Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 lime, juiced
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowls:
- 1 pound broccoli florets, steamed or roasted
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- Lime wedges, for serving
Construction:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you want more heat).
- Add the lime juice and toss the chicken to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the fridge for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Grill or pan-fry the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s fully cooked and has a slight char.
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or pieces.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Start with a base of cooked rice or quinoa in each bowl.
- Add the steamed or roasted broccoli on top.
- Layer the sliced chicken over the veggies.
- Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce.
- Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
Variations:
- Protein Substitution: Instead of chicken, try using grilled shrimp, steak, or tofu for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, or avocado slices to increase the variety and nutritional value.
- Sauce Variations: If you prefer a tangier sauce, increase the lemon juice or swap the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Alternatively, add a little sriracha or hot sauce to the creamy garlic sauce for some extra heat.
- Grain Alternatives: Swap the rice or quinoa for cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or couscous for a different texture.
Tips:
- For Extra Tender Chicken: If using chicken breasts, consider pounding them to an even thickness before cooking to ensure they cook more evenly.
- Marinate Longer for More Flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavor it will absorb. If you have the time, aim for a 4-24 hour marination.
- Spice it Up: If you like it spicy, increase the cayenne pepper or drizzle some hot sauce on top of the assembled bowl.
- Meal Prep: These bowls are great for meal prep! You can store the cooked chicken, sauce, and grains separately for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Roasting Broccoli: For extra flavor, try roasting the broccoli in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper until crispy at the edges (about 20 minutes at 400°F/200°C).
Enjoy your delicious, healthy bowls!