Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that tastes restaurant-worthy but is incredibly easy to pull together, let me introduce you to Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. This dish brings together juicy grilled chicken, perfectly tender-crisp broccoli, and a silky, flavor-packed sauce that clings to every bite. It’s a colorful, satisfying bowl that looks as beautiful as it tastes. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or looking to impress with minimal effort, Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce will quickly become a staple in your healthy, craveable meal rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this dish is that it relies on pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients—nothing fancy, but each element brings something special to the bowl. These ingredients combine for a brilliant medley of textures and layers of flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, lean and perfect for soaking up the lively marinade.
- Broccoli florets: Green, crunchy, and loaded with nutrients—they give that perfect contrast to the grilled chicken.
- Olive oil: Used both in the marinade and when sautéing, it adds moisture and encourages crisp edges.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
- Smoked paprika: Delivers a subtle smokiness, making the chicken truly irresistible.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory warmth in the marinade, echoing the fresh garlic in the sauce.
- Onion powder: Brings gentle sweetness and depth to the chicken.
- Fresh lemon juice: A bright splash to marinate the chicken and lift the sauce—don’t skip it!
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the luscious, tangy garlic sauce.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Lends a slight tang and lightens up the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic cloves, minced: The bold, aromatic backbone for the creamy sauce—use fresh for best flavor.
- Dijon mustard: Adds complexity and just a hint of sharpness to balance the sauce.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Optional, but the green flecks make your bowls pop and add fresh flavor.
How to Make Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a roomy bowl, stir together olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts and massage the marinade in, making sure every inch is coated. Let them marinate for about 20 minutes—it’s the perfect window to prep the sauce and broccoli. Even a short soak infuses tons of flavor!
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Heat up your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lay the marinated chicken breasts down and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until beautifully charred and fully cooked through. The finish should be juicy inside with irresistible golden stripes on the outside. Once done, give the chicken a little rest before slicing—this keeps every piece moist and tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli
While your chicken is resting, quickly steam or sauté the broccoli florets until they’re just tender and vibrant green (about 3 to 4 minutes). You want the broccoli to retain a little crunch for the best texture in your bowls. A sprinkle of salt at this stage really makes the flavors pop.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is smooth and fragrant—the garlic should give off that irresistible aroma. If you like, stir in a little fresh parsley for extra color and herbal brightness.
Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls
Now, for the fun part: assemble! Layer the sliced grilled chicken and broccoli into cozy bowls. Drizzle everything liberally with your homemade creamy garlic sauce. Finish with a pinch of parsley or extra cracked black pepper, then dive in while it’s all fresh and warm. Every forkful of Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce is pure comfort and freshness in a bowl.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Garnishes
Add the finishing touches with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, a little extra lemon zest, or a dusting of smoked paprika for flair and flavor. Those final flourishes make the Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce look and taste even more vibrant. If you’re feeling playful, try toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onion for crunch and color.
Side Dishes
While these bowls are pretty complete on their own, you can pair them with fluffy brown rice, quinoa, or even a bed of greens for more substance. A loaf of crispy bread to mop up that creamy garlic sauce is never a bad idea! For a little more freshness, consider a simple cucumber salad or lightly dressed slaw on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce as a build-your-own station for family or friends—set out all the components and let everyone assemble their own dream bowl. You can also pack these in individual meal-prep containers for a grab-and-go lunch that will make everyone in the breakroom envious. Layering in colorful veggies like bell peppers or shredded carrots brings extra crunch and a rainbow effect in each bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the chicken, broccoli, and creamy garlic sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the sauce from making the chicken or veggies soggy. Properly stored, everything should last up to four days, making Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce an excellent meal prep option.
Freezing
The grilled chicken freezes beautifully—just slice it, let it cool, and tuck it away in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Broccoli is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated, but you can freeze it if you don’t mind a softer texture after thawing. It’s best to whip up the creamy garlic sauce fresh, as mayonnaise-based sauces may separate after freezing and thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the chicken and broccoli gently in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. Add the sauce after reheating, rather than before, to keep it cool, creamy, and luscious—this keeps those Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce tasting their best.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be even juicier and are just as flavorful in this recipe—grill them a bit longer if they’re bone-in. They soak up the marinade beautifully and pair perfectly with the creamy garlic sauce.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the creamy sauce?
Yes, you can swap the Greek yogurt for a non-dairy yogurt and use your favorite vegan mayonnaise to keep the sauce creamy and dairy-free. The flavors will still be just as bright and tangy.
Can I roast the broccoli instead of steaming or sautéing?
Definitely! Roasting the broccoli with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper at 425°F for 15–20 minutes brings out a caramelized flavor and extra crispy edges, which tastes amazing with the chicken and sauce.
What other vegetables work well in these bowls?
Feel free to add or swap in veggies like roasted carrots, snap peas, red bell peppers, zucchini, or even a handful of baby spinach. Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are super versatile and welcome extra veggies of all kinds.
How can I make the sauce extra garlicky?
If you’re a big garlic fan, simply add another minced clove or two to the sauce. Letting it sit for an extra 10 minutes before serving intensifies the garlic flavor as well.
Final Thoughts
It’s truly hard not to love Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce—this is the meal I reach for when I want full flavor on a busy weeknight, or when I want something nourishing and fresh without fuss. Give it a try and watch it become a regular in your kitchen, too. Your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!
PrintGrilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
These Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a delicious and wholesome meal option that is easy to prepare. Tender grilled chicken paired with flavorful broccoli, all topped with a creamy garlic sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Steaming, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the Broccoli:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken and marinate for 20 minutes.
- Grill the Chicken: Grill the marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through. Let it rest and then slice.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Steam or sauté broccoli until tender-crisp.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Mix all sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Assemble the Bowls: Arrange chicken and broccoli in bowls, drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce, and garnish with parsley if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: grilled chicken, broccoli bowls, creamy garlic sauce, easy dinner recipe