Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls

Grilled chicken and broccoli bowls with creamy garlic sauce are my answer to busy weekday dinners that still feel like a treat. Golden grilled chicken, tender broccoli, and a tangy garlic sauce all come together for a meal that is both wholesome and loaded with comforting flavor.

I discovered this recipe on a hectic weeknight when I wanted something nourishing without fuss. The sauce was so popular it became a regular request at our table.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: provide lean protein and are ideal for grilling because they stay tender when marinated first. Always look for plump and pink filets for best results
• Broccoli florets: supply fiber and a satisfying crunch. Fresh broccoli is best but bagged pre-cut will save some prep time
• Olive oil: helps lock in the chicken’s moisture and gives the broccoli a glossy finish. Choose extra virgin if possible for the best taste
• Salt and pepper: are essential for flavor balance. Go with freshly cracked pepper and sea salt for optimum results
• Greek yogurt: makes the sauce luxuriously creamy while adding protein. Reach for whole milk yogurt for a richer texture
• Fresh garlic: gives the sauce a punch of bold flavor. Firm cloves with tight skin are the freshest
• Lemon juice: brightens the entire sauce. Freshly squeezed is worth the little extra effort

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

Combine olive oil salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Add the chicken breasts and use your hands to coat them all over. Let the chicken rest for about fifteen minutes allowing the flavors to penetrate

Prepare the Broccoli:

While the chicken is marinating cut broccoli into bite sized florets if you have not already. Steam or microwave the broccoli until the color turns vivid green and the stalks are just tender which typically takes three to five minutes. Do not overcook or you will lose that perfect snap

Grill the Chicken:

Preheat your grill or a stovetop grill pan over medium high heat. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook each side for about six to seven minutes. The chicken is done when the juices run clear and the internal temperature reads seventy five degrees Celsius or one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit. Transfer to a plate and let it rest

Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

In a small bowl stir together the Greek yogurt minced garlic lemon juice salt and pepper. Mix until everything is smooth and there are no lumps. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed

Slice and Serve:

Slice the rested grilled chicken into strips across the grain for maximum tenderness. Fill each serving bowl with a helping of broccoli add the chicken slices and finish with a generous drizzle of creamy garlic sauce

Save

My favorite part is the extra garlicky sauce which my family now requests on everything from baked potatoes to sandwiches. One night my daughter even dipped her carrot sticks in it and declared it the best sauce ever

How to Store Leftovers

Store cooked chicken and broccoli in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the creamy garlic sauce in a separate sealed jar and use within four days for the freshest flavor. To reheat do so gently in the microwave and wait to add the sauce until after warming so it stays cool and creamy

Ingredient Swaps

If you do not have Greek yogurt you can try plain skyr or a non dairy alternative. Chicken thighs also grill beautifully and offer a slightly richer flavor profile. Steamed green beans or asparagus are great swaps for broccoli when you crave variety

Serving Suggestions

Serve the bowls over a bed of cooked brown rice quinoa or cauliflower rice for a more substantial meal. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or dill. For a little crunch add roasted chickpeas or sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds

Recipe Origins

While grilled chicken bowls are popular in many world cuisines this version is inspired by Mediterranean flavors. The lemony garlicky yogurt sauce echoes the sauces found in Greek and Middle Eastern kitchens

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of chicken works best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a lean, tender result when grilled, making them ideal for these bowls.

→ How should I cook the broccoli?

Steam or microwave broccoli florets until they’re bright green and just tender, usually 3-5 minutes, to preserve flavor and nutrients.

→ What makes the garlic sauce creamy?

Greek yogurt gives the sauce its creamy texture, while garlic and lemon juice add fresh, tangy notes.

→ Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the creamy garlic sauce can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge to enhance the flavors.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) or the juices run clear for safely cooked, juicy chicken.

→ Are there substitutions for Greek yogurt?

You can use plain regular yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the sauce if preferred.