Chicken and Broccoli Bowls
These quick chicken and broccoli bowls featuring a creamy garlic sauce are perfect for busy weeknight dinners, balancing speed, texture, and flavor with a zesty lime marinade.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs Thighs = more forgiving; breasts = leaner
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika Use smoked paprika for a smokier flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for heat.
- 1 lime juiced
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise Substitute plain Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
- 1/4 cup sour cream Or extra yogurt.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Or 1/2 teaspoon garlic paste.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice Or additional lime juice.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowl Assembly
- 1 pound broccoli florets Steamed or roasted.
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa Swap rice for quinoa for more protein.
- Lime wedges For serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne. Add the lime juice and toss the chicken until evenly coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Cooking
- Prepare 2 cups of cooked rice or quinoa according to package directions.
- Steam the broccoli for 4–6 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp, or roast at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes.
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until charred and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Assembly
- Divide cooked rice/quinoa between two bowls. Top with broccoli and sliced chicken. Drizzle with creamy garlic sauce and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
For best results, keep sauce separate when storing to maintain freshness. The meal is ideal for meal prep as components can be stored separately.