Comfort food meets weeknight convenience in this irresistible Chicken & Rice Bowl recipe. Tender, juicy chicken is seared to golden perfection and paired with fluffy long-grain rice, then brought together with a rich and flavorful creamy garlic sauce. It’s a fast and flexible dish that’s just as perfect for a busy evening as it is for a cozy dinner with friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✨ Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of pan-seared chicken and a luscious garlic cream sauce is deeply satisfying. The garlic adds bold aroma while the creamy base ties everything together with smooth richness.
🥦 Fully Customizable: Want more veggies? Add sautéed bell peppers, steamed broccoli, or snap peas. Prefer a different protein? Swap the chicken for tofu, shrimp, or even sliced steak.
🍽️ Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving a family meal or hosting casual guests, this dish feels fancy without the fuss. It’s quick, tasty, and plated beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into making these creamy garlic chicken rice bowls:
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (Jasmine or Basmati preferred)
- 4–6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- Steamed veggies like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas
- Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, green onion, or thyme)
How to Make Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
1. Cook the Rice
Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add it to a saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until water is absorbed and rice is fluffy.
2. Cook the Chicken
While the rice is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear each side for 6–7 minutes until cooked through and golden. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing into strips.
3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic (4–6 cloves) for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Stir well and simmer for 4–5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the creamy garlic sauce. Let it warm through for 2–3 minutes.
5. Assemble the Bowls
Fluff the rice with a fork and divide it between serving bowls. Top with the saucy chicken and drizzle any extra sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped herbs if desired.
Helpful Tips & Tricks
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 30–60 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk. Too thin? Let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
- Batch It: This recipe scales easily—double the portions and enjoy easy lunches or meal prep all week.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to avoid dryness. Chicken is done at 165°F.
- Skipping the Rice Rinse: Rinsing removes extra starch and prevents sticky or gummy rice.
- Forgetting to Season: Season each layer—rice, chicken, and sauce—for full flavor in every bite.
- Not Watching the Sauce: Keep an eye on it as it thickens. It should coat the back of a spoon without being overly heavy.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Chicken & Rice Bowls with:
- 🥦 Steamed Veggies: Add color and crunch with broccoli, green beans, or carrots.
- 🥗 Fresh Salad: A simple side salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness.
- 🥖 Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every drop of that creamy sauce.
- 🥒 Pickled Veggies: Add a zippy contrast with pickled radishes or cucumbers.
FAQs
What kind of rice should I use?
Long-grain white rice, such as jasmine or basmati, works best for a fluffy texture that absorbs the sauce well.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Cooked rice and chicken store well separately in the fridge. Reheat gently and combine with the sauce just before serving.
What are some protein alternatives?
Try tofu, shrimp, rotisserie chicken, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Can I freeze leftovers?
While the sauce may separate slightly when frozen, the dish can still be frozen and reheated. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken & Rice Bowl with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, it checks all the boxes: flavorful, filling, and flexible. Customize it, double it, or keep it simple—either way, you’ll want to make it again and again.