Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce!

Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

These Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with a creamy garlic sauce are a healthy, delicious, and satisfying meal. The smoky flavor of the grilled chicken pairs perfectly with tender broccoli, and the creamy garlic sauce adds a rich, velvety finish. It’s a perfect combination of lean protein and veggies, and it can easily be customized with your favorite grains or toppings.

Ingredients:

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Broccoli:

• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream, or a dairy-free alternative)

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or avocado mayo for a lighter option)

• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for tanginess)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1-2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

• Cooked quinoa, rice, or couscous for a more filling bowl

• Sliced avocado

• Roasted or grilled vegetables (like bell peppers or zucchini)

• Pine nuts or sunflower seeds for crunch

• Crumbled feta or shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. If you like, add a tablespoon of lemon juice for extra freshness.

   • Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts and let them marinate for 15-20 minutes (you can also marinate them in the fridge for a few hours if you prefer).

2. Grill the Chicken:

   • Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

   • Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has nice grill marks. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

3. Cook the Broccoli:

   • While the chicken is grilling, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are tender and lightly browned. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, if desired. Alternatively, you can steam the broccoli if you prefer a softer texture.

4. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasonings to taste. If you like a thinner sauce, you can add a little water or extra lemon juice to reach your desired consistency.

5. Assemble the Bowls:

   • In individual bowls, layer the ingredients: start with a base of quinoa, rice, or couscous (if using). Add a generous portion of grilled chicken and sautéed broccoli on top.

   • Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Garnish with fresh parsley or any optional toppings (like sliced avocado, seeds, or feta).

6. Serve:

   • Serve immediately while warm. Enjoy your balanced, flavorful Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowl!

Q&A

Q: Can I use different vegetables for this recipe?

• A: Absolutely! You can substitute the broccoli with other veggies like asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or even cauliflower. Just adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose.

Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

• A: Yes! To make the creamy garlic sauce dairy-free, use a dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond yogurt) and opt for vegan mayo. The sauce will still be creamy and delicious without the dairy.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

• A: Yes! You can prep the grilled chicken and creamy garlic sauce ahead of time. Just store everything in separate containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and broccoli, and drizzle the sauce over the top. The sauce can also be used as a dip or spread on sandwiches.

Q: Can I make this recipe low-carb?

• A: Absolutely! Skip the grains (quinoa, rice, couscous) and just enjoy the grilled chicken and broccoli with the creamy garlic sauce. You can also add low-carb veggies like zucchini noodles, roasted mushrooms, or spinach for more bulk.

Q: Can I add a little more flavor to the creamy garlic sauce?

• A: Definitely! If you want to kick up the flavor, you can add:

  • A splash of hot sauce or Sriracha for some heat

  • A tablespoon of Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option) for extra richness

  • Fresh herbs like dill or basil for a fresh twist

  • A pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth

Q: Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

• A: Yes, you can grill the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days. Simply slice it and assemble your bowls with fresh or reheated broccoli and the creamy garlic sauce.