Best Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a wholesome, satisfying meal packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and bold flavor. Juicy grilled chicken is paired with tender broccoli and served over a bed of rice or grains, all topped with a rich, savory garlic sauce that pulls everything together beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these bowls hit that perfect balance between healthy and comforting. The grilled chicken adds smoky, savory flavor, the broccoli brings freshness and crunch, and the creamy garlic sauce is downright addictive. It’s a great meal prep option too—I can make a batch ahead and enjoy it all week. Whether I’m craving something filling after a workout or just want a no-fuss dinner that tastes great, this one always delivers.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken and broccoli:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• Broccoli florets

• Olive oil

• Garlic powder

• Paprika

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

For the creamy garlic sauce:

• Mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt

• Garlic, minced or grated

• Lemon juice

• Olive oil

• Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper

• Water (to thin the sauce as needed)

For the bowl:

• Cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice

• Fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)

directions

1. I start by prepping the chicken—pound it to even thickness if needed, then season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.

2. I preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, until cooked through and slightly charred. I let it rest before slicing.

3. While the chicken cooks, I toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then either grill them in a basket or roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until tender and crisp.

4. For the sauce, I whisk together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and just enough water to get it to drizzle consistency.

5. I assemble each bowl with a base of rice, top it with grilled chicken slices, roasted broccoli, and a generous drizzle of the creamy garlic sauce.

6. I finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes swap the broccoli with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.

• For a lower-carb version, I use cauliflower rice as the base.

• If I want more heat, I add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic sauce.

• I’ve made this with grilled shrimp or tofu instead of chicken and it works great.

storage/reheating

I store the chicken, broccoli, rice, and sauce in separate containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I’m ready to eat, I reheat the chicken, broccoli, and rice in the microwave for 1–2 minutes and add the sauce cold or warmed slightly. Keeping everything separate helps preserve the texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, I’ve used leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken when I’m short on time. I just slice it and warm it up before adding to the bowl.

Can I make the garlic sauce dairy-free?

Definitely. I use a dairy-free mayo as the base instead of Greek yogurt to keep it completely dairy-free.

Can I meal prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I make all the components in advance and store them separately or assemble the bowls in containers for grab-and-go meals during the week.

What kind of rice works best?

I like jasmine or brown rice, but I’ve also used quinoa or farro for extra texture. For a lighter bowl, cauliflower rice works great too.

Is the sauce spicy?

No, the sauce is creamy and garlicky without heat. If I want to spice it up, I add a little cayenne or hot sauce.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are one of my go-to meals when I want something fresh, filling, and full of flavor. The mix of grilled meat, roasted veggies, and a bold, creamy sauce makes this dish feel special—even though it’s easy enough to throw together any night of the week. It’s versatile, prep-friendly, and just plain delicious.