Thank you so much for being here! I’m ridiculously excited to share this one—because when a recipe hits the sweet spot between cozy, creamy, and totally satisfying, you know it’s going straight into the weeknight dinner rotation. These Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce bring together juicy seared chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, garlicky sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything. It’s simple, flexible, and anything but boring!

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What Are Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce?

They’re everything you love about a classic chicken-and-rice dinner—upgraded. We start with golden, tender chicken cooked with warm spices, pair it with your favorite rice base (white, brown, jasmine—you do you!), and top it all with a dreamy, garlicky sauce made with just a few pantry staples. Think weeknight meal meets takeout vibes with homemade heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan chicken, one-pot rice = low cleanup!
Creamy garlic sauce = flavor bomb
Totally customizable with veggies or grains
Great for meal prep or family-style serving
On the table in under 35 minutes

What It Tastes Like

Savory, creamy, garlicky goodness in every single bite. The chicken is juicy and seasoned, the rice is soft and fluffy, and the garlic sauce? Rich, velvety, and packed with flavor. It’s got that comforting “bowl food” vibe with just the right amount of indulgence—and zero heaviness.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste

The Rice:

2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, jasmine, or basmati)
Optional: a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor

The Creamy Garlic Sauce:

2 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp flour
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or lemon zest

Tools You’ll Need

Skillet for chicken
Small saucepan for sauce
Pot or rice cooker
Whisk
Tongs or spatula
Cutting board and knife

Ingredient Additions & Swaps

Add sautéed zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers to the bowls
Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu
Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version
Want it dairy-free? Try coconut milk + nutritional yeast in place of the cream + cheese
Add a drizzle of hot honey or chili crisp to spice it up

How to Make Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Season chicken with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook 6–8 minutes, turning to sear all sides, until cooked through. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk and whisk until smooth. Stir in cream (if using), parmesan, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened, 3–5 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Bowls

Scoop rice into bowls. Top with cooked chicken, drizzle with plenty of creamy garlic sauce, and garnish with parsley or chili flakes if desired. Serve warm!

What to Serve With It

Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted veggies like broccoli or carrots
Flatbread or pita to swipe up the extra sauce

And for more big-flavor bowls:

Loaded Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl – sweet, smoky, and ultra-satisfying
Hoisin Beef Noodles – savory, slurpy, and totally weeknight-worthy
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo – bright, buttery, and a perfect seafood match

Tips for Success

Use chicken thighs for max juiciness, but breasts work too
Don’t rush the sauce—low and slow = creamy and dreamy
Season the rice! A touch of lemon or butter goes a long way
Want extra sauce? Double the batch—you’ll be glad you did

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store in separate containers for up to 4 days
Reheat: Microwave with a splash of milk for creamy results
Meal prep tip: Assemble bowls fresh, keep sauce on the side to drizzle later

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified GF.

Can I make the sauce ahead?

Definitely! Just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk before serving.

Can I add veggies to the bowls?

Absolutely! Steamed or roasted veggies take this dish to the next level.

Wrapping It All Up

These Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are everything dinner should be—fast, flavorful, filling, and full of comfort. The creamy garlic sauce ties it all together, turning a simple chicken-and-rice combo into something saucy and sensational.

Looking for more cozy and craveable meals? You’ll love:

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