If I’m craving a meal that’s simple, flavorful, and full of wholesome ingredients, this Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowl with Creamy Garlic Sauce always hits the spot. With tender grilled chicken, perfectly charred broccoli, and a rich garlic sauce that brings everything together, this bowl is as satisfying as it is nourishing. It’s fast, flexible, and packed with textures and flavors I never get tired of.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple yet Flavorful
I love how a few basic ingredients—chicken, broccoli, and a yogurt-based garlic sauce—combine to create something so crave-worthy.
Nutritious and Balanced
This bowl gives me a great balance of lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it perfect for a post-workout meal or a light dinner.
Quick to Prepare
Everything comes together in under 30 minutes, which makes this one of my favorite go-to recipes during busy weeks.
Customizable
I can switch out proteins, mix in different veggies, or change the base to suit whatever I have on hand.
Creamy Garlic Sauce Magic
That sauce? It’s bold, creamy, garlicky, and totally addictive without being heavy.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
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3 cups fresh broccoli florets
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2 tbsp olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
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1/2 cup Greek yogurt
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Additions
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Fresh herbs (parsley or chives) for garnish
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Cooked rice or quinoa, as base
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
I start by trimming and cutting the chicken breasts into even pieces to ensure they grill evenly. Then I chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken and Broccoli
I toss the chicken and broccoli in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then place them on the grill. Chicken goes for about 5–6 minutes per side, while broccoli takes around 6–8 minutes to get that perfect char and crisp-tender bite.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
While everything’s grilling, I whisk together Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
I layer the cooked rice or quinoa at the bottom (if using), pile on the grilled chicken and broccoli, and then drizzle generously with the garlic sauce. A handful of fresh herbs on top gives it a bright finishing touch.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Protein Swap: I sometimes use grilled tofu, shrimp, or turkey breast instead of chicken for a change of pace.
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Veggie Upgrades: Roasted bell peppers or mushrooms bring extra flavor and color.
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Dairy-Free Option: Coconut yogurt or cashew cream works great in place of Greek yogurt.
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Spicy Twist: A pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika adds heat and depth.
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Low-Carb Base: I go for cauliflower rice or even zucchini noodles when I want to cut back on carbs.
Storage/Reheating
Storing Leftovers
I keep the chicken, broccoli, and sauce in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the textures fresh and the sauce from soaking in too much.
Freezing
The chicken and broccoli freeze well, so I store them separately in airtight containers. I always make a fresh batch of the garlic sauce when I’m ready to eat again.
Reheating
I reheat the chicken and broccoli gently on the stovetop or in the oven. I always add the sauce fresh after warming to avoid curdling or separation.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, though I prefer fresh broccoli for better texture and flavor when grilled. Frozen works in a pinch but can be softer and less crisp after cooking.
Is Greek yogurt necessary for the sauce?
I love the tang and creaminess Greek yogurt adds, but plain yogurt, sour cream, or even dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream work just as well.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
I always use a meat thermometer—165°F (75°C) is the target. The chicken should be firm but juicy and no longer pink inside.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely. I replace the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, and it’s still super satisfying with the garlic sauce.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
Nutritional yeast is my favorite swap when I want a dairy-free or vegan option—it gives that same nutty, cheesy flavor.
Conclusion
This Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowl with Creamy Garlic Sauce is one of those recipes that keeps finding its way back into my weekly routine. It’s flavorful, balanced, and endlessly flexible—whether I’m meal prepping for the week or just need a quick and satisfying dinner. I like to switch up the toppings or base now and then, but that creamy garlic sauce? I never change it. It’s just that good. Give this recipe a try, and I think it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too.
PrintGrilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a quick, healthy dinner idea packed with lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and a bold, tangy yogurt-based sauce. This easy grilled chicken bowl is ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for meal prep, clean eating, or a post-workout meal. Customize with your favorite grains or toppings!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Category: Dinner, Healthy Meals
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American, Clean Eating
Ingredients
- For the Bowls:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional Additions:
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or quinoa (as base)
Instructions
- Cut chicken into even pieces and chop broccoli into florets. Mince the garlic.
- Toss chicken and broccoli in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Grill broccoli for 6–8 minutes until charred and crisp-tender.
- In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Layer bowls with cooked rice or quinoa if using, then top with grilled chicken and broccoli.
- Drizzle with creamy garlic sauce and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Swap in grilled tofu, shrimp, or turkey for a different protein.
- Use roasted mushrooms or bell peppers for extra color.
- For dairy-free, substitute coconut yogurt and nutritional yeast.
- Add heat with red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.
- Try cauliflower rice or zoodles for a low-carb option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 100mg