The Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowl is a delicious, high-protein meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome. Juicy grilled chicken, tender-crisp broccoli, and a base of nutty brown rice or quinoa come together in perfect harmony. But the real star? A luxuriously creamy garlic sauce made with Greek yogurt and fresh garlic that takes every bite to a whole new level.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a fresh and quick dinner, this recipe is both simple and full of flavor. It’s versatile, nutritious, and comforting, a clean eating go-to that feels indulgent thanks to that garlicky drizzle. Perfect for families, gym-goers, or anyone trying to eat better without giving up great taste.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 cups fresh broccoli florets
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
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2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
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1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup shredded carrots
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Creamy Garlic Sauce:
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1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
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2 tablespoons mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
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Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred. Let rest before slicing.
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While the chicken is cooking, steam broccoli until just tender, about 4-5 minutes.
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In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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To assemble the bowls, layer cooked brown rice or quinoa, followed by steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and red onions.
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Top with grilled chicken slices and a generous drizzle of the creamy garlic sauce.
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Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
When it comes to wholesome, well-balanced meals that are easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, few dishes compare to the simplicity and flavor of Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. This vibrant dish is the perfect example of how healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or boring. With a base of hearty grains, crisp-tender broccoli, succulent grilled chicken, and a generous drizzle of creamy garlic sauce, this bowl checks every box: flavor, texture, and nutrition.
Whether you’re looking for a nutritious weeknight dinner, a meal-prep friendly recipe to fuel your week, or a way to get the whole family excited about eating vegetables, this dish is an excellent choice. It’s gluten-free, high in protein, and packed with essential nutrients that keep you energized and satisfied.
The Perfect Balance of Flavor and Nutrition
At its core, this recipe balances lean protein from grilled chicken, complex carbohydrates from brown rice or quinoa, fiber-rich vegetables, and healthy fats from the creamy garlic sauce. It’s a macro-balanced meal that promotes satiety and supports your health goals, whether you’re trying to build muscle, eat cleaner, or simply enjoy more home-cooked meals.
Chicken breast is one of the most popular protein choices for good reason, it’s low in fat, high in protein, and extremely versatile. In this recipe, it’s seasoned simply with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then grilled until perfectly charred on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Broccoli, a cruciferous powerhouse, is lightly steamed to retain its nutrients and natural crunch. It brings a pop of color and texture to the bowl, as well as vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants that support immune health and digestion.
Brown rice or quinoa serves as the hearty base. Both are great whole grain options that provide fiber and complex carbohydrates. Quinoa also adds extra protein, making it a great plant-based addition to the dish if you’re looking to up your intake.
Then there’s the creamy garlic sauce, the luscious finishing touch that ties the whole bowl together. Made with Greek yogurt, a little mayonnaise, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice, it delivers the richness of a dressing without the guilt. Greek yogurt not only adds creaminess but also protein and probiotics, making this sauce both delicious and functional.
Versatility and Customization
One of the most appealing aspects of this grilled chicken and broccoli bowl is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste, dietary needs, or pantry availability.
Grain swaps: You can substitute the brown rice or quinoa with other grains like farro, couscous, cauliflower rice, or even a bed of leafy greens for a low-carb variation.
Veggie upgrades: Add roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed bell peppers, or shredded cabbage for extra crunch and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some pickled red onions or roasted chickpeas for texture.
Protein variations: Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, tofu, tempeh, or even boiled eggs. This recipe adapts well to different protein sources, making it suitable for omnivores, pescatarians, and vegetarians alike.
Sauce alternatives: The creamy garlic sauce is a standout, but you can experiment with other dressings like tahini lemon sauce, sriracha mayo, or a balsamic vinaigrette for a different flavor profile. The key is balance, pair bold ingredients with creamy or acidic elements to create harmony.
Meal Prep Friendly
This recipe shines not only as a quick dinner but also as a reliable meal prep option for busy lifestyles. The components can be prepared in bulk and stored separately or assembled into ready-to-go containers for grab-and-go lunches or heat-and-eat dinners.
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Chicken can be grilled in larger batches and stored for 3–4 days in the fridge.
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Broccoli keeps well and can be steamed or roasted ahead of time.
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Grains like rice or quinoa can be made in large quantities and portioned for the week.
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Sauce should be stored in an airtight container and stays fresh for up to 5 days.
To avoid sogginess or textural changes, consider storing the sauce separately and adding it just before serving. A quick reheat in the microwave or skillet is all it takes to bring the bowl back to life.
A Family-Friendly Meal
Kids and adults alike will love the clean, comforting flavors of this bowl. The familiar ingredients make it approachable, while the bold garlic sauce adds just enough excitement to elevate the meal beyond the basics. It’s colorful, customizable, and most importantly, delicious.
If you’re feeding picky eaters, serve the ingredients deconstructed, chicken on one side, broccoli on another, rice in a neat pile, and the sauce in a small dish for dipping. This gives everyone the freedom to mix as they wish and can make mealtimes more fun and interactive.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
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Healthy and Filling: Packed with lean protein, fiber, and good fats.
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Simple to Prepare: Minimal prep time and easy-to-follow steps.
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Customizable: Adaptable to many dietary lifestyles including gluten-free, low-carb, and high-protein.
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Meal Prep Friendly: Keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.
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Crowd-Pleasing: A hit with both adults and kids, perfect for family meals.
Tips for Success
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Marinate for Flavor: Let the chicken rest in its seasoning for at least 15 minutes before grilling to lock in flavor.
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Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Light steaming retains color, crunch, and nutrients.
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Use Fresh Garlic in the Sauce: For maximum flavor, use freshly minced garlic instead of powder in the sauce.
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Make It Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce for a kick.
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Garnish Wisely: Fresh parsley, toasted sesame seeds, or chopped nuts can add an extra layer of flavor and presentation.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a casual lunch, prepping meals for the week, or just need a reliable go-to dinner after a long day, these Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls deliver every single time. Serve them warm for comfort or chilled for a refreshing, light bite. They’re ideal for picnics, office lunches, post-workout refueling, or even weeknight dinners that need to be on the table fast.
This recipe is not just about eating, it’s about feeling good. Every bite is a reminder that healthy food can be comforting, satisfying, and indulgent in the best way.
Conclusion
In a world filled with overly complicated recipes and ultra-processed meals, the Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowl with Creamy Garlic Sauce brings things back to basics:, real ingredients, bold flavor, and wholesome nourishment. With every component playing its part, from tender chicken and vibrant veggies to the silky garlic drizzle, this bowl is a true testament to balance and simplicity done right.
Whether you’re on a health journey, feeding your family, or just looking for your next favorite bowl recipe, this dish will not disappoint. It’s colorful, crave-worthy, and guaranteed to become a regular in your meal rotation. Add it to your recipe box and enjoy a perfect blend of nutrition, convenience, and flavor, every time.