This comforting dish features tender chicken slices served over fluffy rice, all enveloped in a rich, creamy garlic sauce. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With straightforward ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a go-to recipe for a delicious homemade dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for hectic schedules.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The savory chicken paired with a creamy garlic sauce creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Versatile Meal Option: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or alternative proteins like tofu or shrimp.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a friendly get-together, this dish fits the bill.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Long-grain white rice
- Fresh garlic cloves
- Heavy cream
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper (Flavorful Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce – Pinterest, 24 Chicken and Rice Recipes to Add to Your Weeknight Dinner Rotation)
Directions
- Cook the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until clear. In a saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until water is absorbed.
- Sauté the Chicken: While the rice cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing.
- Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add 4-6 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, stirring continuously. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet, stirring to coat with the sauce. Warm through for 2-3 minutes. Serve the chicken and sauce over the cooked rice.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (Our 20 Most-Saved Easy Dinners)
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef strips to suit different dietary preferences.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic sauce for a spicy kick. (Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce – Recipes easys)
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
- Freezing: Freeze the chicken and rice separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. (Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce – Recipes easys)
FAQs
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely. Brown rice is a healthier alternative, though it requires a longer cooking time and more water.
What vegetables pair well with this dish?
Steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted bell peppers complement the creamy garlic sauce nicely.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the rice and chicken in advance and store them separately. Reheat and assemble with the sauce when ready to serve.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté the garlic over medium heat and stir constantly. Be cautious not to overcook, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste.
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe is a delightful combination of simplicity and flavor. It’s a versatile dish that can be tailored to your preferences, making it a staple for any meal occasion. Enjoy the comforting taste of home-cooked goodness with every bite.
Print
Easy Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easy Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a quick 30-minute dinner featuring tender chicken, fluffy white rice, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce. This comforting, customizable meal is perfect for weeknights and is packed with savory flavor. Keywords: chicken and rice, creamy garlic sauce, easy dinner, 30-minute meal.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 4–6 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly. In a saucepan, combine rice and water (2 cups). Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes.
- Sauté the Chicken: While rice cooks, heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook 6–7 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Rest and slice.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and soy sauce. Simmer 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Return sliced chicken to skillet, coat in sauce, and heat through. Serve over rice.
Notes
- For extra veggies, add steamed broccoli, sautéed bell peppers, or snap peas.
- Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for dietary variation.
- Spice up the sauce with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or water.
