Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

There’s just something magical about a warm, hearty bowl of food that feels like a big hug after a long day. And let me tell you, these Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are exactly that kind of meal. It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for when you need a dinner that’s easy but feels a little special.

I first made these bowls on a rainy Monday when nothing but something cozy would do, and they were an instant hit. The juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken, the buttery, fluffy rice, and that dreamy, garlicky sauce… oh my goodness. It’s just so good. Plus, you can easily customize them with your favorite toppings or even sneak in some extra veggies if you’re feeling it!

Alright, let’s jump right into this comfort food classic. We’ll start with getting that rice nice and fluffy because it’s the base that holds everything together!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Rice:

• 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice

• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)

• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 cups milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Red pepper flakes

• Lemon wedges

Step 1: Cook the Rice

First things first, let’s get that rice going! Start by rinsing your rice under cold water until the water runs pretty clear. This helps get rid of the extra starch so your rice doesn’t turn into a sticky clump. Trust me, it’s worth the extra minute or two.

Bring your chicken broth or water to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in the rice, butter, and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15 minutes. Once all the liquid is absorbed, pull it off the heat but leave it covered for about 5 minutes. Then, fluff it up with a fork and you’re good to go.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While your rice is doing its thing, it’s time to cook the chicken. Heat up a couple tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the pan is heating, season the diced chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken to the pan. Let it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, giving it a stir every so often to get that golden brown deliciousness on all sides. Once the chicken is cooked through (no pink in the middle!), transfer it to a plate and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Now for the real showstopper – that creamy garlic sauce. You don’t even have to wash the skillet (yay for fewer dishes!). Just add your butter right into the pan and melt it over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until it smells totally amazing.

Next, sprinkle in the flour and whisk it around for a minute or two. You want to cook out that raw flour taste but not brown it too much. Slowly pour in your milk or heavy cream, whisking like crazy to keep the sauce nice and smooth. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a little salt and pepper. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens up beautifully.

Tip:
If your sauce gets too thick, just splash in a little more milk until it’s the consistency you love.

FAQ SECTION AND CONCLUSION

Before you dive into making these delicious Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce, let’s cover some of the most common questions. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or cooking for the whole family, these tips will help you make the perfect bowls every time!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are actually a great choice because they’re extra juicy and flavorful. You can easily swap them in with no changes to the cooking method.

2. What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Jasmine and basmati rice are both excellent because they stay fluffy and fragrant. If you prefer, you could also use brown rice—it just takes a little longer to cook.

3. How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

If your sauce feels too thick, whisk in a splash of extra milk until it reaches the consistency you like. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a few extra minutes to thicken up naturally.

4. Is this recipe good for meal prepping?

Absolutely. These bowls reheat beautifully. Just store the rice, chicken, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

5. What veggies can I add to make this more balanced?

Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, spinach, green beans—you name it! Adding vegetables not only makes the meal more nutritious, but it also adds a nice variety of texture and flavor.

6. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Definitely. Just swap the regular flour in the sauce for a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch (start with half the amount). Also, double-check that your chicken broth and Parmesan are gluten-free.

7. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. To reheat, warm the rice and chicken in the microwave or on the stove. If the sauce has thickened too much, stir in a little milk or broth to loosen it up.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your new favorite comfort food recipe! These Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are cozy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to whip up on even the busiest nights.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or prepping a few lunches ahead of time, this meal is guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, with all the different ways you can customize it, you’ll never get bored of it.

I’d love to hear how your bowls turn out! Did you add any fun toppings or sneak in some extra veggies? Drop a comment and let me know. Happy cooking!

Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

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Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are the ultimate comfort meal, packed with tender seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, garlicky sauce. These bowls are simple to make and perfect for meal prepping, busy weeknights, or when you’re craving a hearty and satisfying dish with bold flavors.

• Author: Mark's Recipe

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Rice

1 cup jasmine or basmati rice

2 cups chicken broth (or water)

1 tablespoon butter

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

2 tablespoons butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Toppings (Optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped

Red pepper flakes

Lemon wedges

Instructions

Cook the Rice
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth or water to a boil. Add the rice, butter, and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until the liquid is fully absorbed. Remove from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the milk or cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Assemble the Bowls
Divide the cooked rice evenly among serving bowls. Top with the sautéed chicken and generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Garnish with optional toppings like freshly chopped parsley, red pepper flakes for heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a bit of olive oil and seasoning for 15 to 30 minutes before cooking. The creamy garlic sauce can be made thinner or thicker by adjusting the amount of milk or cream. These bowls are very customizable—try adding steamed vegetables like broccoli or sautéed spinach for an extra nutrient boost. This recipe also reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.