Name: Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts; 2 cups broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

SPREAD LOVE

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

A friendly, no-fuss bowl that pairs smoky grilled chicken with crisp-tender broccoli and a lush, garlicky yogurt sauce — perfect for weeknight dinners or easy meal prep. If you like bright lemon, creamy textures, and simple grilling, this recipe delivers satisfying flavor with minimal effort; for a complementary grilled-chicken idea, you can also check this chimichurri grilled chicken bowl recipe for inspiration.

Why make this recipe

Ready in about 30 minutes and ideal for quick dinners or batch cooking.
Balanced: lean protein, vibrant greens, and a creamy sauce that ties everything together.
Flexible: swap sauces, herbs, or veggies to suit what you have on hand.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

What makes this bowl work is the contrast — charred, juicy chicken against tender broccoli with a cool, tangy sauce that brightens each bite. Below is a clear step-by-step method, followed by detailed notes, tips, serving ideas, storage instructions, variations, and FAQs.

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
While chicken is grilling, steam or sauté broccoli until tender.
In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the creamy garlic sauce.
Once the chicken is cooked, slice it and arrange it in bowls with broccoli.
Drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce and serve immediately.

Detailed preparation notes and methods

Preparing the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels before brushing with olive oil and seasoning. Drying helps the exterior brown and reduces steaming on the grill. If breasts are very thick, consider butterflying or pounding them to an even thickness so they cook uniformly.
Grilling tips: Medium-high heat allows a good sear without burning. Aim for a grill surface around 375–450°F (190–230°C). If using a gas grill, preheat with lid closed for 10–15 minutes. Grill time varies with thickness; use a meat thermometer for best results — chicken is safe at 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
Cooking the broccoli: Steaming for 4–6 minutes keeps it bright and tender-crisp; sautéing with a touch of olive oil, salt, and a squeeze of lemon gives a slightly caramelized edge. Avoid overcooking to preserve color and nutrients.
Sauce balance: Greek yogurt adds tang and creaminess while mayonnaise gives body and richness. Adjust lemon and garlic to taste — more lemon for brightness, extra garlic for a sharper kick.

Why each ingredient matters

Chicken breasts: Lean protein that takes on char and smoky flavor from grilling.
Broccoli florets: Provide texture, color, and nutrition (fiber, vitamins).
Olive oil: Helps flavor and prevents sticking on the grill.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives pungent warmth to the sauce; roasting garlic first will mellow it if you prefer.
Greek yogurt and mayonnaise: The yogurt lightens the sauce while mayo adds silky mouthfeel.
Lemon juice: Cuts through the richness and lifts flavors.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances all other ingredients.

Timing and workflow for a smooth cook

Prep first: Mince garlic, mix the sauce, trim broccoli, and season chicken. Once the grill is hot, the cooking moves quickly.
Multitask: Start the grill, then prepare the sauce while it preheats. Get the broccoli cooking as soon as chicken hits the grill so everything finishes at the same time.
Rest the chicken: Let cooked chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing — this helps juices redistribute.

Best Way to Store Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze chicken and broccoli separately in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months at 0°F (-18°C). (Note: the creamy sauce may separate after freezing.)
Sauce storage: Keep the creamy garlic sauce refrigerated in a separate sealed jar for up to 5 days at 40°F (4°C).

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Serve over warm cooked grains like brown rice, quinoa, or farro to make the meal heartier.
Add a handful of toasted nuts (almonds, pistachios) or seeds (pumpkin, sunflower) for crunch.
For a Mediterranean twist, add chopped cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta.
Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or chives to brighten the bowl.

Tips to make Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Q: How do I keep the chicken moist?
A: Brine briefly (15–30 minutes) in a light salt solution, or marinate in olive oil and lemon for 30 minutes before grilling. Rest the chicken after cooking to retain juices.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes — make the creamy garlic sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Stir well before serving; if it thickens, thin with a teaspoon or two of water or olive oil.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Gently reheat chicken and broccoli in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between, until just warmed.

Variations

Bullet: Swap chicken for turkey cutlets or firm tofu slices for a vegetarian option; grill and prepare the bowls the same way.
Paragraph: For a smoky-sweet variation, glaze the chicken in a light honey-soy mix during the last 1–2 minutes on the grill for a caramelized finish that complements the creamy garlic sauce. This adds a savory-sweet contrast and pairs well with roasted broccoli instead of steamed.

Nutritional notes
This dish is protein-forward and balanced with vegetables. Using Greek yogurt keeps the sauce relatively light while the mayonnaise contributes richness; you can replace mayo with extra yogurt or a bit of olive oil blended with yogurt for a lighter version. For lower sodium, reduce added salt and use fresh lemon and herbs to enhance flavor.

Meal prep and make-ahead tips

Assemble components separately: Grill chicken, cook broccoli, and make the sauce, then store each in separate containers. When ready to eat, assemble bowls and drizzle sauce.
Use portioned containers to create lunches for several days — this bowl reheats well and stays flavorful when assembled right before eating.
For freezer-friendly meals, freeze cooked chicken and broccoli separately; thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently to avoid rubbery texture.

Q&A style FAQs (mixed formatting)
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes — thaw and briefly steam or sauté frozen broccoli to remove excess water. Frozen broccoli will be more tender, so watch cooking time to avoid mushiness.

Q: What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
A: Greek yogurt alone works well; for a dairy-free option, try mashed avocado plus a splash of olive oil and lemon for creaminess.

Q: How can I make the sauce less garlicky?
A: Reduce the minced garlic to 1–2 cloves or use roasted garlic for a sweeter, milder flavor.

How long do leftovers keep? Store refrigerated for up to 4 days (see storage list for temperatures).
Is this kid-friendly? Yes — most kids enjoy grilled chicken and broccoli with a mild creamy sauce; reduce lemon and garlic if needed.

Extra tips for perfect grilling

Clean and oil your grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and create those appealing char marks.
If using an outdoor charcoal grill, let coals burn down to a consistent medium-high heat before grilling.
If using a stovetop grill pan, heat it until smoking slightly before adding the chicken for good sear marks.

Flavor-boosting small additions

Add a pinch of smoked paprika or ground cumin to the chicken seasoning for an earthy boost.
Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for extra depth.
Finish bowls with a drizzle of flavored oil (chili oil or herb-infused olive oil) for complexity.

Pairing ideas

Drinks: Serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager.
Sides: A simple green salad with vinaigrette or roasted sweet potatoes pairs well for a balanced plate.

Final assembly and plating

Build a base: Start with grains or leafy greens if using them.
Arrange broccoli and sliced chicken neatly on top.
Use a spoon or squeeze bottle to drizzle the creamy garlic sauce artistically across the top.
Garnish with lemon zest, chopped herbs, or a few cracked peppercorns for visual appeal.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Overcooking the chicken: Use an instant-read thermometer and remove the chicken at 160–162°F (71–72°C), letting it rest to reach 165°F.
Soggy broccoli: Don’t forget to drain steamed broccoli well and give sautéed broccoli just enough time to develop slight browning.
Watery sauce: If the sauce seems thin, chill it — the yogurt firms up when cold; for immediate thickening, add a teaspoon of mayonnaise or a little more yogurt.

Occasions for this recipe

Weeknight family dinners
Meal-prep lunches for the workweek
Easy post-work gatherings where simple, flavorful food is welcome

Dietary swaps

Dairy-free: Use vegan yogurt and vegan mayo.
Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or leafy greens instead of grains.
Low-fat: Replace mayonnaise with extra Greek yogurt and use a lighter oil spray for grilling.

FAQs (mixed styles)
Q: Can I cook this indoors instead of on a grill?
A: Absolutely — a hot cast-iron skillet or broiler will give good char. Sear the chicken in a skillet for 4–6 minutes per side on medium-high, then finish in a 400°F oven if needed.

Q: Is it safe to keep the sauce on the chicken during storage?
A: It’s best to store the sauce separately to maintain texture and flavor. Mixing before serving keeps the broccoli from getting soggy.

Q: How can I scale this up for guests?
A: Multiply ingredients, grill chicken in batches, and keep finished chicken warm on a tray covered loosely with foil. Offer sauce and sides buffet-style so guests can assemble their own bowls.

Conclusion

If you want to compare versions or see alternative takes, this Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce page offers another presentation and helpful tips. For an informal blog-style variation and serving ideas, check out this Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce post for extra inspiration.