Description
These Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are your new weeknight secret weapon. Tender seared chicken, fluffy seasoned rice, and a silky, garlicky parmesan cream sauce come together in a one-bowl wonder that’s as comforting as it is quick. It’s wholesome, flexible, and loaded with flavor—the kind of dinner that feels like a hug after a long day. Bonus? It’s super meal-prep friendly and a crowd-pleaser for the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size chunks
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp cumin
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Rice:
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2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, jasmine, or basmati)
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Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice or olive oil for brightness
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
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2 tbsp butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
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¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
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¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or lemon zest
Garnish (Optional):
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Chopped parsley, chili flakes, extra parmesan
Instructions
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Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside. -
Make the Garlic Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook another minute. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth. Stir in cream (if using), parmesan, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until thick and creamy.
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Assemble the Bowls
Spoon cooked rice into bowls. Top with chicken and drizzle generously with the garlic sauce. Garnish with parsley or red pepper flakes and serve warm.
Notes
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For dairy-free: use plant-based butter, milk, and a spoon of nutritional yeast or vegan cheese in place of parmesan.
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Add sautéed veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more color and texture.
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This sauce is gold—try it over roasted potatoes or pasta too!
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Store sauce separately and reheat gently with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Bowls
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food, American-Inspired
Keywords: Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce