Creamy Garlic Chicken Bowls Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Garlic Chicken Bowls are a comforting and flavorful meal that come together quickly on a weeknight. Tender chicken cooked in a rich, garlicky sauce is served over rice with fresh vegetables for a balanced and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
• 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to evenly coat the chicken.
2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 5-7 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken, avoiding boiling.
6. Step 6: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until cheese melts and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly with the creamy sauce, and let it warm through for a few minutes.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley.
9. Step 9: Divide cooked rice evenly among four bowls.
10. Step 10: Top each bowl with a generous portion of creamy garlic chicken.
11. Step 11: Arrange steamed broccoli florets and sliced cherry tomatoes around the chicken in each bowl.
12. Step 12: Garnish with extra fresh parsley and serve immediately.
13. Step 13: Optional: Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the dish to add brightness.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use cauliflower rice to reduce carbs.
• Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra veggies and flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more intense garlic flavor in the seasoning step.

Storage

Store leftover creamy garlic chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes, boneless skinless thighs or even pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can work well. Adjust cooking times accordingly for larger pieces.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

The chicken and sauce can be frozen separately from the rice. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly on the stovetop to preserve creaminess.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Bowls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 99 reviews

Creamy Garlic Chicken Bowls featuring tender, seasoned chicken breast cubes cooked in a rich and velvety garlic Parmesan cream sauce, served over your choice of rice and accompanied by steamed broccoli and fresh cherry tomatoes. A comforting, flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

For Serving:

• 4 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
• 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated for consistent seasoning.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
4. Simmer Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, letting it gently reduce for 2-3 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
5. Add Heavy Cream: Lower the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly without boiling.
6. Incorporate Parmesan and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it thoroughly in the creamy garlic sauce. Let it simmer together for a few minutes to heat the chicken through and meld the flavors.
8. Finish with Fresh Parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley to add a fresh, vibrant note.
9. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls as the base.
10. Add Creamy Garlic Chicken: Top each bowl with a generous portion of the creamy garlic chicken, ensuring each serving is well-coated with sauce.
11. Arrange Vegetables: Neatly place the steamed broccoli florets and sliced cherry tomatoes around the chicken in each bowl to add color, texture, and freshness.
12. Garnish and Serve: Garnish bowls with more fresh parsley and serve immediately. Optionally, offer lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over at the table to add a bright citrus note.

Notes

• Ensure the skillet is hot enough before adding chicken to achieve a nice sear and prevent sticking.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or cream.
• For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
• Use fresh garlic for best flavor; garlic powder is only used as a seasoning on the chicken.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop to prevent the cream from curdling.

Keywords: creamy garlic chicken, chicken bowl recipe, quick dinner, one pan chicken, Parmesan chicken, creamy chicken sauce