Creamy Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls (Quick and Flavor-Packed)

These creamy garlic chicken rice bowls are one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. Tender seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich garlic cream sauce come together in one bowl for a meal that’s simple to prep and totally crave-worthy. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or weekly meal prep.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe checks every box—easy to make, full of bold garlic flavor, and super customizable. The creamy garlic sauce is the real star here. It coats the chicken and rice beautifully, adding richness without being too heavy. Whether I keep it simple or load it up with veggies, this is one of those meals I keep coming back to again and again.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• Cooked white or brown rice
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves (minced)
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. I start by seasoning the chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper, then cook it in a skillet with olive oil until golden and cooked through. I remove it from the pan and let it rest.

2. In the same pan, I sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

3. I pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for a minute before adding the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.

4. I cook the sauce over medium heat until it thickens slightly, stirring often.

5. I slice the chicken and return it to the pan, tossing to coat it in the sauce.

6. I scoop warm rice into bowls and top with the creamy garlic chicken, finishing with chopped parsley or green onions if I want a fresh touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 3 to 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add steamed broccoli, roasted red peppers, or sautéed spinach to the bowls for extra veggies. I’ve also swapped the cream for half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version. If I want extra spice, I toss in red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. For a low-carb option, I serve it over cauliflower rice.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm everything in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life. Microwaving works too—I stir halfway through to make sure it heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, I’ve shredded rotisserie chicken and added it directly to the sauce. It’s a great shortcut when I’m short on time.

What type of rice works best?

I usually go with jasmine or basmati rice, but brown rice or quinoa also work great for a more wholesome bowl.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I’ve used coconut milk and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives for a creamy sauce without the dairy.

How thick should the sauce be?

I let the sauce simmer until it lightly coats the back of a spoon. If it gets too thick, I just thin it out with a splash of broth.

Can I meal prep this?

Absolutely. I portion the chicken, rice, and sauce into containers and store in the fridge. It reheats beautifully and stays flavorful for days.

Conclusion

These creamy garlic chicken rice bowls are a quick and comforting meal I can make any night of the week. With tender chicken, rich sauce, and fluffy rice, it’s a complete bowl of goodness that never fails to satisfy. Whether I’m cooking for the family or prepping lunches ahead, this dish always delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls (Quick and Flavor-Packed)

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• Author: Mary
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 3–4
• Category: Dinner, Meal Prep
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Creamy Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls are loaded with bold garlic flavor, juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich parmesan cream sauce. This 30-minute meal is quick, comforting, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or easy meal prep!

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Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• Cooked white or brown rice
• Olive oil
• 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)

 

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Instructions

1. Season chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add chicken broth, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Slice cooked chicken and return to skillet. Toss to coat in creamy garlic sauce.
6. Serve over warm cooked rice. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.

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Notes

• Add veggies like broccoli, spinach, or red peppers to bulk it up.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half or coconut milk.
• Spice it up with crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
• Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.