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- 2 cups of cooked white or brown rice - 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons of olive oil - 1 teaspoon of garlic powder - 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika - 1 cup of heavy cream - 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Optional extras for garnishing You need simple ingredients for this recipe. Start with your cooked rice. You can choose white or brown rice based on your taste. Next, you need chicken breast. I prefer using boneless and skinless chicken for this dish. It cooks faster and tastes great. Olive oil adds flavor and helps to brown the chicken nicely. For seasoning, garlic powder and smoked paprika bring depth to the dish. They add warmth and a bit of smokiness, making it more exciting. Now, let's talk about the creamy garlic sauce. Heavy cream makes it rich and smooth. Fresh garlic gives it a bright, bold flavor. Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick, while fresh lemon juice balances the richness. Don't forget the parsley! It is perfect for garnishing and adds a pop of color. For seasoning, always keep salt and black pepper on hand. They enhance all the flavors in this dish. You can also add optional extras like chili flakes or grated cheese for a fun twist. For the full recipe and step-by-step instructions, check out the Full Recipe. To start, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the diced chicken. Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper on top. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes. Stir it occasionally to cook evenly. To check if the chicken is done, look for a golden brown color. Cut a piece in half; it should be white inside with no pink. This means it's fully cooked and safe to eat. While the chicken cooks, it's time to make the creamy garlic sauce. In a separate saucepan, combine minced garlic and heavy cream. Heat this mix over medium heat and stir it gently. When it starts to simmer, mix in Dijon mustard and fresh lemon juice. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. Stir often until the sauce thickens slightly. If you want it thicker, you can let it simmer a bit longer. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Now it's time to put everything together. Start by scooping cooked rice into a bowl. Top the rice with a good amount of the creamy garlic chicken. Make sure some sauce drizzles over the rice to give it extra flavor. To finish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. This adds a nice color and fresh taste to your dish. Enjoy your Easy Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce! For more details, check the Full Recipe. - Try using a mix of spices like cumin or chili powder. - Fresh herbs like basil and cilantro add great taste. - You can grill the chicken for a smoky flavor. - Baking is also an option; it keeps the chicken juicy. - For a healthier bowl, swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice. - To get the right sauce thickness, let it simmer longer. - Taste and adjust the garlic or lemon for your liking. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Just sauté them for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink. Tofu is great for a vegetarian option. Use firm tofu, press it to remove water, and sauté until golden. You can season it just like the chicken. Adding vegetables boosts nutrition and flavor. Try bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach. Just toss them in when you cook the chicken. You can also play with the sauce. For a lemon garlic twist, add lemon zest and juice. For an herb-infused sauce, try fresh thyme or rosemary. Both variations will elevate your dish. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. When you reheat, use the microwave or a skillet. If using the microwave, cover the bowl to keep moisture in. Stir halfway for even heating. For freezing, use freezer-safe containers. Portion the chicken and rice separately. This way, they stay fresh longer. When you want to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove or microwave until hot. Enjoy your meal later! Yes, you can use brown rice. Brown rice has more fiber and nutrients. It takes longer to cook than white rice, about 40-45 minutes. If you choose brown rice, adjust the cooking time. You might want to soak it for a few hours to speed up cooking. The nutty flavor of brown rice adds a nice twist to your bowl. To make a dairy-free version, you can use coconut milk or almond milk. Both add a creamy texture. You can also use a dairy-free cream substitute. Look for options labeled as "heavy cream" for dairy-free cooking. Adjust seasonings to taste, as some substitutes may change the flavor slightly. You can serve a fresh salad as a side. A simple green salad with vinaigrette pairs well. Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables also work nicely. For beverages, consider iced tea or sparkling water. Both refresh the palate and enhance your meal. Enjoy your bowl! In this blog post, we covered a delicious Easy Chicken & Rice Bowl recipe. We explored main ingredients like chicken and rice, along with a creamy garlic sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and assembly. You also learned how to enhance flavor and make variations. Remember to get creative with your protein choices and sides. This dish is simple and satisfying. Try it your way, and enjoy every bite! Keep experimenting to find your perfect bowl.

Easy Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Creamy garlic chicken and rice bowls are the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights! This easy recipe features tender chicken cooked in a rich garlic sauce, served over fluffy rice. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal that the whole family will love. Discover how to make this creamy delight and elevate your dinner experience. Click to explore the full recipe and enjoy a comforting bowl tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups of cooked white or brown rice

1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

1 teaspoon of smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 cup of heavy cream

3 cloves of garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season it with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. You'll know it's done when the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink in the center.

    Make the Garlic Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, begin preparing the creamy garlic sauce. In a separate saucepan, combine the minced garlic and heavy cream. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to simmer. Once simmering, mix in the Dijon mustard and fresh lemon juice. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.

      Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully pour the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir the mixture well to ensure that each piece of chicken is properly coated in the sauce. Allow it to simmer together for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.

        Assemble the Bowls: To serve, take a generous scoop of the cooked rice and place it in a bowl. Top the rice with a hearty portion of the creamy garlic chicken, ensuring some of the sauce drizzles over the rice for added flavor.

          Garnish and Enjoy: Finish off your bowls by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley on top. This will not only add a vibrant pop of color but also a fresh aroma that enhances the overall dish.

            Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4