Flavorful Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

The aroma of the kitchen fills your senses as you savor the thought of flavorful chicken and rice bowls with creamy garlic sauce. Imagine tender chicken pieces basking in a rich, garlicky embrace over fluffy rice—it’s a culinary hug you didn’t know you needed.

Remember that family gathering when everyone was too busy talking about their work week to notice your spectacular dish? That’s the kind of magic we’re cooking up today! Picture yourself serving these vibrant bowls at your next get-together; the compliments will be rolling in faster than you can say “pass the garlic sauce.”

I once served this dish during a potluck, and it vanished faster than a magician’s rabbit. My friends still talk about it; I think I might have gained a few admirers that night.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose 3-4 pieces for juicy flavor; adjust quantity based on how hungry your guests are.
• Long-Grain Rice: Use white or brown rice; both work well but yield different textures.
• Fresh Garlic: Mince 4-6 cloves for that aromatic kick; fresh is always best!
• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control saltiness while keeping flavor intact.
• Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a velvety sauce that makes everything better.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan to enhance the creaminess and add depth to the dish.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds richness; don’t skimp on quality here!
• Fresh Parsley or Basil: Chop some herbs for garnish; they add color and freshness to the final dish.

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Choose low-sodium soy sauce so you can better manage salt levels without sacrificing flavor.
• Paprika: Smoked paprika adds an unexpected depth; trust me, it’s worth it.
• Salt & Pepper: Season according to taste preference; start light—you can always add more later!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all ingredients on your countertop. Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear to remove excess starch.

Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes each side.

Add Garlic: Toss in minced garlic during the last minute of cooking; sauté until fragrant but not burnt. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Add Rice and Broth: Stir in rinsed long-grain rice along with chicken broth. Bring to a boil before lowering heat to simmer. Cover tightly and let cook according to package instructions—usually around 15-20 minutes.

Create Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with grated Parmesan cheese and soy sauce until smooth. If needed, thin with additional broth for desired consistency.

Toss It All Together: Once the rice is fluffy and liquid absorbed, gently fold in cooked chicken and creamy sauce mixture until everything is well combined.

Serve immediately garnished with chopped parsley or basil—and enjoy those happy faces around your table!

Now you’re ready to impress your friends or just treat yourself because you deserve it! Enjoy every bite of these flavorful chicken & rice bowls with creamy garlic sauce!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To create the best flavorful chicken & rice bowls, start by marinating the chicken, then cook the rice while the chicken is searing. Finally, prepare the creamy garlic sauce simultaneously for maximum efficiency.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize these bowls by using brown rice instead of white or adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli for extra crunch and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover chicken & rice bowls in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep everything moist.

Cooking these flavorful chicken & rice bowls always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone fights over the last scoop. The smiles and satisfied sighs make every effort worthwhile.

FAQ

How long does it take to cook the chicken?

Cooking time for chicken is about 6-8 minutes per side on medium heat.

Can I use another protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Try shrimp or tofu for tasty variations in your flavorful chicken & rice bowls.

Is there a dairy-free option for the creamy sauce?

Yes! Substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for a delightful dairy-free creamy garlic sauce.

Print

Flavorful Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Flavorful Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a quick, satisfying meal featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a luscious garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests!

---

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Long-grain rice (white or brown)
• Fresh garlic
• Chicken broth
• Cream cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley or basil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and rinse the rice under cold water until clear.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook seasoned chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
3. Add minced garlic in the last minute of cooking, sautéing until fragrant.
4. Stir in rinsed rice and chicken broth; bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and soy sauce; thin with extra broth if needed.
6. Combine cooked chicken with rice and creamy sauce; garnish with herbs before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 100mg