Imagine the perfect bite: juicy grilled chicken, vibrant green broccoli, fluffy rice or quinoa, and a luscious, tangy sauce tying it all together. That’s the magic of Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. This is my go-to for busy weeknights and meal prep days alike — it’s fresh, nourishing, and seriously crowd-pleasing. Plus, the creamy garlic sauce absolutely steals the show, bringing everything together into a dish you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce is that the ingredient list is simple, but each component brings serious flavor or texture. Every element is chosen to layer color, richness, and zing, making the result feel like much more than the sum of its parts!

Chicken (2 lbs boneless, skinless breasts or thighs): Go with thighs for extra juiciness, or breast for a leaner bite—either way, the chicken takes on big grill flavor.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the spices adhere and the chicken develop a golden, flavorful crust.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings warm color and a gentle smoky note to the marinade.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts savory depth and complements the fresh garlic in the sauce.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon for marinade, 1/4 teaspoon for sauce): Seasons every layer for balanced flavor.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon for marinade, 1/4 teaspoon for sauce): Adds a touch of heat and fragrance.
Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a little kick—skip or add more as your heart desires!
Lime (1 juiced, plus extra wedges for serving): Perks up the marinade and brightens the whole bowl.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Makes the garlic sauce creamy to the max—use full-fat for best results.
Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds a tangy contrast to the mayo, keeping the sauce ultra-smooth.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): The real star of the sauce—fresh garlic packs a fragrant punch.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Lifts the creaminess of the sauce with bright acidity.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the sauce with zesty, sharp undertones.
Broccoli florets (1 pound, steamed or roasted): This nutritious green is tender, crisp, and full of color.
Rice or quinoa (2 cups, cooked): The sturdy, satisfying base for your bowls—brown rice, white rice, or quinoa all work beautifully.
Lime wedges: The finishing touch for squeezing over each bowl just before digging in.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

First, get the chicken soaking up all those flavorful spices. In a big bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if you want some heat. Squeeze in a juicy lime for zesty brightness, then massage everything together. The longer this marinates, the better—30 minutes at minimum, or up to a day ahead for the boldest flavor.

Step 2: Grill or Pan-Fry the Chicken

Once marinated, it’s time for some char! Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Sear the chicken until it’s cooked through and boasts tasty, caramelized edges, about 5–7 minutes per side (dependent on thickness). After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes—this helps keep every bite juicy. Slice the chicken just before assembling the bowls.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce

While the chicken rests, whip up the sauce that pulls it all together. In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. This sauce is pure velvety goodness and only gets better if made a bit ahead, giving flavors time to meld.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli

Broccoli is easy: steam it quickly for bright green, just-tender florets, or roast in a hot oven with a drizzle of oil and a sprinkle of salt for a nutty, slightly crispy finish. Either way, aim for vibrant color and a fresh crunch to contrast the rich sauce and savory chicken.

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

Now for the fun part! Start with fluffy rice or quinoa as your base, then pile on the vibrant broccoli and sliced chicken. Generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over everything, finishing with a cheeky squeeze of fresh lime juice. It’s a meal that looks as inviting as it tastes.

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

Garnishes

A shower of fresh garnishes takes these bowls from everyday to extraordinary. Try chopped cilantro, extra lime wedges, thinly sliced scallions, or a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds. Not only do these add bursts of flavor and color, but they also make each bowl feel like a special treat.

Side Dishes

While Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are deliciously satisfying on their own, you can round out the meal with warm pita, naan, or a zippy cucumber salad. Simple roasted potatoes or a medley of grilled vegetables pair wonderfully, too—think of sides that add crunch or coolness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, let friends and family build their own bowls at the table—set out all components buffet-style, and watch the combinations fly. If you’re entertaining, try serving in individual wide-mouthed jars for a portable, picnic-ready version. The beautiful layers not only look fantastic but also make each bite a surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a dream! Store assembled Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. Keep the sauce separate if you want the vegetables to stay crisp. The flavors only intensify over time, making this an ideal make-ahead meal.

Freezing

Chicken and broccoli freeze beautifully, so feel free to portion them in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to three months. For best texture, freeze the rice or quinoa separately and skip freezing the creamy garlic sauce, as dairy can sometimes become grainy when thawed. Instead, make a fresh batch of sauce when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave leftovers until warmed through, or quickly sauté everything together in a skillet over medium heat. If the chicken seems a bit dry after reheating, add an extra drizzle of fresh lime juice or a splash of chicken broth to bring back moisture. Spoon on plenty of fresh sauce just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of grilling my own?

Absolutely! For a shortcut, shred store-bought rotisserie chicken and toss it with a little of the spice mixture and lime juice. While it won’t have the same smoky grill flavor, the creamy garlic sauce and other bowl elements will still shine.

What’s the best way to steam broccoli if I don’t have a steamer?

No steamer? No problem! Place broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water, cover loosely, and microwave for 2–3 minutes until bright green and tender. Or, simply roast the broccoli in the oven for extra flavor and crisp edges.

How can I make the creamy garlic sauce dairy-free?

Try using your favorite vegan mayo and a dairy-free sour cream alternative for the sauce. Check seasonings and add a dash of lemon juice for tang—no one will ever guess it’s dairy-free!

What other veggies can I add to these bowls?

Go wild: sweet bell peppers, roasted carrots, sautéed zucchini, or thinly sliced cabbage all work beautifully. The Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are super adaptable, so use what you have on hand or what’s freshest at your market.

Can I prep these bowls for meal prep lunches?

Yes! Portion rice, chicken, and broccoli into meal prep containers and add sauce just before serving. Everything holds up well in the fridge and tastes fantastic reheated, making lunch a treat you’ll look forward to all week.

Final Thoughts

There’s so much to love about Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce—the vibrant colors, the bold flavors, and most of all, how fun and easy they are to share. If you’re looking for a meal that feels both comforting and fresh, give this a try. I can’t wait for you to discover just how delicious and versatile this dish can be!

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 8 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

These Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a delicious and satisfying meal option that combines tender grilled chicken with flavorful broccoli and a creamy garlic sauce.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the lime juice and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
Cook the Chicken: Grill or pan-fry the chicken until cooked through and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per side. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide the rice or quinoa between two bowls. Top with the steamed broccoli and sliced chicken. Drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce. Serve with lime wedges.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling, Pan-Frying
Cuisine: American