Make Dreamy Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

My go-to chicken & rice bowls with garlic sauce have become a weeknight miracle for busy families seeking quick, delicious meals.

Comfort meets convenience in this simple yet flavorful dish that comes together faster than takeout.

Tender chicken pieces nestle atop fluffy rice, drizzled with a creamy garlic sauce that adds serious depth.

Packed with protein and maximum flavor, this recipe ensures everyone at the table will be satisfied.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a balanced meal that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Minimal prep work means you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner without complicated techniques or endless chopping.

One bite and you’ll understand why this recipe has become a staple in kitchens everywhere – let’s get cooking!

Why Chicken and Rice Bowls with Garlic Sauce Shine

• Quicken Weeknight Cooking: Prepare a delicious meal in under an hour with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying dinner solution.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily personalize the dish by adding your favorite garnishes like chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to match your taste preferences.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Use just one skillet for cooking chicken and creating the creamy garlic sauce, reducing kitchen mess and making post-dinner cleanup a breeze.
• Budget-Friendly Flavor Boost: Transform simple chicken and rice into a restaurant-quality meal without expensive ingredients, proving gourmet taste doesn't require complex cooking techniques.

Ingredients for Chicken and Rice Bowls with Sauce

• Long-Grain Rice: A fluffy and versatile base that provides a perfect foundation for the chicken and sauce.
• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that becomes tender and flavorful when cooked and coated in the creamy sauce.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and velvety texture for the garlic sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the creamy sauce.
• Garlic: Provides a bold and aromatic flavor that enhances the overall dish.

• Vegetable Oil, Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings and cooking medium that help develop flavor and ensure proper cooking of the chicken.

How to Make Chicken and Rice Bowls with Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Perfect Rice

Wash rice under cool running water until water runs clear. Transfer rice to a saucepan and add water.

Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let rice simmer quietly until all water absorbs completely.

Remove from heat and let sit covered for a few extra minutes.

Step 2: Cook Chicken to Golden Perfection

Season chicken with salt and pepper.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken in the pan and cook until bottom turns beautiful golden brown.

Flip chicken and continue cooking until both sides are evenly colored and chicken is fully cooked through. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest.

Step 3: Create Creamy Garlic Sauce

• Minced garlic
• Heavy cream
• Soy sauce

Stir ingredients continuously over medium heat. Allow sauce to bubble gently and thicken, developing rich flavors and smooth consistency.

Step 4: Combine and Warm Chicken

Slice rested chicken into attractive strips. Return chicken to the skillet with creamy sauce.

Gently stir to coat chicken completely and warm through.

Step 5: Assemble Delicious Bowls

Fluff rice with a fork.

Divide rice into serving bowls. Top with saucy chicken.

Garnish with optional toppings like chopped green onions or sesame seeds.

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Rice Bowls

• Wash rice under cold water to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separate grains that prevent clumping.
• Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Stir cream sauce constantly and adjust heat to prevent burning or separating, creating smooth and silky texture.
• Adjust soy sauce and cream proportions to match personal taste preferences without overpowering the chicken's natural flavor.
• Allow chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain juices, ensuring tender and succulent meat when sliced.

Variations for Chicken and Rice Bowls

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Bowl: Replace soy sauce with hot sauce, add diced bell peppers and corn for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Bowl: Swap vegetable oil with olive oil, use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, add oregano and lemon zest for Mediterranean flair.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Chicken Bowl: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for allergen-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Rice Bowl Alternative: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas, maintain garlic sauce and serve over same rice base for plant-based option.

Pairing Ideas for Chicken and Rice Bowls

Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy garlic sauce’s rich texture and cut through the heaviness of the dish.

Add roasted asparagus or broccoli as a side to introduce a crunchy, nutritious element that balances the creamy chicken and provides a fresh contrast.

Prepare a light cucumber salad with dill and vinegar to offer a tangy, refreshing counterpoint to the warm, creamy chicken, adding brightness to the meal.

Include a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience and adding a satisfying textural component.

Storing Chicken and Rice Bowls Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chicken and rice separate to maintain texture. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place chicken and rice in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of water or cream to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm chicken and sauce in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of cream or broth to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent breaking sauce. Serve over freshly heated rice.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the creamy garlic sauce so delicious?

The sauce combines heavy cream and soy sauce with sauteed garlic, creating a rich, savory flavor that perfectly coats the chicken and adds depth to the dish.

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs or even sliced chicken tenders. Just ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The chicken and rice bowls can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

Chicken & Rice Bowls With Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken and rice bowls showcase Middle Eastern culinary magic, blending aromatic spices with creamy garlic sauce. Delightful flavors and simple ingredients make this dish a quick weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain white rice

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 4–6 cloves fresh garlic

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly rinse long-grain rice under cold water, then transfer to a saucepan with water. Bring to a rolling boil, lower heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until liquid is completely absorbed.
2. Prepare a skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, cooking approximately 6-7 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and allow brief resting period.
3. Utilizing the same skillet, gently sauté minced garlic until aromatic and releasing its rich fragrance. Pour in heavy cream and soy sauce, whisking continuously for roughly 5 minutes until sauce reaches a smooth, thickened consistency.
4. Slice the rested chicken into uniform pieces and return to the skillet. Gently coat chicken with creamy sauce, warming through for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure even temperature and flavor distribution.
5. Delicately fluff the cooked rice using a fork, then portion into serving bowls. Elegantly arrange saucy chicken atop the rice, finishing with optional garnishes for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Choose rice with low starch content like basmati or jasmine for fluffier texture that prevents clumping.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown searing and crispy exterior.
• Temper heavy cream by gradually adding it to hot skillet prevents sauce from breaking or separating.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce if watching salt intake, allowing better control of overall dish seasoning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 530 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 330 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg