Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Are you looking for a satisfying and comforting meal that’s quick and easy to prepare? Look no further than Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce! This delicious dish combines tender chicken breasts, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy garlic sauce that’s sure to please the entire family. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe promises comforting flavors and simple preparation.
Why Make This Recipe
This dish stands out for several reasons:
- Flavorful and Creamy: The creamy garlic sauce is loaded with flavor, elevating the dish and making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Quick Preparation: The entire meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can add your favorite veggies or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste, making it adaptable for everyone.
How to Make Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
To make this delicious meal, you will need:
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 4–6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
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Start with the Rice: Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and results in fluffier rice. In a saucepan, combine the rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 18–20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it sit covered.
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Cook the Chicken: While the rice is cooking, dry the chicken breasts with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
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Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—those bits add flavor!), lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the soy sauce and heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
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Combine and Serve: Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet, allowing it to absorb the creamy sauce. Serve generous spoonfuls over the prepared rice. Garnish with chopped parsley, steamed veggies, or a sprinkle of black pepper, if desired.
How to Serve Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Serve these chicken and rice bowls in individual bowls, allowing guests to enjoy their servings warm. You can add a garnish of fresh herbs like parsley for color and flavor. Steamed vegetables make an excellent addition, providing a nutritious counterbalance to the creamy richness.
How to Store Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to the rice to prevent it from drying out.
Tips to Make Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the creamy sauce.
- Don’t overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender. Use a meat thermometer for precise cooking (165°F).
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Variations
- Substitute brown rice for white rice for a healthier option.
- Add vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to the dish during the last few minutes of cooking for some fresh colors and nutrients.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a low-fat alternative.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but ensure they’re fully thawed before cooking for even cooking and safety.
2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, milk, or a dairy-free alternative such as coconut milk, though the flavor and texture may differ slightly.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then store them separately and reheat before serving with fresh rice.
Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors in these Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce, perfect for any dinner table!
Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3-4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Choose medium-sized breasts for even cooking.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice Rinse until water runs clear.
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, use half-and-half.
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce Helps add depth to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil For cooking the chicken.
- to taste Salt and black pepper Adjust based on preference.
Instructions
Preparation of Rice
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a saucepan, combine the rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer, cooking for 18-20 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let it sit covered.
Cooking the Chicken
- Dry the chicken breasts with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, but not browned.
- Stir in soy sauce and heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
Combining and Serving
- Slice the chicken and return to the skillet, allowing it to absorb the creamy sauce.
- Serve generous spoonfuls over the prepared rice, garnishing with chopped parsley, steamed veggies, or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
