Savory Chicken & Rice Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Whipping up delectable chicken & rice bowls with creamy garlic sauce can transform an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

Savory aromas will dance through your kitchen as tender chicken nestles atop fluffy rice.

Fragrant garlic creates magic with its rich, velvety sauce that brings incredible depth to every single bite.

Quick and straightforward preparations mean you can craft this restaurant-quality dish without complicated techniques.

Each spoonful promises a harmony of textures and flavors that comfort and excite simultaneously.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a balanced meal packed with protein and incredible taste.

Chicken and Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Ingredient List

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that forms the main protein base of the dish, choose fresh and boneless for even cooking.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, savory flavor to the creamy sauce, select aged variety for deeper taste.

• Butter: Creates smooth base for creamy sauce, provides rich flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Gives silky, luxurious texture to the sauce, whole cream works best.
• Garlic: Provides intense aromatic flavor, fresh minced garlic recommended.
• Parsley, Oregano: Fresh herbs that enhance sauce's complexity and brightness.

• Olive Oil: Helps season and prevent chicken from sticking, ensures even grilling.
• Garlic Powder: Adds background depth to chicken's flavor profile.
• Onion Powder: Complements garlic with subtle sweetness.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall taste of chicken and sauce.

• Rice: Serves as foundation of the bowl, white or brown rice work well.

Bowl Instructions for Chicken & Rice with Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill for Juicy Chicken

Crank your grill to medium-high heat for perfect searing.

• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Grill each side for 5-7 minutes until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Allow the chicken to rest and relax for 5 minutes before slicing to lock in all those delicious juices.

Step 2: Whip Up a Creamy Garlic Dream Sauce

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for about a minute until your kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma.

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce transforms into a silky, luxurious coating.

Step 3: Build Your Ultimate Flavor Bowl

Scoop fluffy rice into serving bowls.

Layer sliced chicken on top and generously drench with the dreamy garlic sauce.

Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Chicken Bowl Building Tips with Creamy Garlic Sauce

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect doneness without drying out.
• Whisk continuously while cooking the sauce to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, uniform texture.
• Toast garlic briefly to enhance its nutty, rich flavor before adding cream for deeper aromatic notes.
• Swap rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative.
• Chop fresh parsley and oregano right before adding to maximize their vibrant flavor and nutritional benefits.

Store Chicken & Rice Bowls with Garlic Sauce

• Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them separate from the sauce to maintain texture.
• Refrigerated leftovers will stay good for 3-4 days when properly sealed.
• Warm chicken and rice in the microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent dryness, and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly hot.
• Gently reheat the creamy garlic sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent separation and maintain its smooth consistency.

What Pairs Well with Chicken & Rice Bowls

• Harmonize Herb-Infused White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with herbal notes that complement the oregano and parsley in the garlic sauce, enhancing the chicken's delicate flavors.
• Balance Mediterranean Side Salad: Prepare a light Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olive oil to add freshness and cut through the creamy sauce's richness.
• Elevate Roasted Vegetable Medley: Roast zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus with similar spices used in the chicken to create a cohesive and colorful plate that adds nutritional depth.
• Enhance Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted bread with a garlic butter spread that mirrors the sauce's flavor profile, providing a perfect vehicle for soaking up extra creamy goodness.

Chicken & Rice Bowls with Easy Upgrades

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Version: Replace traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly option that cuts down on carbohydrates while maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Sauce: Swap heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast to create a creamy, lactose-free alternative that's perfect for those with dairy sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Bowl: Substitute grilled chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or firm tofu, seasoned with the same spice blend for a plant-based protein option that delivers robust taste.
• Spicy Southwest Modification: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, and a sprinkle of chili flakes to the chicken and sauce for a zesty, heat-packed version that brings bold southwestern flavors to the classic recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great! They’re often more flavorful and stay juicier. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they reach 165°F internal temperature.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free rice and checking that all seasonings are certified gluten-free. The sauce ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

• How can I make the sauce healthier?

Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half. Use less butter or replace with olive oil. You can also reduce the Parmesan cheese amount to lower fat content.

• What side dishes work best with these chicken rice bowls?

Roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus complement the dish perfectly. A fresh green salad or steamed edamame also make excellent side options.

Creamy Chicken And Rice Bowls That Are Always A Hit

• Quick and Easy Meal Solution: Whip up these delicious chicken and rice bowls in under 30 minutes with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Creamy garlic sauce and perfectly grilled chicken create a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adapt the recipe by using different grains, adding vegetables, or swapping protein types to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Impressive Yet Simple Weeknight Dinner: Transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that looks and tastes gourmet without complicated cooking techniques.

Chicken & Rice Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken nestles atop fluffy rice, drizzled with irresistible creamy garlic sauce in this Mediterranean-inspired comfort meal. Zesty herbs and tangy sauce elevate simple ingredients, promising a delightful dining experience you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Base:

• 2 cups cooked rice

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Fire up the barbecue to a sizzling medium-high temperature, preparing a perfect grilling surface for the chicken.
2. Massage the chicken breasts with a blend of olive oil and aromatic seasonings, creating a flavorful exterior seal.
3. Position the seasoned chicken on the grill, allowing each side to cook for 5-7 minutes until achieving a golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior.
4. Transfer the grilled chicken to a resting surface, letting the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
5. In a compact saucepan, melt butter until it transforms into a luxurious golden liquid.
6. Introduce minced garlic to the melted butter, stirring continuously to release its intense fragrance without burning.
7. Gradually incorporate heavy cream, creating a silky base for the sauce.
8. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, transforming the liquid into a rich, velvety mixture.
9. Enhance the sauce with fresh parsley and oregano, adding layers of herbal complexity.
10. Season with salt and pepper, stirring until the sauce reaches a smooth, consistent texture.
11. Distribute fluffy rice into serving vessels as a comforting foundation.
12. Slice the rested chicken into elegant strips, arranging them atop the rice.
13. Generously cascade the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken, creating a decadent finishing touch.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and easier preparation.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and promote better browning.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for food safety without overcooking.
• Marinate chicken in garlic sauce ingredients for deeper flavor penetration if time allows.
• Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, dietary-friendly versions.
• Use fresh garlic instead of powder for more robust, authentic flavor profile.
• Allow chicken to rest after grilling to retain maximum moisture and tenderness.
• Try alternative grains like quinoa or cauliflower rice for lower-carb or gluten-free options.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 120mg