Sizzling Chicken & Rice Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Whipping up these delightful chicken & rice bowls with creamy garlic sauce can transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Comfort meets culinary creativity in this simple yet satisfying dish.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions that pack serious flavor.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly to create a memorable eating experience.

Global influences inspire this recipe’s smooth, rich profile.

Fragrant herbs and velvety sauce promise a delectable journey for your taste buds.

I bet you’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving.

Creamy Chicken and Rice Bowls That Hit the Spot

• Savor Quick Weeknight Comfort: This chicken and rice bowl recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that's perfect for busy families.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: The simple grilling technique and creamy garlic sauce require just a few ingredients, delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal kitchen work.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by switching rice types, adding vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Meal Prep Champion: These bowls reheat beautifully, making them an excellent option for lunch planning or preparing ahead for hectic weekdays.

What You’ll Use in Chicken and Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

• Chicken Breasts: Succulent main protein with a mild flavor, best when fresh and free-range.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, tangy depth to the creamy sauce, select freshly grated for best taste.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Classic seasoning blend for deep, aromatic flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste and balancing other ingredients.
• Parsley, Oregano: Fresh herbs that provide bright, earthy notes to the sauce.

• Olive Oil: Helps season and prevent chicken from sticking, choose extra virgin for best quality.
• Butter: Creates smooth base for creamy sauce, preferably unsalted for better control of saltiness.
• Heavy Cream: Provides rich, luxurious texture to the garlic sauce, full-fat version recommended.

• Rice: Neutral base for the bowl, white or brown rice work well depending on preference.

Chicken & Rice Bowl with Garlic Sauce Made Simple

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken for Grilling

Warm up your grill to a medium-high temperature.

Lovingly coat the chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until it’s perfectly cooked through.

You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Let the chicken take a quick rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Grab a small saucepan and melt butter over medium heat.

Toss in the minced garlic and let it dance around for about a minute, stirring constantly until it becomes wonderfully fragrant.

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce becomes silky smooth and irresistibly creamy.

Step 3: Build Your Flavor-Packed Bowls

Start by spreading the cooked rice into serving bowls.

Artfully arrange the sliced chicken on top of the rice.

Finish by drizzling the luscious creamy garlic sauce generously over everything.

Get ready to dive into a meal that’ll make your taste buds sing!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Bowls: How to Build a Winning Combo

• Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices and ensure each slice remains tender and moist.
• Adjust the creamy garlic sauce thickness by simmering longer for a thicker texture or adding more cream for a lighter consistency.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme in the sauce to elevate the overall taste profile and add complexity.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that maintains delicious flavor.
• Grill extra chicken and prepare sauce in advance for quick weeknight meals or easy lunch options throughout the week.

Save Chicken & Rice Bowls with Garlic Sauce

• Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bag. Sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm sliced chicken in microwave at 50% power for 30-45 seconds, or in oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to prevent drying out. Add splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
• Gently warm sauce in small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Alternatively, microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent separation.

Side Ideas for Chicken & Rice Bowls with Garlic Sauce

• Enhance Flavor Harmony: Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the creamy garlic sauce's richness, cutting through its smooth texture while highlighting the grilled chicken's subtle smokiness.
• Elevate Side Pairings: Roasted asparagus or crispy green beans add a delightful crunch and fresh contrast to the creamy, savory bowl, bringing balanced nutrition and vibrant color to the plate.
• Amplify Texture Contrast: Toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds sprinkled on top introduce a delightful nutty crunch that elevates the dish's overall mouthfeel and provides an unexpected layer of complexity.
• Refresh Palate Cleanser: A light, zesty cucumber salad with fresh dill and lemon vinaigrette offers a cool, bright counterpoint to the rich chicken and creamy sauce, resetting taste buds between bites.

Chicken Rice Bowls with Creamy Sauce Swaps

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a creamy, plant-based sauce. Use dairy-free Parmesan or skip cheese entirely.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal. Season cauliflower rice with similar herbs for extra flavor.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce and sprinkle za'atar seasoning over chicken. Top with chopped fresh mint and cucumber for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Meal Prep Version: Grill extra chicken and prepare sauce in advance. Store components separately in meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with grilled steak, shrimp, or tofu for a similar flavor profile and texture.

• Is there a way to make the sauce lighter or healthier?

Try using Greek yogurt or light cream instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of butter to cut down on calories.

• What side dishes work well with these chicken and rice bowls?

Roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a fresh green salad complement the dish perfectly and add extra nutrition.

• How can I add more flavor to the rice base?

Consider using chicken broth instead of water when cooking rice, or mix in some herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the overall taste.

Chicken & Rice Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired chicken & rice bowls bring zesty flavors straight to your dinner table. Succulent chicken nestled on fluffy rice creates a perfect harmony, drizzled with luxurious garlic sauce that promises pure comfort in each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Base and Herbs:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Massage chicken breasts with a blend of olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring even coating for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Position chicken on a preheated grill, maintaining medium heat intensity for precise cooking.
3. Cook chicken approximately 6-7 minutes per side, monitoring internal temperature and clarity of emerging juices to confirm thorough preparation.
4. Allow grilled chicken to rest momentarily, enabling internal juices to redistribute and preserve moisture.
5. Carefully slice chicken into elegant, uniform thin strips using a sharp knife.
6. Craft creamy garlic sauce by amalgamating mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, finely minced garlic, subtle red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt.
7. Vigorously whisk sauce ingredients until achieving a harmonious, silky texture.
8. Arrange warm, fluffy rice as the foundational layer within serving bowls.
9. Strategically layer thinly sliced grilled chicken atop rice foundation.
10. Lavishly drizzle prepared creamy garlic sauce over chicken and rice.
11. Garnish with delicately chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch.

Notes

• Customize chicken thickness by pounding breasts evenly for consistent cooking and juiciness.
• Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed sauce alternative.
• Use instant rice or pre-cooked grains to reduce total meal preparation time.
• For gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients like mayo are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 100mg