a build-your-own bowl bar: let everyone customize their Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce with different grains, veggies, or extra sauces and toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover grilled chicken, broccoli, and sauce into separate airtight containers and refrigerate. When stored properly, Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce keep well for up to 3 days. Keeping the components separate helps maintain their fresh flavor and prevents the sauce from making the chicken or broccoli soggy.

Freezing

While the grilled chicken and broccoli freeze beautifully in sealed bags or containers for up to 2 months, the creamy garlic sauce is best made fresh—dairy-based sauces can split or lose their silky texture after thawing. If needed, you can freeze the sauce in small portions and whisk well after thawing, but for best results, make it the day you plan to eat.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken and broccoli gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until just hot. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the chicken. Drizzle on the fresh or just-thawed creamy garlic sauce at serving time for maximum creaminess and zest.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring even more juiciness and flavor to Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Just adjust cooking time as needed, since thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.

Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?

You can absolutely make this dairy free. Simply swap out the Greek yogurt for a plant-based unsweetened yogurt, or use more mayo in its place. Make sure your mayo is dairy-free, too!

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?

If you don’t have access to a grill, baking works great. Place the marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet and roast at 425°F for about 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through. You’ll still get lots of that delicious flavor from the spice rub.

What veggies can I use instead of broccoli?

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are super flexible! Try cauliflower, zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers—just adjust cooking time so they’re tender but not mushy.

How can I make the sauce spicier?

For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne, a few dashes of hot sauce, or some finely chopped fresh jalapeño to the sauce. Taste as you go and add more heat if you love it fiery!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a wholesome, flavor-packed dinner that’s just as perfect for meal prep as it is for family night, give these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce a go. Once you taste that dreamy garlic sauce with juicy grilled chicken and vibrant broccoli, this dish won’t just be a weeknight favorite—it’ll be a staple you’ll crave again and again!