Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls have become my go-to weeknight wonder, and I think you’ll love them too! There’s something incredibly satisfying about perfectly grilled chicken and tender, slightly charred broccoli, all coated in a dreamy, creamy garlic sauce. I remember the first time I made these, the aroma of garlic and lemon filled my kitchen, and my family devoured them in minutes. This easy grilled chicken broccoli bowl recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s also incredibly good for you. These healthy grilled chicken broccoli bowls are a game-changer for busy evenings. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowl
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons:
- Incredible Flavor: Tender grilled chicken and perfectly cooked broccoli meet a luscious, creamy garlic sauce that’s simply irresistible.
- Quick Prep Time: You can have this delicious meal on the table in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Nutrients: It’s a wonderfully healthy choice, loaded with protein and vitamins to fuel your day.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will enjoy this flavorful and satisfying dish.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These healthy meal prep chicken broccoli bowls are fantastic for lunches throughout the week.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customize with your favorite grains or keep it low-carb for a lighter meal.
- Great for Healthy Meal Prep: Make a batch for easy healthy meal prep chicken broccoli bowls that are ready when you are.
Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step in making a fantastic grilled chicken and broccoli recipe. I love how fresh ingredients really shine here!
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts – cut into 1-inch pieces for quick grilling
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets – bite-sized pieces ensure even cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for coating the chicken and broccoli before grilling
- Salt and pepper, to taste – essential for bringing out the natural flavors
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt – the creamy base for our delicious sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – adds a punch of savory flavor to the sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – brightens up the sauce and balances the richness
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – gives the sauce a wonderful cheesy depth
- Fresh herbs (parsley or chives) for garnish (optional) – adds a pop of color and freshness
- Cooked rice or quinoa, as base (optional) – perfect for making these a hearty meal
How to Make Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls
Ready to create these amazing bowls? It’s easier than you think, and the results are so rewarding. Follow these steps and you’ll be enjoying a deliciously healthy meal in no time.
- Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients. First things first, let’s get everything ready. Trim and cut your 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly. Next, chop your 3 cups fresh broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. Mince the 2 cloves garlic for the creamy sauce. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process so much smoother, especially when you’re learning how to make grilled chicken broccoli bowls.
- Step 2: Grill the Chicken and Broccoli. Grab a bowl and lightly coat the chicken pieces and broccoli florets with 2 tbsp olive oil, along with plenty of salt and pepper, to taste. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, until it’s cooked through and has those lovely juicy char marks. Grill the broccoli at the same time until it’s tender-crisp with a few caramelized spots, usually around 6-8 minutes. The grill gives everything that amazing smoky flavor!
- Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce. While the chicken and broccoli are grilling, whip up the sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, minced garlic, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch more salt and pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s wonderfully smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed; this sauce is the secret to making how to make grilled chicken broccoli bowls truly special.
- Step 4: Assemble the Bowls. Now for the best part! If you’re using them, spread a generous portion of your cooked rice or quinoa as the base in each bowl. Top with the perfectly grilled chicken and broccoli. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce generously over everything. For a final touch, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if you have them. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls
Want to elevate your grilled chicken broccoli bowls from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill! Give your chicken and broccoli space so they can char nicely instead of steaming. This is key to that perfect grilled flavor.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before grilling for extra tender and flavorful meat. A simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper works wonders.
- For the broccoli, grilling it just until tender-crisp is crucial. Overcooked broccoli becomes mushy, and we want those delightful little charred edges!
- Make extra creamy garlic sauce! Seriously, this stuff is so good you’ll want it for dipping or drizzling over other things too.
What’s the secret to perfect Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls?
The secret is in the char and the sauce. Grilling the chicken and broccoli until they have those beautiful, slightly blackened edges adds incredible depth of flavor. Combine that with a well-balanced, creamy garlic sauce, and you’ve got simple grilled chicken broccoli bowl ideas that are truly chef-worthy.
Can I make Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can grill the chicken and broccoli, and make the sauce separately up to 2 days in advance. Store everything in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble right before serving or pack for easy lunches.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls?
Avoid overcooking the chicken – it can get dry quickly. Also, don’t steam the broccoli by crowding the grill; give it space for that essential char. Lastly, make sure your sauce ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest, creamiest texture.
Best Ways to Serve Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls
These versatile bowls are fantastic on their own, but I love giving them a little something extra. For a heartier meal, consider serving them over a bed of fluffy brown rice or nutty quinoa – these chicken broccoli rice bowls grilled are a classic for a reason! I also find that a side of crusty whole-wheat bread is perfect for soaking up any extra creamy garlic sauce. For a lighter, low-carb option, simply skip the grains and enjoy the chicken and broccoli topped with that delicious sauce.
Nutrition Facts for Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect nutritionally from one serving of these delicious grilled chicken broccoli bowls. These numbers are based on the recipe as written, including the optional rice or quinoa.
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
How to Store and Reheat Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls
These bowls are fantastic for making ahead, which is why they’re perfect for meal prep chicken broccoli bowls! Once cooked, let your grilled chicken and broccoli cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make things soggy. I like to store the chicken, broccoli, and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This way, when you’re ready to eat, the broccoli stays crispier. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze the components in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm the chicken and broccoli in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add the sauce just before serving to keep it fresh and creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls
What makes this the best grilled chicken broccoli bowl recipe?
I think the magic is in the balance! We’ve got perfectly grilled chicken and tender-crisp broccoli, all brought together by a creamy, garlicky Greek yogurt sauce that’s both bright and savory. It’s simple, healthy, and incredibly satisfying, making it a standout recipe.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative and often stay even more moist. Just trim any excess fat and cut them into similar-sized pieces. The grilling time might be a minute or two longer per side, so keep an eye on them until they’re cooked through.
What are some other healthy sauce options for these bowls?
If you want to switch up the sauce, a simple lemon-tahini dressing or a light peanut sauce would be delicious. A drizzle of your favorite vinaigrette or even a simple squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten things up beautifully. For more sauce ideas, check out these sauce recipes.
How do I get a good char on the broccoli?
Make sure your grill is nice and hot, and don’t overcrowd the grates. Giving the broccoli florets enough space allows the heat to directly hit them, creating those lovely charred edges that add so much flavor. Toss them with a little olive oil and seasoning beforehand, and grill until they’re tender-crisp.
Variations of Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls You Can Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, I love experimenting with different flavors and dietary needs. Here are a few ways you can mix things up!
- Keto Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls: For a low-carb lifestyle, simply skip the optional rice or quinoa base. The creamy garlic sauce and perfectly grilled components make these keto grilled chicken broccoli bowls incredibly satisfying on their own.
- Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls: Amp up the freshness by adding a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives directly into the creamy garlic sauce. A little extra lemon zest in the sauce also gives these lemon herb grilled chicken broccoli bowls a bright, zesty punch.
- Teriyaki Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls: Marinate the chicken in your favorite teriyaki sauce for about 30 minutes before grilling. Then, whisk together a sauce using Greek yogurt, a little teriyaki glaze, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce or tamari for a delightful Asian-inspired twist.
- Spicy Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken and broccoli before grilling. You can also stir a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce into the creamy garlic sauce for an extra kick.
Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls: 4 Super Tips
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a delicious and healthy Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowl with a creamy garlic sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs (parsley or chives) for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice or quinoa, as base (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Trim and cut the chicken breasts into even pieces for quick and even grilling. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets and mince fresh garlic for the sauce.
- Grill the Chicken and Broccoli: Lightly coat chicken and broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill chicken over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and juicy. Grill broccoli simultaneously until just tender with char spots, about 6-8 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Bowls: If using, layer cooked rice or quinoa as a base. Top with grilled chicken and broccoli, then generously drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- For a low-carb version, skip the cooked rice or quinoa.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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