Easy Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
These Easy Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a nutritious and flavorful meal packed with juicy grilled chicken, tender-crisp broccoli, and a luscious garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners, this versatile dish can be customized with your favorite grains and vegetables, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s quick and simple to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes plus 30 minutes marinating
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 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
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
Vegetables and Grains
- 1 pound broccoli florets, steamed or roasted
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a large bowl, combine chicken breasts or thighs with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and lime juice. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly, then marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through and nicely browned. Once done, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
- Prepare the Broccoli: You can steam the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, or toss them with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and lemon juice, then roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C) for about 15-20 minutes until soft with crispy edges.
- Cook the Grains: Prepare your choice of grains such as rice or quinoa following package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and keep warm.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked grains evenly into serving bowls. Top each with steamed or roasted broccoli florets and sliced grilled chicken. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty touch.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper in the chicken marinade.
- Use any cooked grain of your preference, such as brown rice, farro, or couscous.
- Customize your bowls by adding toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, or an extra dollop of sour cream.
- Frozen broccoli can be used; just defrost and pat dry before roasting to avoid sogginess.
- Dairy-free sauce variations are possible using coconut milk or dairy-free substitutes.
- Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days and reheated gently.
- To keep the garlic sauce smooth, cook it over low heat and stir continuously.
- Other vegetables such as cauliflower, zucchini, or asparagus also work well in this recipe.
Keywords: grilled chicken bowl, chicken broccoli bowl, creamy garlic sauce, easy dinner, healthy chicken recipe, grilled chicken recipe, broccoli bowls, weeknight meals, low fat chicken dinner
