Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce: Weeknight WIN!
A comforting, flavorful, and quick meal perfect for weeknights, featuring tender chicken over fluffy rice and drizzled with a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Totally customizable and totally satisfying.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- saucepan
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing bowl
- whisk or wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
- salt and pepper to taste
- optional toppings: broccoli, carrots, green onions, tomatoes, avocado, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook 5–7 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned (internal temp 165°F).
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat, stir in Parmesan and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Divide cooked rice among bowls. Top with cooked chicken.
- Generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken and rice.
- Add your desired toppings (e.g. broccoli, avocado, shredded carrots, etc.).
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
This bowl format is endlessly versatile. Swap veggies, use cauliflower rice, or lighten the sauce with Greek yogurt. Add lemon juice or red pepper flakes to brighten or spice it up. Ideal for meal prep too!