Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce: A Wholesome, Flavorful Meal

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together some of the simplest, yet most flavorful ingredients for a healthy and hearty meal. The grilled chicken is perfectly seasoned with a zesty lime kick, while the creamy garlic sauce adds a rich, savory note that ties everything together. The steamed broccoli adds a boost of nutrients and a fresh, crisp bite. This dish is gluten-free, customizable, and quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weekdays or weekend dinners.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • 1 lime, juiced

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Other Ingredients:

  • 1 pound broccoli florets, steamed or roasted
  • 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
  • Lime wedges, for serving

(Tip: Feel free to swap the rice for cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a lower-carb option!)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. 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.
  2. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. Grill or pan-fry the chicken over medium heat until it is cooked through and slightly charred on the outside, about 5-7 minutes per side.
  2. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

  1. Divide the cooked rice or quinoa evenly between two bowls.
  2. Top each bowl with steamed broccoli and the sliced grilled chicken.
  3. Drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce.
  4. Serve with lime wedges for an extra zesty touch.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Enjoy your wholesome and flavorful Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with roasted tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based alternative.
  • Extra Toppings: Add avocado slices, a sprinkle of cheese, or a handful of nuts like almonds or cashews for added texture and flavor.
  • Spicy Kick: For an extra spicy twist, drizzle the chicken and sauce with hot sauce or add more cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken and broccoli in the microwave or in a skillet, and add a little extra sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative! They’ll add more juiciness and flavor to the dish, especially if you prefer darker meat.

Can I make the creamy garlic sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the creamy garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.

What kind of rice can I use for this dish?

You can use any rice you prefer, such as brown rice, white rice, or even quinoa for a protein boost. Cauliflower rice is also a great option if you’re looking for a low-carb alternative.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add extra vegetables like roasted carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are the perfect blend of comfort and health, offering a filling and satisfying meal in just 25 minutes. The savory grilled chicken, paired with the rich and creamy garlic sauce, makes this a winning recipe that’s ideal for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re meal prepping or preparing a quick weeknight meal, these bowls are a delicious and easy option that everyone will love!


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Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce: A Wholesome, Flavorful Meal

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce: A Wholesome, Flavorful Meal

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Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are the perfect balance of flavors and textures—tender grilled chicken, nutrient-packed broccoli, and a rich, creamy garlic sauce served over rice or quinoa. Quick to prepare and full of wholesome goodness, these bowls are perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

  • Author: Amy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grill, Stove
  • Cuisine: American, Fusion

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

1 lime, juiced

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 pound broccoli florets, steamed or roasted

2 cups cooked rice or quinoa

Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. 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 for deeper flavor.
  2. Cook the Chicken:
    • Grill or pan-fry the chicken over medium heat until it is cooked through and slightly charred on the outside, about 5-7 minutes per side.
    • Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
  3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  4. Assemble the Bowls:
    • Divide the cooked rice or quinoa evenly between two bowls.
    • Top each bowl with steamed broccoli and the sliced grilled chicken.
    • Drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce.
    • Serve with lime wedges for an extra zesty touch.
  5. Serve:
    • Enjoy your wholesome and flavorful Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce!

Notes

Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with roasted tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based alternative.

Extra Toppings: Add avocado slices, a sprinkle of cheese, or a handful of nuts like almonds or cashews for added texture and flavor.

Spicy Kick: For an extra spicy twist, drizzle the chicken and sauce with hot sauce or add more cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 530
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22g
  • Trans Fat: undefined
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 48g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg
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