Chicken and Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Posted on May 12, 2025

If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, these Chicken and Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are calling your name! Tender, seasoned chicken served over fluffy rice, all topped with a rich and dreamy garlic sauce — it’s a simple weeknight dinner that tastes like a treat. This bowl is perfect for meal prepping, family dinners, or just satisfying your garlic-loving heart. With minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love Chicken and Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

This dish is the perfect blend of comfort food and quick cooking. It’s incredibly easy to throw together, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep Sundays. The creamy garlic sauce takes everything up a notch — rich, savory, and just garlicky enough without overpowering. Plus, it’s super customizable! Use your favorite rice, swap in veggies, or make it spicy. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or just yourself, this bowl delivers cozy satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients

This recipe uses everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to make these Chicken and Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce:

For the Chicken & Rice:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk (any kind)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

Chopped parsley
Diced tomatoes
Steamed broccoli
Crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

These Chicken & Rice Bowls come together in just a few simple steps. Let’s break it down:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute to create a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Bowls

Spoon cooked rice into bowls.
Top with seasoned chicken.
Drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce.
Add any optional toppings you like.

Servings and Timing

This recipe is just right for quick weeknight dinners or prepping lunches ahead of time. It’s simple, filling, and scales easily for more servings.

Servings: 2–3 hearty bowls
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Tips and Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some fun and tasty ways to switch things up:

Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic sauce.
Go low-carb: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or a bed of sautéed greens.
Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked chicken — just warm it up with the spices!
Add veggies: Toss in steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
Dairy-free?: Use plant-based butter and milk, and skip the cheese or try a dairy-free alternative.

Storage

These chicken & rice bowls make fantastic leftovers! Here’s how to store them safely:

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain the best texture.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk or water to loosen the garlic sauce if it thickens too much.
Freeze: Freeze portions (minus fresh toppings) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful — just adjust cooking time as needed.

2. What kind of rice works best?
Any rice will do! Jasmine, basmati, brown, or even cauliflower rice all work great.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and stir well before serving.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free flour for the sauce and make sure your rice and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

5. Can I add vegetables to the bowl?
Definitely! Try steamed broccoli, spinach, corn, or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.

6. What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
You can use another hard cheese like Romano or even cream cheese for a slightly different flavor.

7. How do I make it extra creamy?
Add a splash of heavy cream or an extra tablespoon of butter for a richer sauce.

Conclusion

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just need a cozy dinner in a hurry, these Chicken and Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a total win. They’re flavorful, flexible, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, who can resist a creamy garlic sauce that comes together in minutes? Save this recipe for your next busy weeknight — your taste buds (and future self) will thank you.

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Chicken and Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Why You’ll Love Chicken and Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce