Grilled Chicken Bowl with Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce

📝 Description

This Grilled Chicken Bowl with Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce is a wholesome, flavor-packed meal loaded with tender grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, fluffy rice or quinoa, and topped with a velvety sauce bursting with fresh herbs and garlic. It’s nutritious, customizable, and perfect for meal prepping or a family dinner.

🍗 Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Bowl with Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp dried oregano

For the Bowl Base:

• 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cucumber, sliced

• 1 avocado, sliced

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• ½ cup red cabbage, thinly sliced

• Optional: feta cheese, olives

For the Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

• Salt & pepper to taste

🔥 Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.

   • Add chicken and marinate for 20–30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).

2. Grill the Chicken:

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

   • Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C).

   • Let rest, then slice.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • Whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and dill.

   • Season with salt and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.

4. Assemble the Bowl:

   • In each bowl, layer a base of rice or quinoa.

   • Add grilled chicken slices and arrange vegetables around.

   • Drizzle with the creamy garlic herb sauce and garnish as desired.

📝 Notes

• You can substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or steak.

• Use leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quick version.

• Add warm roasted veggies (like zucchini or bell peppers) for a comforting bowl.

💡 Tips

• Let the grilled chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.

• Chill the sauce for 10–15 minutes to deepen the flavor.

• Prep veggies and sauce ahead to save time during busy weekdays.

🍽️ Servings

Makes 2–3 servings
(Scale up for meal prep or family meals)

🧾 Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 480–520 kcal

• Protein: 35g

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Fat: 28g

• Fiber: 6g

• Sugar: 5g

• Sodium: 480mg

✅ Benefits

• High in protein, aiding muscle recovery and satiety

• Includes healthy fats from avocado and olive oil

• Rich in vitamins and fiber from fresh vegetables

• Versatile and suitable for gluten-free diets (if using rice)

❓ Q&A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Grill the chicken and prep the veggies/sauce in advance. Assemble just before serving or keep components separate.

Q: What’s a good low-carb substitute for rice?
A: Cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce works great for a low-carb version.

Q: Can I use dried herbs in the sauce?
A: Yes, but fresh herbs offer better flavor. If using dried, reduce quantities (½ tsp dried = 1 tbsp fresh).