Transform your weeknight dinner routine with these vibrant and nutritious grilled chicken and broccoli bowls. This recipe combines perfectly seasoned grilled chicken, tender-crisp broccoli, and a luxurious creamy garlic sauce that ties everything together. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving a family dinner, these bowls deliver restaurant-quality flavors right at home.
Pure Comfort
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a well-assembled bowl meal. The combination of warm grilled chicken, roasted broccoli, and creamy sauce creates a comforting experience that satisfies both your hunger and your soul. The aromatic garlic and herbs infuse every bite with homestyle goodness.
Ingredients
What You Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large heads of broccoli, cut into florets
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cups cooked brown rice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time to Cook
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Steps to Make It
- Begin by marinating the chicken. Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl, add chicken, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F).
- Toss broccoli florets with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place in a grill basket.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While chicken cooks, grill broccoli in the basket until tender-crisp and lightly charred, about 8-10 minutes.
- Prepare the creamy garlic sauce by combining all sauce ingredients in a bowl, mixing well.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Assemble bowls with rice, sliced chicken, and broccoli. Drizzle with creamy garlic sauce.
Make It Perfect
The key to perfect grilled chicken is even thickness. Pound thicker parts of the breast to ensure uniform cooking. For the broccoli, don’t overcrowd the grill basket – this ensures proper charring and prevents steaming.
Mix It Up
- Swap brown rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice
- Try different vegetables like asparagus or zucchini
- Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess
- Include cherry tomatoes for color and freshness
Perfect Partners
Serve alongside:
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Extra sauce on the side
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Toasted pine nuts or almonds
Busy Day Hero
Prepare the marinade and sauce up to 24 hours in advance. You can also pre-cook the rice and store it in the refrigerator. When dinner time comes, you’ll only need to focus on grilling.
Work Ahead
These bowls are perfect for meal prep. You can prepare all components separately and assemble them throughout the week. The sauce stays fresh for up to 5 days when refrigerated in an airtight container.
Save Some For Later
Store leftover components separately in airtight containers:
- Grilled chicken: 3-4 days
- Cooked broccoli: 3-4 days
- Rice: 4-5 days
- Sauce: 5-7 days
Everyone’s Happy
This recipe is easily customizable to please different preferences. Kids can have their components separated, while adults can mix everything together. The sauce can be served on the side to accommodate different tastes.
Good For You Too
These bowls are packed with:
- Lean protein from the chicken
- Fiber and vitamins from broccoli
- Complex carbohydrates from brown rice
- Probiotics and protein from Greek yogurt sauce
Easy Clean Up
Using a grill reduces indoor mess. Line your grill basket with foil for easier cleaning, and consider using parchment paper for sauce preparation.
Switch It Up
- Make it vegetarian by substituting chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas
- Try different marinades like teriyaki or lemon herb
- Use different grains like farro or barley
- Experiment with different herbs in the sauce
Simply Perfect
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. Quality ingredients, proper seasoning, and careful grilling technique come together to create a memorable meal.
FAQs
Can I make this without a grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or bake the chicken and roast the broccoli in the oven at 400°F.
How can I make the sauce lighter?
Use light Greek yogurt or substitute some yogurt with almond milk for a thinner consistency.
Can I freeze these bowls?
While the chicken and rice freeze well, it’s best to prepare fresh broccoli and sauce when serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all components are naturally gluten-free, but always check individual ingredients for cross-contamination.
How can I make the chicken more flavorful?
Marinate for up to 8 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh broccoli works best for grilling, but you can roast frozen broccoli in the oven instead.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Microwave with a damp paper towel over the bowl, or reheat components separately in a skillet.
Conclusion
These Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are more than just a meal – they’re a versatile, nutritious, and delicious solution for any day of the week. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or looking for a healthy dinner option, this recipe delivers satisfaction in every bowl. The combination of perfectly grilled chicken, charred broccoli, and creamy garlic sauce creates a balanced meal that you’ll want to make again and again.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
If you loved these Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce, you’ll definitely enjoy exploring more flavorful dishes from our collection. For a comforting and indulgent side, try these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs—crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, they’re the perfect complement to any meal. If you’re a fan of garlic-infused dishes, these Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta offer a rich and satisfying twist on classic comfort food. Looking for a fresh, herbaceous side? These Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes, Carrots, and Zucchini bring out the best in simple vegetables with a burst of Italian flavors. And for a quick, handheld meal, these Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps are packed with bold, cheesy goodness, making them a great option for lunch or a light dinner. Enjoy these recipes and keep experimenting with new flavors in your kitchen!