Looking for a comforting, protein-packed, and flavor-loaded meal that comes together effortlessly? These Easy Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are your next dinner hero! Think juicy, golden chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant veggies, and a rich, garlicky sauce that ties everything together.

This meal is not just about flavor—it’s about convenience. It’s meal-prep friendly, kid-approved, customizable, and far healthier than most takeout options. Plus, you only need a handful of pantry ingredients to whip it up. Let’s dig in!

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the Chicken:

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
• 10g olive oil (2 tsp)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (3g)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (1.5g)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder (1.5g)
• ½ teaspoon salt (2g)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1g)

For the Rice:

• 200g jasmine or basmati rice (1 cup, uncooked)
• 400ml water or chicken broth
• Pinch of salt

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 20g butter (1.5 tbsp)
• 15g all-purpose flour (1 tbsp)
• 250ml whole milk
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (6g)
• 30g Parmesan cheese, grated (2 tbsp)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Bowl Add-Ins:

• 100g steamed broccoli or green beans
• 50g sliced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
• Red pepper flakes for heat

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🔪 Instructions

1. Cook the Rice

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine rice, water or broth, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

2. Sear the Chicken

In a bowl, toss diced chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute.

Slowly pour in milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer another 1–2 minutes until silky smooth.

4. Assemble Your Bowls

Scoop cooked rice into bowls, top with juicy chicken, and drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce. Add steamed veggies or fresh toppings, then finish with a sprinkle of herbs or red pepper flakes.

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📊 Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Sugar: 5g

Note: These values can vary slightly depending on ingredients used and serving size.

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🌟 Tips & Tricks

• Make It Lighter: Swap whole milk for unsweetened almond milk and use less cheese.
• Use Leftover Chicken: Great for rotisserie or grilled leftovers—just reheat and drizzle with sauce.
• Batch Cook: Double the recipe and pack into meal prep containers for the week.
• Add Heat: A few drops of hot sauce or sriracha in the sauce gives it a spicy kick.
• Go Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini.

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🧄 Why You’ll Love This Garlic Sauce

This creamy garlic sauce is a superstar. It’s velvety, garlicky (but not overpowering), and versatile. It pairs beautifully with chicken, but it’s also perfect over veggies, fish, pasta, or even poured onto roasted potatoes. Think of it as your new kitchen staple!

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💬 From My Kitchen to Yours

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a well-balanced bowl. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and that luscious garlic sauce—it’s like a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is actually pretty wholesome. It checks all the boxes: easy, fast, affordable, and so good.

Perfect for weeknights, picky eaters, or even dinner parties with a casual twist. Give this one a try—you’ll keep coming back to it.