This mouthwatering Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero! Tender chicken breast slices nestled on fluffy rice, all smothered in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce that’s impossible to resist. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for those busy evenings when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The combination of savory chicken, aromatic garlic, and that luxurious sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal right at your dining table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Quick: From start to finish in just 30 minutes – perfect for those nights when you’re starving and short on time!
- Comforting Yet Impressive: Simple ingredients transform into a dish that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for Monday night.
- Customizable: The base recipe is fantastic on its own, but you can easily add vegetables or adjust seasonings to make it your own.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this! The creamy sauce and familiar ingredients make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up all the wonderful flavors. Boneless skinless works best here for quick, even cooking.
- Long-grain white rice: Creates the perfect fluffy base for soaking up that incredible sauce. The texture is key – each grain should remain separate and not clump together.
- Fresh garlic: Don’t even think about using the pre-minced stuff from a jar! Fresh garlic makes all the difference in creating that aromatic base for the sauce.
- Heavy cream: This is what gives our sauce its luxurious, velvety texture. It’s worth the splurge for the richness it brings.
- Soy sauce: Adds that perfect umami depth that takes this sauce from good to unforgettable. I prefer low-sodium so you can control the salt level.
- Vegetable oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection. It has a neutral flavor and high smoke point that works perfectly here.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious ways to make this recipe your own:
- Protein Swap: Try it with boneless pork chops, shrimp, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Rice Alternatives: Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber, while cauliflower rice makes a great low-carb option.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or steamed broccoli florets into the sauce for added nutrition and texture.
- Flavor Enhancers: Add a splash of white wine before the cream, or finish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for brightness.
How to Make Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Rinse your rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear – this removes excess starch for fluffier rice. Combine with water in your saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Let it cook undisturbed for 18-20 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Perfect rice requires patience!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the rice cooks, heat your oil in a large skillet until it shimmers. Season those chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides, then place them in the hot pan. Resist the urge to move them around – that golden crust is flavor gold! Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until they reach that perfect golden brown.
Step 3: Let the Chicken Rest
Transfer your beautifully seared chicken to a cutting board and let it rest. This crucial step keeps all those flavorful juices inside the meat instead of running out when you slice it.
Step 4: Make the Dreamy Garlic Sauce
Using the same skillet (those brown bits are flavor treasures!), add your chopped garlic and sauté just until fragrant – about 30 seconds. Don’t let it brown or it’ll turn bitter. Pour in the heavy cream and soy sauce, stirring continuously as it bubbles and thickens into a silky, golden sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Slice and Return the Chicken
Slice your rested chicken into strips against the grain, then add them back to the skillet. Gently toss to coat each piece in that luscious sauce, letting them warm through for 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Assemble Your Bowls
Fluff the finished rice with a fork and divide it among serving bowls. Top with your saucy chicken slices, making sure to spoon extra sauce over everything. Garnish as desired and serve immediately for maximum enjoyment!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Pound the Chicken: For even cooking and extra tenderness, lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Let it simmer and reduce properly – patience yields a thicker, more flavorful result that clings beautifully to the chicken.
- Season in Layers: Add a pinch of salt at each step (rice, chicken, sauce) rather than all at once at the end for more developed flavor.
- Deglaze with Care: When making the sauce, scrape up all those browned bits from cooking the chicken – they’re concentrated flavor bombs!
How to Serve
This versatile dish offers several delicious serving options:
Garnishes
Sprinkle with sliced green onions, chopped fresh parsley, or a light dusting of black pepper to add color and fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair with a simple side salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil, or some quick steamed vegetables like broccolini or snap peas.
Make It a Feast
For a more substantial meal, add a side of garlic bread to soak up extra sauce or some pickled vegetables for brightness and contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store the chicken and sauce separately from the rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken when chilled – that’s completely normal.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Freeze the chicken with sauce in one container and rice in another. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce needs thinning. Microwave the rice with a sprinkle of water to restore moisture, then combine.
FAQs
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Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually more forgiving and stay juicier than breasts. They’ll need about the same cooking time but offer more flavor. Just trim any excess fat before cooking for the best results.
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What can I substitute for heavy cream to make this lighter?
For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk thickened with a teaspoon of cornstarch (mixed with cold water first). The sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still be delicious. Just be careful not to let it boil or it might separate.
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My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
If your sauce isn’t thickening properly, let it simmer a bit longer uncovered, stirring occasionally. For a quicker fix, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir this slurry into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
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Can I prepare components of this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! Cook the rice and store it refrigerated for up to 2 days. You can also marinate the chicken overnight for extra flavor. When ready to serve, just cook the chicken and make the sauce fresh – it only takes about 15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe proves that extraordinary meals don’t require complicated techniques or exotic ingredients. The rich, garlicky sauce elevates simple chicken and rice into something truly special that your family will request again and again. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. Give it a try tonight – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delightful one-bowl meal featuring succulent chicken with creamy garlic sauce over fluffy rice. This comfort food recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of tender chicken, savory sauce, and perfectly cooked rice creates a satisfying and hearty meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
For the Sauce:
- 4–6 cloves fresh garlic, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Rice
Start by rinsing the long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pan, and allow it to simmer for 18–20 minutes until the water is fully absorbed. Set aside. - Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Cook the chicken in the skillet for about 6–7 minutes on each side, or until the outer surface is golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. - Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Using the same skillet, sauté the chopped garlic over medium heat until it becomes fragrant (about 1–2 minutes). Then, pour in the heavy cream and soy sauce while stirring continuously. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. - Combine Chicken with Sauce
Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated with the creamy garlic sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to merge and the chicken to warm through. - Assemble the Bowls
Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and divide it evenly between four serving bowls. Top each bowl with the saucy chicken slices and spoon additional cream sauce over the top. Garnish with optional toppings like fresh herbs or steamed vegetables if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Marinate chicken in soy sauce and minced garlic for at least an hour before cooking to enhance its flavor.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out by stirring in a splash of chicken broth or water.
- Add steamed veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 550kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
