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Easy Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 80 reviews

These 30-minute chicken and rice bowls with creamy garlic sauce offer a delicious and comforting weeknight meal featuring tender seared chicken, fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, and a rich, velvety garlic sauce. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

For the 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

For the 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
  • 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 to remove excess starch. Combine rinsed rice with 3 cups of chicken broth and a pinch of salt in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  2. Season and Cook the Chicken: While the rice cooks, toss chicken cubes in a large bowl with olive oil, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer without overcrowding (cook in batches if needed). Sear for 3-4 minutes without moving to develop a golden crust, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
  3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds only until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter mixture, whisking continuously for about 1 minute to cook the flour and form a roux.
  4. Finish the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the remaining ½ cup chicken broth to avoid lumps, then add the heavy cream while whisking. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and thyme leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes until silky and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the fluffy rice evenly among four bowls. Top with the golden seared chicken pieces. Generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken and rice. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Serve immediately with steamed or roasted vegetables on the side if desired.

Notes

  • To prevent chicken from steaming instead of searing, avoid overcrowding the pan and cook in batches if necessary.
  • Rinsing rice before cooking removes excess starch and helps achieve fluffy, non-gummy grains.
  • If the creamy garlic sauce becomes too thick, whisk in additional chicken broth one tablespoon at a time to thin it out.
  • Use fresh garlic and real Parmesan cheese for best flavor and creaminess in the sauce.
  • Cooked components can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
  • For dairy-free variations, substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut milk; omit or use dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.
  • Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts, but they may require 1-2 additional minutes of cooking.
  • If sauce is too thick, use a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) to thicken it gently.

Keywords: chicken, rice, garlic sauce, creamy sauce, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, stovetop, comfort food, meal prep

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