If you’re craving a vibrant, wholesome meal that feels both comforting and fresh, you’re in for a treat with this Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of juicy grilled chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a luscious, garlicky sauce that ties every bite together. Whether you’re aiming for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep winner, this bowl is packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this dish is delightfully simple thanks to a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in flavor and texture. From the tender chicken thighs, aromatic herbs, to the creamy garlic sauce, every component combines effortlessly to deliver a satisfying and colorful bowl.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Choose thighs for juiciness or breasts for a leaner option, both grill beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Essential for marinating and grilling to keep everything moist and flavorful.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, zesty kick that lifts the entire dish.
- Dried Oregano: Gives a subtle herbal depth to the chicken marinade.
- Paprika: Introduces a warm, smoky note perfectly complementing the grill’s char.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances savory flavor in the chicken seasoning.
- Onion Powder: Adds mild sweetness and complexity to the marinade.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Fundamental for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Fresh Broccoli Florets: Provide a beautiful crunch and vibrant color when grilled.
- Minced Garlic: The star in the creamy garlic sauce, delivering pungent, fresh flavor.
- Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Creates the creamy base for the luscious garlic sauce.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (for sauce): Gives the sauce a refreshing tanginess.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for sauce): Adds richness and silky texture.
- Fresh Herbs (parsley, chives, or dill): Sprinkle of freshness and color in the sauce.
- Water or Milk: Used to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
- Cooked Quinoa, Brown Rice, or Farro (optional): Base grains to make it a hearty meal.
- Halved Cherry Tomatoes (optional): Burst of sweetness and brightness.
- Thinly Sliced Red Onion (optional): Adds mild sharpness and crunch.
- Avocado Chunks (optional): Creamy, buttery texture that complements the bowl wonderfully.
How to Make Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Start by pounding the chicken to an even thickness if needed, which ensures it cooks evenly. Marinate the chicken with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Letting it soak up these flavors for at least 30 minutes makes every bite tender and deeply flavorful.
Step 2: Get the Broccoli Ready
While the chicken marinates, wash and cut your broccoli into bite-sized florets. Toss them with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. This simple prep ensures they roast beautifully on the grill, achieving that perfect tender-crisp texture with a hint of char.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Mix together Greek yogurt or sour cream, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and your choice of fresh herbs like parsley or dill in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add in a splash of water or milk until it reaches a creamy, drizzle-able consistency that will perfectly coat every forkful.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until it’s cooked through and beautifully marked with grill lines. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
Step 5: Grill the Broccoli
Reduce the grill heat to medium and place your broccoli florets on the grates or use a grill basket. Grill them for 5 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re tender but still have a bit of crunch and are nicely charred for extra flavor.
Step 6: Assemble Your Bowls
Start by adding a base of grains like quinoa, brown rice, or farro if you like. Layer with sliced grilled chicken and the smoky grilled broccoli. Generously drizzle your creamy garlic sauce on top, and don’t hesitate to finish with optional fresh veggies like halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and creamy avocado chunks for an extra pop of freshness and texture.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or chives sprinkled over the finished bowls bring an herbal brightness that complements the sauce perfectly. A wedge of lemon on the side invites diners to add a citrusy zest for an extra flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
Pair these bowls with a light, crisp salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy garlic sauce. For a heartier meal, roasted sweet potatoes or a Mediterranean-style cucumber salad are fantastic companions that align with the freshness and balance of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these bowls in individual mason jars for a fun picnic option or meal prep-friendly presentation. For a dinner party, arrange them on large platters garnished with vibrant fresh herbs and lemon slices to impress your guests with a colorful, appetizing display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover grilled chicken and broccoli in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the creamy garlic sauce separately to maintain its fresh flavor and perfect texture.
Freezing
The grilled chicken and broccoli can be frozen, but the sauce is better made fresh. Place cooked chicken and broccoli in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add the creamy garlic sauce only after reheating to keep its creaminess and fresh flavor intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a great leaner option. Just be sure to pound them to an even thickness so they grill evenly and stay juicy.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem. You can cook the chicken and broccoli in a grill pan or on a baking sheet under the broiler for a similar charred effect.
Can I make the creamy garlic sauce vegan?
Yes! Substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or cashew cream, and use olive oil and fresh herbs as usual.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mildly seasoned with paprika and garlic, but it’s not hot. You can add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the marinade if you like some heat.
What grains work best as a base?
Quinoa, brown rice, and farro each add their own tasty chewiness and nuttiness. Choose based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a busy day, yet vibrant enough to delight your palate. It’s packed with flavors and textures that work so beautifully together, proving you don’t need complicated steps to make a deeply satisfying dish. Give it a try and let this bowl bring a little joy to your table — I promise it won’t disappoint!
Print
Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Delicious Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls feature marinated and perfectly grilled chicken thighs or breasts paired with charred broccoli, all topped with a luscious creamy garlic sauce made from Greek yogurt or sour cream. Served over your choice of quinoa, brown rice, or farro, and optionally garnished with fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes, red onion, and avocado, this wholesome bowl offers a balanced, flavorful meal packed with protein and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Broccoli
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or dill), chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2–3 tablespoons water or milk, to thin sauce as needed
Optional Toppings and Bowls
- 2 cups cooked quinoa, brown rice, or farro
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 avocado, cut into chunks
Instructions
- Prepare Your Chicken: Pound the chicken to an even thickness if necessary to ensure uniform cooking. In a bowl, marinate the chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Get the Broccoli Ready: Wash and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and black pepper to season before grilling.
- Whip Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt or sour cream with minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and chopped fresh herbs. Season with salt and black pepper. Adjust the sauce’s consistency by adding water or milk a tablespoon at a time until desired creaminess is reached.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Grill the marinated chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until thoroughly cooked and no longer pink inside. Remove from the grill and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Grill the Broccoli: Adjust the grill heat to medium. Place the seasoned broccoli florets on the grill and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender-crisp with a nice charred exterior.
- Assemble Your Bowls: Start by placing your choice of cooked grains in each bowl if using. Add sliced grilled chicken and grilled broccoli. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce and garnish with optional fresh veggies such as halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and avocado chunks for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for longer (up to 4 hours) for more intense flavor.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs depending on your preference for juiciness.
- Adjust the creamy garlic sauce with water or milk to your preferred thickness.
- Grill vegetables of choice along with broccoli for variation.
- Use a grill pan or stovetop grill if outdoor grilling is not available.
- Leftover grilled chicken and broccoli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
