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This Grilled Chicken Bowl with Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce is the kind of nourishing and delicious meal I crave when I want something vibrant and full of flavor but still really wholesome and satisfying. All the classic elements are here juicy grilled chicken on a bed of greens and rice with fresh veggies and a tangy herby sauce that ties it all together
I tried this bowl concept because my family loves build your own dinners and it instantly became a regular I even batch prep the sauce and keep extra for dipping veggies all week
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or thighs: lean and juicy buy organic or air-chilled for best flavor
- Olive oil: keeps the chicken moist rich flavor choose extra virgin for best taste
- Lemon juice: brightens chicken and sauce use fresh lemons for tang
- Garlic powder: gives the marinade classic savory notes
- Smoked or regular paprika: brings earthiness and a hint of warmth
- Oregano or thyme: adds a Mediterranean touch choose dried for convenience or fresh for boldness
- Salt and pepper: essential for balancing flavors grind fresh for max impact
- Greek yogurt or sour cream: forms the creamy sauce base use full fat for richness
- Mayonnaise: optional but makes the sauce even more creamy and lush
- Fresh parsley: brings freshness and color always chop right before using
- Fresh dill: optional but makes the sauce really pop go for soft feathery fronds with strong scent
- Fresh garlic: aromatics in the sauce mince finely for the smoothest texture
- Cooked rice or quinoa: hearty base for the bowl try brown rice or tri color quinoa for nutrition
- Mixed greens: spinach arugula or romaine choose crisp varieties for crunch and color
- Avocado: creamy counterpoint to tangy sauce find a ripe one that gives slightly to touch
- Cherry tomatoes: add juicy sweetness look for firm deeply colored tomatoes
- Cucumber: brings cool crunch English or Persian cucumbers have tender skins
- Red onion: sliced raw for bite soak in water to mellow the flavor if desired
- Extra fresh herbs: parsley or cilantro heighten flavor and visual appeal pick the leaves clean
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine olive oil lemon juice garlic powder paprika oregano salt and pepper in a bowl Whisk together until it forms a fragrant marinade Add chicken and toss each piece so it is completely coated Cover the bowl and let it sit at least half an hour letting the flavors sink in Two hours in the fridge brings out even more depth If you have time use this trick
- Prepare the Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce:
- Whisk together Greek yogurt mayonnaise if you want more creaminess olive oil chopped parsley dill garlic and lemon juice Mix until smooth then taste and add salt and pepper as needed I love extra garlic here If prepping in advance store in the fridge to let the flavors mingle
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat the grill or a grill pan to medium high Brush grates lightly with oil Grill chicken until browned and cooked through about seven minutes per side depending on thickness It should reach 165 degrees If unsure use a digital thermometer Let the chicken rest for five minutes to keep juices inside then slice
- Assemble the Bowl:
- Spoon a big scoop of cooked rice or quinoa into each bowl Add a handful of mixed greens on top Arrange avocado slices halved tomatoes cucumber and onion around the edges Fan the sliced chicken right in the center
- Drizzle with Sauce:
- Generously spoon the creamy garlic herb sauce all over the chicken and veggies The sauce ties all the flavors together and gives every bite a pop
- Garnish and Serve:
- Top each bowl with fresh herbs for brightness I always squeeze a lemon wedge at the end for a little zing
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I look forward to the tangy sauce every time but the thing that makes this bowl memorable is how my kids each make theirs a little different Bowls like this are always a fun way to get the whole family involved in dinner and they love choosing extra toppings from a little spread
Storage Tips
Store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days The sauce keeps well and can be used as a dip for snacks or more bowls You can also grill extra chicken ahead and slice for faster meals later on
Ingredient Substitutions
Use chicken thighs for even juicier flavor or sub in salmon or tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian twist Greek yogurt makes the sauce creamy but sour cream works for extra tang in a pinch Substitute parsley and dill with chives basil or any other soft herbs you have on hand Green goddess dressing or tzatziki makes a good alternative sauce
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken bowls warm for comfort or cold as a salad style bowl Pack for lunch in a bento box style container Extra toppings like sliced radish roasted sweet potatoes feta cheese or seeds add fun texture and color Serve with pita or naan on the side as a hearty option
Cultural Context
Mediterranean inspired bowls like this borrow from Greek and Middle Eastern flavors Lemon garlic yogurt and fresh herbs are classic in both regions The idea of layering grains protein veggies and sauce in one meal is rooted in both nutrition and tradition and brings lots of color to the table
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I ensure the grilled chicken stays juicy?
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes and don't overcook. Letting it rest before slicing preserves moisture.
- → Can I substitute the rice base?
Yes, you can use brown rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or mixed grains for different textures and flavors.
- → Is the creamy garlic herb sauce dairy-free?
The sauce uses Greek yogurt and optionally mayonnaise. For dairy-free, substitute with coconut yogurt or a vegan alternative.
- → What veggies work best in the bowl?
Avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion add freshness, but feel free to add roasted veggies or leafy greens.
- → How can I add extra flavor?
Use fresh herbs like dill or parsley, a squeeze of lemon, or toss in crumbled feta or pickled onions for tangy contrast.