Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls

This grilled chicken and broccoli bowl is my favorite quick meal when I want something healthy and satisfying without a lot of fuss. It strikes the perfect balance between lean protein, fresh veggies, and a creamy tangy sauce that feels like a treat but comes together effortlessly.

I put this together on lazy evenings when I wanted something light but filling. It quickly became our go-to since it feels special but isn&t complicated at all.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: boneless and skinless for easy grilling and lean protein. Trim any fat for even cooking. Choose fresh plump pieces.
• Olive oil: helps the chicken brown nicely without sticking. Use extra virgin or good quality for flavor.
• Salt and black pepper: essential to season and enhance all ingredients naturally.
• Paprika or Italian herbs or chili flakes: optional but great for adding a little personality and depth to the chicken.
• Fresh broccoli florets: bright and tender crisp, these bring color and crunch while keeping things healthy. Go for fresh green stalks not limp ones.
• Garlic cloves: minced fresh garlic intensifies the creamy sauce with lovely aroma and bite.
• Greek yogurt or sour cream: creates a luscious base for the sauce adding tang and creaminess. Choose full fat for richness.
• Lemon juice: adds brightness and balances the richness of dairy.
• Optional chili flakes or sriracha: can wake up the flavors with some heat if you like.

Instructions

Prep the Chicken:

Trim any excess fat from your chicken breasts and pat dry using paper towels. This helps the oil and seasoning stick properly. Rub your chicken with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and your choice of paprika, Italian herbs, or chili flakes for a flavor boost.

Grill the Chicken:

Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Place chicken on the grill and cook without moving for about 5 to 7 minutes to develop those nice grill marks. Flip and cook the other side until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 75 degrees Celsius for safe doneness. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to keep juices locked in then slice into bite-sized pieces.

Cook the Broccoli:

Steam your broccoli florets until they are tender yet retain a little crunch which should take about 4 to 5 minutes. Alternatively, blanch them briefly in boiling water then plunge into cold water immediately to keep the vibrant green color and freshness.

Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

In a small bowl whisk together minced garlic, Greek yogurt or sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until perfectly smooth. Taste and adjust the garlic or lemon juice to your preference. To add a spicy kick stir in chili flakes or sriracha.

Assemble Your Bowl:

Place the sliced grilled chicken over the bed of steamed broccoli in your serving bowl. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce, letting it pool around the veggies and meat. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or extra chili flakes if you want more color and heat.

My favorite ingredient in this dish is the creamy garlic sauce. It turns simple chicken and broccoli into something fresh and vibrant with just a few ingredients. I vividly remember this meal being part of a weekend family cookout that quickly became a favorite for everyone around the table.

Storage tips

Store grilled chicken and broccoli in separate airtight containers to keep textures fresh The creamy garlic sauce is best kept separately in the fridge and added just before serving Reheat chicken gently on low to avoid drying out and steam broccoli briefly to warm without losing color

Ingredient swaps

Swap Greek yogurt or sour cream with plain coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option Use asparagus or green beans instead of broccoli when in season or for variety Replace chicken breasts with skinless turkey cutlets for a slightly different protein twist

Serving ideas

Serve over cooked quinoa or brown rice for extra fiber and a fuller meal Add a handful of toasted nuts like sliced almonds or pine nuts for crunch Garnish with fresh lemon zest or chopped parsley for a fresh herbaceous note

This dish balances fresh flavors with easy preparation making it perfect for any night of the week.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

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

Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and shows clear grill marks. The meat should be opaque and juices run clear when pierced.

→ Can I use other vegetables besides broccoli?

Yes, vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or zucchini can be steamed or grilled to complement the chicken similarly.

→ What is the best way to steam broccoli for this dish?

Steam fresh broccoli florets for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Alternatively, blanch them briefly in boiling water and chill immediately to keep their vibrant color.

→ How can I adjust the spiciness of the creamy garlic sauce?

Add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce according to your preferred heat level. Start small and increase gradually to balance flavor.

→ Is it better to use Greek yogurt or sour cream in the sauce?

Both provide a creamy base; Greek yogurt offers a tangier, lighter texture while sour cream is richer. Select based on your taste preference.

→ Can I marinate the chicken beforehand?

Yes, marinating the chicken with olive oil, herbs, and spices for 30 minutes or longer can deepen the flavor before grilling.