Creamy Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls Simple and Tasty Meal

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- 1 pound chicken breast, diced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups cooked jasmine rice - 1 cup broccoli florets (lightly steamed) - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese To make creamy garlic chicken rice bowls, you need fresh ingredients. The chicken is the star. Diced chicken breast gives a tender bite. Olive oil helps cook the chicken and adds flavor. Garlic brings a rich taste to the dish. Heavy cream and chicken broth create the creamy sauce. Dried thyme adds an herby note. Salt and pepper season the dish to perfection. Jasmine rice provides a fluffy base. Broccoli adds color and nutrition. Finally, Parmesan cheese brings a savory kick. - Fresh parsley, chopped - Extra garlic cloves, sautéed Garnishes make your dish look great and taste amazing. Chopped parsley adds a fresh touch. It also brightens the flavor. Sautéed garlic cloves add extra depth. They enhance the garlic flavor and give a lovely crunch. - Large skillet - Sharp knife - Cutting board - Measuring cups and spoons - Cooking spoon Using the right tools makes cooking easier. A large skillet allows you to cook everything evenly. A sharp knife helps you dice chicken and chop garlic quickly. A cutting board keeps your workspace clean. Measuring cups and spoons ensure you use the right amounts. A cooking spoon helps mix your ingredients well. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it golden brown and cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add 4 minced cloves of garlic. Cook them for about 1 minute until they smell great. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth. Stir well and bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Then, add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and more salt and pepper if needed. Let the sauce cook for 3 to 5 minutes. This helps it thicken just right. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir it into the creamy sauce to coat it well. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to heat through. Now, mix in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and combines nicely. To serve, scoop 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice into bowls. Spoon the creamy garlic chicken and sauce over the rice. Add 1 cup of lightly steamed broccoli florets on top. Finish with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely touch. Enjoy your delicious meal! To get juicy chicken, cut it into even pieces. This helps it cook at the same rate. Use medium heat for cooking. This way, you avoid burning the garlic later. Cook the chicken until it's golden and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Let it rest before you mix it back in the sauce. To make the sauce extra creamy, use heavy cream. This gives a rich flavor that you’ll love. Stir the sauce well after adding the cream and broth. This helps all the flavors blend together. When you add the Parmesan cheese, it melts into the sauce. This adds to the creaminess, making it even better. Serve your creamy garlic chicken over jasmine rice in deep bowls. This makes it feel cozy and inviting. Top each bowl with steamed broccoli florets for color and crunch. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds freshness. For extra flavor, drizzle more sauce on top. Feel free to add sautéed garlic cloves as a unique touch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced options. Aim for freshly chopped to enhance the dish's aroma and taste. Cook Rice Perfectly: For fluffy jasmine rice, rinse the grains under cold water until the water runs clear before cooking. This removes excess starch and prevents stickiness. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the broccoli for your favorite vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated. Store the chicken and sauce separately from the rice to keep everything fresh and prevent sogginess. {{image_2}} You can boost your creamy garlic chicken rice bowls with tasty veggies. Broccoli is a great choice since it adds color and crunch. You can also use bell peppers, spinach, or peas. Just steam or sauté them lightly before adding them to your dish. This keeps their flavor fresh. Mix in these veggies during the last few minutes of cooking. They will soak up the creamy sauce and add nutrition. If you want to change the protein, you have options. Try diced turkey or shrimp instead of chicken. You can even use tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just make sure to cook the protein until it is done. The cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on it. Each protein brings a different flavor, making the dish exciting every time you make it. While jasmine rice works well, you can use other types of rice too. Brown rice adds a nutty taste and more fiber. Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb choice, and it cooks quickly. Quinoa is another healthy option, giving a unique texture. Just adjust the cooking time based on the rice you choose. Each type will change the bowl's flavor and make it your own. To store leftovers, place the chicken and rice in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool first. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents sogginess. Refrigerate for up to three days. When you reheat, use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, cover the bowl to keep moisture in. Heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway. For the skillet, warm over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed. For freezing, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This way, you’ll enjoy the creamy goodness again! Yes, you can use other meats. Try pork, turkey, or even shrimp. Each will change the taste a bit but will still be tasty. Adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose. Make sure it’s cooked through to stay safe. To make this dish healthier, use less heavy cream. You can swap it for half-and-half or a plant-based milk. You could also add more veggies like spinach or bell peppers. These add color and nutrients without many calories. Yes, you can make the sauce dairy-free. Use coconut cream or a nut-based cream. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. This keeps the dish rich while being kind to those avoiding dairy. Many sides complement this dish well. A simple green salad adds freshness. Roasted vegetables bring more flavor and color. Garlic bread can add a fun touch for those who love carbs. Choose sides that balance the creamy texture of the chicken. In this blog post, I covered essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions for creamy garlic chicken rice bowls. I shared tips for perfect cooking and various options for customization. Remember, you can add veggies or swap proteins based on your taste. Store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. These bowls are both simple to make and delicious. Enjoy your cooking adventures, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Are you ready to whip up a meal that is both simple and truly tasty? In this guide, I’ll show you how to make creamy garlic chicken rice bowls that will make your dinner feel special. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dish that pleases everyone. Plus, I’ll share tips, variations, and storage ideas to make your cooking journey smooth and enjoyable. Let’s get started!

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Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Deliciously Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a rich and satisfying sauce that perfectly complements the chicken and rice.
  2. Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  3. Customizable: You can easily add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
  4. Perfect Comfort Food: These creamy garlic chicken rice bowls are not only filling but also provide a warm and comforting meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients List

– 1 pound chicken breast, diced

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup chicken broth

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 2 cups cooked jasmine rice

– 1 cup broccoli florets (lightly steamed)

– ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

To make creamy garlic chicken rice bowls, you need fresh ingredients. The chicken is the star. Diced chicken breast gives a tender bite. Olive oil helps cook the chicken and adds flavor. Garlic brings a rich taste to the dish. Heavy cream and chicken broth create the creamy sauce. Dried thyme adds an herby note. Salt and pepper season the dish to perfection. Jasmine rice provides a fluffy base. Broccoli adds color and nutrition. Finally, Parmesan cheese brings a savory kick.

Optional Garnishes

– Fresh parsley, chopped

– Extra garlic cloves, sautéed

Garnishes make your dish look great and taste amazing. Chopped parsley adds a fresh touch. It also brightens the flavor. Sautéed garlic cloves add extra depth. They enhance the garlic flavor and give a lovely crunch.

Suggested Tools and Equipment

– Large skillet

– Sharp knife

– Cutting board

– Measuring cups and spoons

– Cooking spoon

Using the right tools makes cooking easier. A large skillet allows you to cook everything evenly. A sharp knife helps you dice chicken and chop garlic quickly. A cutting board keeps your workspace clean. Measuring cups and spoons ensure you use the right amounts. A cooking spoon helps mix your ingredients well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it golden brown and cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Creating the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add 4 minced cloves of garlic. Cook them for about 1 minute until they smell great. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth. Stir well and bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Then, add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and more salt and pepper if needed. Let the sauce cook for 3 to 5 minutes. This helps it thicken just right.

Combining Ingredients

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir it into the creamy sauce to coat it well. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to heat through. Now, mix in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and combines nicely. To serve, scoop 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice into bowls. Spoon the creamy garlic chicken and sauce over the rice. Add 1 cup of lightly steamed broccoli florets on top. Finish with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely touch. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken

To get juicy chicken, cut it into even pieces. This helps it cook at the same rate. Use medium heat for cooking. This way, you avoid burning the garlic later. Cook the chicken until it’s golden and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Let it rest before you mix it back in the sauce.

Enhancing the Creamy Texture

To make the sauce extra creamy, use heavy cream. This gives a rich flavor that you’ll love. Stir the sauce well after adding the cream and broth. This helps all the flavors blend together. When you add the Parmesan cheese, it melts into the sauce. This adds to the creaminess, making it even better.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your creamy garlic chicken over jasmine rice in deep bowls. This makes it feel cozy and inviting. Top each bowl with steamed broccoli florets for color and crunch. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds freshness. For extra flavor, drizzle more sauce on top. Feel free to add sautéed garlic cloves as a unique touch.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced options. Aim for freshly chopped to enhance the dish’s aroma and taste.
  2. Cook Rice Perfectly: For fluffy jasmine rice, rinse the grains under cold water until the water runs clear before cooking. This removes excess starch and prevents stickiness.
  3. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the broccoli for your favorite vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  4. Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated. Store the chicken and sauce separately from the rice to keep everything fresh and prevent sogginess.

Variations

Adding Vegetables

You can boost your creamy garlic chicken rice bowls with tasty veggies. Broccoli is a great choice since it adds color and crunch. You can also use bell peppers, spinach, or peas. Just steam or sauté them lightly before adding them to your dish. This keeps their flavor fresh. Mix in these veggies during the last few minutes of cooking. They will soak up the creamy sauce and add nutrition.

Substituting Proteins

If you want to change the protein, you have options. Try diced turkey or shrimp instead of chicken. You can even use tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just make sure to cook the protein until it is done. The cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on it. Each protein brings a different flavor, making the dish exciting every time you make it.

Alternative Rice Options

While jasmine rice works well, you can use other types of rice too. Brown rice adds a nutty taste and more fiber. Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb choice, and it cooks quickly. Quinoa is another healthy option, giving a unique texture. Just adjust the cooking time based on the rice you choose. Each type will change the bowl’s flavor and make it your own.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To store leftovers, place the chicken and rice in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool first. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents sogginess. Refrigerate for up to three days.

Reheating Tips

When you reheat, use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, cover the bowl to keep moisture in. Heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway. For the skillet, warm over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed.

Freezing Instructions

For freezing, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This way, you’ll enjoy the creamy goodness again!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use other meats. Try pork, turkey, or even shrimp. Each will change the taste a bit but will still be tasty. Adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose. Make sure it’s cooked through to stay safe.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make this dish healthier, use less heavy cream. You can swap it for half-and-half or a plant-based milk. You could also add more veggies like spinach or bell peppers. These add color and nutrients without many calories.

Can I make the sauce dairy-free?

Yes, you can make the sauce dairy-free. Use coconut cream or a nut-based cream. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. This keeps the dish rich while being kind to those avoiding dairy.

What side dishes pair well with creamy garlic chicken rice bowls?

Many sides complement this dish well. A simple green salad adds freshness. Roasted vegetables bring more flavor and color. Garlic bread can add a fun touch for those who love carbs. Choose sides that balance the creamy texture of the chicken.

In this blog post, I covered essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions for creamy garlic chicken rice bowls. I shared tips for perfect cooking and various options for customization. Remember, you can add veggies or swap proteins based on your taste. Store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. These bowls are both simple to make and delicious. Enjoy your cooking adventures, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavor

- 1 pound chicken breast, diced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups cooked jasmine rice - 1 cup broccoli florets (lightly steamed) - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese To make creamy garlic chicken rice bowls, you need fresh ingredients. The chicken is the star. Diced chicken breast gives a tender bite. Olive oil helps cook the chicken and adds flavor. Garlic brings a rich taste to the dish. Heavy cream and chicken broth create the creamy sauce. Dried thyme adds an herby note. Salt and pepper season the dish to perfection. Jasmine rice provides a fluffy base. Broccoli adds color and nutrition. Finally, Parmesan cheese brings a savory kick. - Fresh parsley, chopped - Extra garlic cloves, sautéed Garnishes make your dish look great and taste amazing. Chopped parsley adds a fresh touch. It also brightens the flavor. Sautéed garlic cloves add extra depth. They enhance the garlic flavor and give a lovely crunch. - Large skillet - Sharp knife - Cutting board - Measuring cups and spoons - Cooking spoon Using the right tools makes cooking easier. A large skillet allows you to cook everything evenly. A sharp knife helps you dice chicken and chop garlic quickly. A cutting board keeps your workspace clean. Measuring cups and spoons ensure you use the right amounts. A cooking spoon helps mix your ingredients well. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it golden brown and cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add 4 minced cloves of garlic. Cook them for about 1 minute until they smell great. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth. Stir well and bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Then, add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and more salt and pepper if needed. Let the sauce cook for 3 to 5 minutes. This helps it thicken just right. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir it into the creamy sauce to coat it well. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to heat through. Now, mix in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and combines nicely. To serve, scoop 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice into bowls. Spoon the creamy garlic chicken and sauce over the rice. Add 1 cup of lightly steamed broccoli florets on top. Finish with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely touch. Enjoy your delicious meal! To get juicy chicken, cut it into even pieces. This helps it cook at the same rate. Use medium heat for cooking. This way, you avoid burning the garlic later. Cook the chicken until it's golden and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Let it rest before you mix it back in the sauce. To make the sauce extra creamy, use heavy cream. This gives a rich flavor that you’ll love. Stir the sauce well after adding the cream and broth. This helps all the flavors blend together. When you add the Parmesan cheese, it melts into the sauce. This adds to the creaminess, making it even better. Serve your creamy garlic chicken over jasmine rice in deep bowls. This makes it feel cozy and inviting. Top each bowl with steamed broccoli florets for color and crunch. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds freshness. For extra flavor, drizzle more sauce on top. Feel free to add sautéed garlic cloves as a unique touch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced options. Aim for freshly chopped to enhance the dish's aroma and taste. Cook Rice Perfectly: For fluffy jasmine rice, rinse the grains under cold water until the water runs clear before cooking. This removes excess starch and prevents stickiness. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the broccoli for your favorite vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated. Store the chicken and sauce separately from the rice to keep everything fresh and prevent sogginess. {{image_2}} You can boost your creamy garlic chicken rice bowls with tasty veggies. Broccoli is a great choice since it adds color and crunch. You can also use bell peppers, spinach, or peas. Just steam or sauté them lightly before adding them to your dish. This keeps their flavor fresh. Mix in these veggies during the last few minutes of cooking. They will soak up the creamy sauce and add nutrition. If you want to change the protein, you have options. Try diced turkey or shrimp instead of chicken. You can even use tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just make sure to cook the protein until it is done. The cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on it. Each protein brings a different flavor, making the dish exciting every time you make it. While jasmine rice works well, you can use other types of rice too. Brown rice adds a nutty taste and more fiber. Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb choice, and it cooks quickly. Quinoa is another healthy option, giving a unique texture. Just adjust the cooking time based on the rice you choose. Each type will change the bowl's flavor and make it your own. To store leftovers, place the chicken and rice in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool first. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents sogginess. Refrigerate for up to three days. When you reheat, use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, cover the bowl to keep moisture in. Heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway. For the skillet, warm over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed. For freezing, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This way, you’ll enjoy the creamy goodness again! Yes, you can use other meats. Try pork, turkey, or even shrimp. Each will change the taste a bit but will still be tasty. Adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose. Make sure it’s cooked through to stay safe. To make this dish healthier, use less heavy cream. You can swap it for half-and-half or a plant-based milk. You could also add more veggies like spinach or bell peppers. These add color and nutrients without many calories. Yes, you can make the sauce dairy-free. Use coconut cream or a nut-based cream. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. This keeps the dish rich while being kind to those avoiding dairy. Many sides complement this dish well. A simple green salad adds freshness. Roasted vegetables bring more flavor and color. Garlic bread can add a fun touch for those who love carbs. Choose sides that balance the creamy texture of the chicken. In this blog post, I covered essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions for creamy garlic chicken rice bowls. I shared tips for perfect cooking and various options for customization. Remember, you can add veggies or swap proteins based on your taste. Store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. These bowls are both simple to make and delicious. Enjoy your cooking adventures, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls

A comforting rice bowl featuring tender chicken in a creamy garlic sauce, served with jasmine rice and broccoli.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken breast, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 1 cup broccoli florets (lightly steamed)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Add the dried thyme to the mixture along with salt and pepper to taste. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well mixed.
  • To serve, place a generous scoop of jasmine rice in a bowl, then spoon the creamy garlic chicken and sauce over the rice.
  • Top with steamed broccoli florets and sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls for a comforting feel, and drizzle a bit more creamy sauce on top. Add a few garlic cloves sautéed in olive oil as a unique garnish for added flavor.
Keyword chicken, creamy, easy dinner, garlic, rice bowl

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