Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

🍗 Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce (Mediterranean Style)

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: ~45 minutes

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🌿 Ingredients

🐔 For the Chicken:

• 1½ lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp ground cumin (optional, adds warmth)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

🥦 For the Broccoli:

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: ½ tsp chili flakes or lemon zest after roasting

🍋 For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• ¾ cup Greek yogurt (whole milk or 2%)

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional for extra richness)

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 2 garlic cloves, very finely minced or grated

• 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy kick)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, finely chopped

🍚 For Serving (optional Mediterranean bases):

• Cauliflower rice, quinoa, brown rice, or couscous

• Garnish with cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta, and fresh herbs

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🔥 Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and zest, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.

2. Add chicken and toss to coat.

3. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).

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2. Cook the Chicken

Option A – Grill:

• Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

• Grill chicken 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).

• Rest 5 minutes, then slice.

Option B – Pan-Sear:

• Heat a nonstick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat.

• Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes per side until golden and done.

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3. Roast or Grill the Broccoli

1. Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

2. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes until tender and slightly charred, or grill them alongside the chicken for a smoky touch.

3. Sprinkle with a little lemon zest or chili flakes if desired.

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4. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), lemon juice, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, Dijon, herbs, salt, and pepper.

2. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

3. Adjust consistency with a splash of water or olive oil if needed.

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5. Assemble the Bowls

1. Divide your base (cauliflower rice, quinoa, or couscous) into bowls.

2. Top with grilled chicken slices and roasted broccoli.

3. Drizzle generously with creamy garlic sauce.

4. Garnish with extra herbs, feta, or a drizzle of olive oil.

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🧄 Mediterranean Variations

• Add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.

• Mix in a few Kalamata olives or capers for tang.

• Swap broccoli for zucchini, asparagus, or cauliflower florets.

• Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds before serving for crunch.

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🥗 Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• A simple Greek salad (tomatoes, cucumber, feta, olives)

• A side of warm pita bread or low-carb flatbread

• Or enjoy it solo as a protein-packed meal bowl