If you crave a dinner that feels as comforting as a cozy blanket, look no further than Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. This dish takes humble pantry staples and transforms them into a rich, flavor-packed meal, complete with juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a decadent garlic cream sauce that begs for a second helping every time. Whether you’re meal-prepping for a busy week or gathering around the table with your favorite people, these bowls check every box—quick to make, ultra-satisfying, and versatile enough to adapt to your palate or pantry.

Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s all about building great flavor from a handful of everyday staples. Each ingredient plays a key role in the tasty harmony of Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce, coming together for irresistible flavor, gorgeous color, and a mouthwatering texture in every bite.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender, lean, and perfect for soaking up all that garlicky creaminess.
Long-grain white rice: Fluffy, separate grains provide the ideal base to catch every drop of sauce.
Fresh garlic: The real star for the sauce—chopped garlic brings warmth and depth.
Heavy cream: Adds the luscious, velvety texture that makes the sauce so addictive.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Delivers savory umami that balances the cream perfectly without overpowering.
Vegetable oil: Neutral flavor and high smoke point make it the best choice for searing and sautéing.
Salt and pepper: (Not in ingredient list, but essential for seasoning the chicken to perfection!)

How to Make Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by rinsing your long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear—this helps prevent sticky rice. Combine the rice with two cups of water in a saucepan, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. When the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, while you work on the chicken and sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the rice simmers, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them liberally with salt and pepper. Lay the chicken in the hot skillet and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side—don’t fuss with it too much so you get that gorgeous golden-brown crust. Once the chicken is cooked through and juicy, transfer it to a plate to rest. This little rest makes slicing even easier and keeps the juices locked inside.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and, in the same skillet (with those delicious browned bits still in the pan!), sauté your chopped garlic until it’s fragrant—usually just a minute or so. Pour in the heavy cream and soy sauce, stirring constantly as the sauce bubbles and thickens, which takes about five minutes. The kitchen will smell absolutely incredible!

Step 4: Return Chicken to the Sauce

Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized cubes and return it to the skillet. Gently turn the pieces in the sauce to ensure each one gets beautifully coated. Warm everything through for two to three minutes so the flavors meld and your chicken is extra juicy and flavorful.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Fluff the steamed rice with a fork and divide it among your serving bowls. Spoon the creamy, garlicky chicken and sauce generously over the top. The scent alone will bring everyone to the kitchen! Add your favorite fresh garnishes or a little extra seasoning if desired, and dig in.

How to Serve Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

Freshness makes a big difference here! Sprinkle bowls with chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of green, a squeeze of lemon for brightness, or some thinly sliced scallions for that crisp, oniony crunch. Chili flakes add a little heat if you like things zesty, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a subtle nutty crunch.

Side Dishes

Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are filling on their own, but a simple cucumber salad or steamed broccoli on the side keeps things balanced and fresh. Warm naan or pita bread is fantastic for scooping up any leftover sauce. For heartier appetites, try serving alongside garlicky roasted veggies or a tangy slaw.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd or just want to make dinner extra special, try layering the elements in a shallow platter for striking presentation. Use mini bowls for individual portions at a dinner party or pack the components into mason jars for a fun, portable lunch. Leftover chicken and sauce can also be tucked into wraps for a delicious next-day twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce components to airtight containers—keep the rice and chicken separate if you can, which helps preserve texture. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, making lunch or dinner extra convenient.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken with the sauce for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Rice can also be frozen, but double-wrap it to avoid freezer burn and microwaving right from frozen isn’t recommended—let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, warm the chicken and sauce gently over low heat in a covered skillet with a splash of water or extra cream, stirring occasionally until hot. Microwave works too—just reheat in short bursts so the chicken stays juicy and the sauce doesn’t over-thicken. Rice is best fluffed up with a fork before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly richer and stay super juicy, making them a tasty alternative. Just adjust the cooking time as they may need a minute or two longer in the pan.

What’s the best way to make this dish dairy-free?

Swap the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or an unsweetened oat-based creamer. The sauce will have a slightly different flavor, but still be deliciously creamy.

How do I make the garlic flavor more pronounced?

If you’re a garlic fan, go ahead and add an extra clove or two, or use roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter depth. You can also sprinkle a bit of garlic powder into the sauce before simmering.

Is it possible to double the recipe for meal prep?

Definitely! Simply scale up all the ingredients and make sure you use a large enough skillet, or cook the chicken in batches for best searing. Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are ideal for prepping lunches throughout the week.

Can I use brown rice or another grain?

You can! Brown rice, quinoa, or even farro all work well—just adjust cooking times and water ratios accordingly for the perfect, fluffy base.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce yet, now’s the perfect time to treat yourself. It’s comforting, deeply flavorful, endlessly flexible, and a real crowd-pleaser on busy nights or lazy weekends alike. Gather your ingredients and discover how easy (and delicious) homemade comfort food can really be!

Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 6 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a comforting and flavorful meal option that is easy to make at home. Tender chicken slices in a rich garlic cream sauce served over fluffy white rice make for a satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken & Rice:

3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain white rice

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

4–6 cloves fresh garlic
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

Cook the Rice: Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water, then combine with 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the water is absorbed.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, cook each side for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté chopped garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and soy sauce; stir continuously for about 5 minutes until thickened.
Combine and Serve: Return sliced chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s coated with sauce; warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes. Fluff the rice and divide into bowls; top with the saucy chicken and garnish as desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Global