Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Looking for a simple, hearty meal that’s packed with flavor? Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are your answer! Picture tender, juicy chicken served on a bed of perfectly cooked rice, all smothered in a silky garlic sauce that’s so creamy and rich, you’ll be spooning it onto every bite. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to pull together. If you’ve ever wanted a recipe that makes you feel like a pro in the kitchen (without the stress), this is it.

Trust me, the garlic sauce is a total game-changer. It takes the entire dish to a whole new level, turning a simple chicken and rice bowl into something comforting and delicious. And it’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for when you want to treat yourself or your guests.

Why You’ll Love Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You won’t need any exotic spices or complicated techniques here. Just a few pantry staples and some fresh ingredients come together to create a dish that’s full of flavor.

Comforting & Filling: This is the kind of meal that leaves you satisfied but not sluggish. The creamy garlic sauce adds richness, while the chicken and rice provide the perfect balance.

Versatile: You can easily customize these bowls with your favorite veggies or extra spices. Whether you like a little heat or prefer a more mild flavor, this dish is your canvas to play with.

Quick & Easy: Ready in less than an hour, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you need something both comforting and delicious.

Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners or a casual get-together. Everyone’s going to want a second helping!

Ingredients for Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Let’s talk about what you’ll need for these delicious chicken & rice bowls:

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The lean protein that’s perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing. 2 chicken breasts will give you enough for about 4 servings.
• Olive Oil: Just 1 tablespoon for searing the chicken. It adds a bit of richness and helps the chicken develop that nice golden color.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon to season the chicken with a subtle hint of garlic flavor.
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon adds depth and savory notes to the chicken.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, ensuring the chicken is well-seasoned before cooking.

For the Rice:

• Long-Grain White Rice: 1 cup of rice forms the base of the bowl. It’s fluffy, light, and perfect for soaking up all that creamy sauce.
• Water or Chicken Broth: 2 cups of liquid, either water or chicken broth, to cook the rice and infuse it with flavor.

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• Butter: 2 tablespoons of butter forms the rich base for the sauce.
• Garlic: 4 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic makes the sauce sing with bold, aromatic flavor.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup of heavy cream gives the sauce its luscious, creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan adds richness and a savory umami flavor.
• Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup of chicken broth to help thin out the sauce and give it extra flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: For garnish, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a touch of freshness to your finished bowls.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make these creamy, dreamy chicken & rice bowls:

1. Cook the Rice:

• In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the 1 cup of long-grain white rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has absorbed. Set aside and fluff with a fork.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

• Season both sides of the 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden and cooked through.
• Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
• Add the 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
• Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
• Stir in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of extra chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.

4. Assemble the Bowls:

• To assemble, spoon a generous portion of rice into each bowl. Top with sliced chicken and drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

5. Serve & Enjoy:

• Serve your chicken & rice bowls warm, with extra garlic sauce on the side if desired. Enjoy the creamy goodness!

(Note: The full instructions, including times and temperatures, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 530
Total Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 450mg
Carbohydrates: 34g

• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
  Protein: 28g
  Vitamin A: 20%
  Vitamin C: 6%
  Calcium: 15%
  Iron: 10%

(Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions.)

How to Serve Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

This dish is wonderful on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

Steamed Vegetables: Pair your chicken and rice bowl with some crisp-tender steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans to add color and nutrients.

Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra creamy garlic sauce.

Side Salad: A light salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the sauce.

Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes or even sweet potato fries would make a delicious addition to the meal.

Extra Sauce: You can never have too much of that creamy garlic sauce! Serve it on the side for dipping, and let everyone enjoy as much as they want.

Additional Tips

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the creamy garlic sauce for a little heat, or drizzle some sriracha on top of your chicken.
• Use chicken thighs: If you prefer dark meat, swap out the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for even more juicy flavor.
• Use a different cheese: Try swapping the Parmesan for another hard cheese like Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile.
• Add some veggies: You can stir in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers into the sauce to add extra flavor and texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A1: Absolutely! Brown rice works just fine, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time, as it takes longer to cook than white rice.

Q2: Can I make the creamy garlic sauce ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can! Make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it on the stove, adding a little extra cream or broth if it thickens too much.

Q3: How can I make this dish lower in calories?
A3: You can swap the heavy cream for a lighter alternative, such as half-and-half or a non-dairy cream, and reduce the amount of butter in the sauce.

Q4: Can I freeze the creamy garlic sauce?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the sauce for up to 2 months. Just reheat it on the stove when you’re ready to use it, and add a little cream or broth to adjust the consistency.

Q5: Can I make this with grilled chicken instead of pan-seared?
A5: Yes! Grilled chicken would work wonderfully here, too. Just make sure to season it well before grilling and slice it thinly before adding it to the rice bowls.

Q6: Can I add other veggies to the rice bowls?
A6: Of course! Try adding sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, or even peas to the rice for a colorful and nutritious boost.

Q7: Can I use a different protein?
A7: Yes! Feel free to use shrimp, pork, or even tofu as a substitute for the chicken.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of extra chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Q9: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A9: You can prepare the rice and chicken ahead of time, but I recommend making the sauce fresh just before serving to keep it creamy and smooth.

Q10: Can I use a store-bought sauce?
A10: While the homemade creamy garlic sauce adds the best flavor, you can use a store-bought alfredo sauce in a pinch. Just add some extra minced garlic for that fresh garlic flavor!

Conclusion

These Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are the perfect comfort food with a gourmet twist. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting a casual dinner, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. So grab your skillet, get that sauce simmering, and prepare for an irresistible meal that’s both delicious and easy to make. Enjoy!

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