Looking for a simple, hearty dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor? These Easy Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are the answer. This recipe brings together juicy, seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, fresh veggies, and a silky homemade garlic sauce — all layered in a single, satisfying bowl.
Perfect for busy weeknights, lunch meal prep, or even feeding a crowd, this dish is customizable, family-friendly, and incredibly delicious. The creamy garlic sauce is the real star here, adding richness and bold flavor to every bite. You can easily adapt this bowl to fit your taste — swap in different vegetables, change the rice, or make it spicy with a dash of hot sauce.
🧾 Ingredients (in grams)
Serves 4
For the Chicken:
- 600g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 15g olive oil
- 2g paprika
- 2g garlic powder
- 2g onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Rice:
- 200g white or brown rice (uncooked)
- 400ml water or chicken broth
- 2g salt
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 150g plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 60g mayonnaise
- 2–3 garlic cloves (about 6g), finely minced or crushed
- 15ml lemon juice (1 tbsp)
- 1g salt
- 1g black pepper
- Optional: 10g chopped fresh parsley or dill
Toppings & Veggies:
- 1 medium cucumber (150g), diced
- 1 medium tomato (150g), diced
- 100g shredded carrots
- 1 avocado (optional), sliced
- 100g chopped lettuce or spinach
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Rice:
In a medium saucepan, bring 400ml of water or broth to a boil. Add salt and rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes (for white rice) or 35–40 minutes (for brown rice) until tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
3. Make the Garlic Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in fresh herbs if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Assemble the Bowls:
In each serving bowl, add a layer of rice. Top with the cooked chicken, fresh diced vegetables, shredded carrots, avocado slices, and greens. Drizzle with creamy garlic sauce and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Customize Your Bowl: Swap chicken for grilled tofu, shrimp, or chickpeas for a vegetarian or pescatarian version.
- Spice It Up: Add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle of chili flakes for heat.
- Grain Swap: Try using quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a lower-carb option.
🔢 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
Based on Greek yogurt and chicken breast. Values may vary based on specific ingredients.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Meal Prep Friendly: These bowls can be assembled and stored in airtight containers for 3–4 days in the fridge. Keep the sauce separate until ready to eat for best results.
- Garlic Intensity: If you love strong garlic flavor, use raw garlic. For a milder sauce, roast the garlic before blending.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute the yogurt and mayo with plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free creamy sauce.
👨🍳 My Personal Twist for Your Website
To boost nutrition and add flavor, I love stirring a spoonful of hummus or tahini into the garlic sauce — it deepens the flavor and adds creaminess. You can also layer roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini in place of raw veggies for a warm, grilled touch.
Another variation I love is replacing the white rice with turmeric rice or coconut jasmine rice. It not only enhances the color but adds aromatic depth to the whole bowl.
These bowls are also perfect for kids — just adjust the garlic level and offer different veggie options they enjoy. It’s a delicious way to get everyone to eat balanced meals without fuss.
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