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Easy Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 144 reviews

These Easy Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a perfect weeknight meal combining tender, golden-seared chicken, fluffy white rice, and a rich, velvety garlic sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, this comforting dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, ideal for family dinners or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Rice

  • 1½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups (400g) white rice, jasmine or basmati preferred
  • 3½ cups (830ml) chicken broth, divided
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Creamy Garlic Sauce

  • 6 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) butter
  • 2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth (including the ½ cup for sauce)
  • ¾ cup (180ml) heavy cream
  • ¼ cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice: Rinse 2 cups of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice with 3 cups chicken broth and a pinch of salt in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork before serving.
  2. Season and Cook the Chicken: While the rice cooks, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook without disturbing for 3-4 minutes to develop a golden sear. Flip and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
  3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
  4. Finish the Sauce: Gradually pour in the remaining ½ cup chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the heavy cream while whisking and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and thyme leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer another 1-2 minutes until silky and smooth.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the fluffy rice evenly among four bowls. Top each with the golden brown chicken pieces and generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or additional thyme if desired. Serve alongside steamed or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • To avoid steaming chicken instead of searing, cook in batches without overcrowding the pan.
  • Rinsing rice before cooking removes excess starch and prevents sticky, gummy grains.
  • Gently sauté garlic until fragrant; avoid browning to prevent bitterness.
  • If sauce becomes too thick, thin with extra chicken broth one tablespoon at a time.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently adding broth if needed.
  • Dairy-free option: Replace butter with olive oil, heavy cream with coconut milk, and use dairy-free Parmesan alternative or omit cheese.
  • Chicken thighs can be substituted but may require longer cooking time.
  • Add vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini during the last minutes of chicken cooking for extra nutrition and flavor.

Keywords: chicken rice bowls, creamy garlic sauce, easy weeknight dinner, one pan chicken recipe, creamy chicken recipe, garlic sauce chicken, chicken and rice bowl

Find it online: https://cheframi.com/easy-chicken-and-rice-bowls-with-creamy-garlic-sauce-recipe/