Irresistible Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, nutritious solutions that satisfy hunger and delight taste buds.

These grilled chicken & broccoli bowls with creamy garlic sauce pack a powerful flavor punch that elevates simple ingredients.

Charred chicken mingles with crisp broccoli, creating a perfect protein-rich canvas for the luscious sauce.

Fresh herbs and a touch of garlic infuse each bite with Mediterranean-inspired zest.

The creamy sauce brings a luxurious richness that transforms this ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Balanced, wholesome, and ridiculously easy to prepare, these bowls promise a delicious escape from mundane meal routines.

Grab your skillet and let’s make dinner magic happen.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the chicken marinade flavorful?

The marinade combines olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne pepper with lime juice, creating a zesty and aromatic coating that enhances the chicken’s taste and tenderness.

• How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes, but for optimal flavor, you can let it sit in the marinade for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

• Can I use alternatives to grilling the chicken?

Yes, you can pan-fry the chicken if you don’t have a grill. Cook it for 5-7 minutes per side until it’s cooked through and has a slightly charred exterior.

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

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Ingredients for Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls

• Chicken: A lean protein that serves as the primary source of nutrition and flavor in this dish.

• Olive Oil, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: A blend of spices and oil that adds depth of flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Lime Juice: Provides a tangy brightness and helps to break down the chicken proteins.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy base ingredients that create a rich and smooth sauce texture.
• Garlic, Lemon Juice, Dijon Mustard: Adds sharp and zesty flavors to the creamy sauce.

• Rice, Quinoa: Versatile grains that serve as a nutritious and filling base for the bowl.
• Broccoli: A nutrient-dense green vegetable that adds color, crunch, and health benefits.

• Lime Wedges: Provides a fresh citrus accent to brighten the overall dish.

How to Prepare Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Mix chicken with zesty spices and tangy lime to infuse bold flavors. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and a dash of cayenne for heat.

Pour fresh lime juice over the chicken and toss until every piece is coated with the vibrant marinade. Let the chicken soak up these delicious flavors for at least half an hour or overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill or skillet to medium-high temperature. Cook the marinated chicken until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust and reaches perfect doneness.

Grill each side for 5-7 minutes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked with a slight char. Once done, let the chicken rest momentarily to lock in those juicy flavors.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Garlic Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Minced garlic
• Fresh lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk until smooth and creamy, creating a tangy and rich sauce.

Step 4: Build Your Delicious Bowl

Layer your bowl with cooked rice or quinoa as a hearty base. Top with steamed broccoli florets and slice the grilled chicken.

Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce generously over the top. Serve with fresh lime wedges for an extra zesty kick.

Tips for Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls

• Let chicken absorb flavors for maximum taste by refrigerating between 30 minutes to 24 hours, ensuring tender and well-seasoned meat.
• Cook chicken over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side, achieving a delicious charred exterior while maintaining juicy interior.
• Whisk creamy garlic sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, velvety texture that complements the grilled chicken perfectly.
• Replace rice or quinoa with cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative that keeps the dish nutritious and satisfying.
• Prepare chicken and sauce in advance, storing separately in refrigerator for quick and easy assembly during busy weekdays.

Variations on Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Bowl: Replace paprika with dried oregano and thyme, swap lime juice for lemon, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the sauce, and add crumbled feta cheese on top for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Spicy Korean Chicken Bowl: Substitute marinade with gochujang paste, ginger, and soy sauce, replace creamy garlic sauce with gochujang mayo, and garnish with pickled radishes and green onions for a Korean-style twist.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Version: Replace regular rice with cauliflower rice, keep the chicken and broccoli preparation the same, and use a lighter Greek yogurt-based sauce to create a low-carb, keto-friendly option.

What Goes Well with Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the tangy lime and garlic flavors in the dish, cutting through the creamy sauce with bright, refreshing notes.
• Enhance with Citrus Cocktail: Mix a classic margarita or paloma to mirror the lime elements in the chicken marinade, creating a vibrant and complementary drink experience that elevates the meal's southwestern profile.
• Add Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions over the bowl to boost the dish's freshness, providing an aromatic layer that connects the grilled chicken's spices with the creamy garlic sauce.
• Serve with Crunchy Side: Include tortilla chips or a small side salad with a light vinaigrette to add textural contrast and provide a crisp counterpoint to the tender chicken and smooth sauce.

Storage Advice for Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls

• Store leftover chicken, broccoli, and sauce separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Wrap sliced chicken and broccoli in freezer-safe containers or bags. Sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place chicken and broccoli on a microwave-safe plate. Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Warm chicken and broccoli in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little olive oil or water to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent grilled chicken & broccoli bowls deliver Mediterranean-inspired comfort with a zesty garlic sauce that elevates simple ingredients. Rich protein and crisp vegetables combine in a balanced meal perfect for weeknight dinners when health and flavor matter most.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables and Produce:

• 1 pound broccoli florets, steamed or roasted
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 lime wedges (for serving)

Seasonings and Grains:

• 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for chicken)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for chicken)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for sauce)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for sauce)

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Instructions

1. Blend seasoned chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
2. Splash lime juice over the chicken, massaging the marinade deeply into the meat. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 24 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Heat grill or skillet to medium-high temperature, around 375°F. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Remove chicken from heat, allowing it to rest for 3-4 minutes to retain juices. Slice against the grain into thin strips.
5. Craft creamy garlic sauce by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Steam broccoli until vibrant green and tender-crisp, approximately 4-5 minutes.
7. Construct bowls by layering base of rice or quinoa, arranging steamed broccoli and sliced chicken strategically.
8. Generously drizzle creamy garlic sauce over the assembled bowl. Garnish with fresh lime wedges for a zesty finish.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by marinating chicken overnight in the refrigerator for deeper taste penetration.
• Swap mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that reduces calories.
• Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to create a low-carb, keto-friendly version of the dish.
• For vegetarian options, replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, maintaining the same marinade and cooking technique.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 466 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg