There is something incredibly satisfying about a bowl packed with savory chicken, fluffy rice, and that dreamy, luscious creamy garlic sauce. The Chicken Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is a perfect blend of simple ingredients coming together to create a meal that feels both comforting and fresh. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a meal prep that stays delicious, this recipe has you covered with vibrant flavors, healthy protein, and a sauce that steals the show every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on straightforward, familiar ingredients that each play a big role in building flavor complexity and satisfying textures. From the tender, well-seasoned chicken to the creamy garlic sauce that adds the perfect tang and richness, every element is essential.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 lb): Choose thighs for more juiciness or breasts for leaner meat, diced for quick, even cooking.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully with a subtle fruity note.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a mild, smoky warmth that enhances the chicken’s flavor.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Deepens the savory profile, complementing the fresh garlic in the sauce.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Adds sweetness and subtle sharpness for well-rounded seasoning.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing every ingredient’s natural flavors.
- Cooked rice (2 cups): Use any variety you prefer—white, brown, or jasmine—to provide the perfect fluffy base.
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (½ cup): The creamy base of the sauce that adds tang and protein.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Gives the sauce extra creaminess and depth.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds smoothness and richness to the sauce consistency.
- Fresh garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic garlic flavor.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Introduces bright acidity that lights up the sauce and balances the richness.
- Water (1–2 tablespoons): Used to thin the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- Optional toppings: sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, chopped parsley or cilantro, avocado slices, crumbled feta—all help brighten and add texture.
How to Make Chicken Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss your diced chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to make sure every piece is beautifully seasoned. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring every so often until the pieces are golden and cooked through. This step is critical because it locks in flavor and ensures your chicken stays juicy and tender.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
While the chicken cooks, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and just enough water until you get a silky smooth sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper. This sauce is the heart of the dish, delivering that signature creamy, zesty garlic punch that pairs perfectly with the chicken and rice.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the cooked rice evenly amongst four bowls. Pile the golden chicken on top, add your favorite fresh veggies or herbs for extra flavor and texture, then generously drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or crumbled feta if you like, then serve warm for the ultimate comfort meal. It comes together effortlessly but tastes like you spent hours perfecting it.
How to Serve Chicken Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes takes this dish from delicious to irresistible. Cilantro or parsley brings herbal brightness, while sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes add a refreshing crunch and juicy burst. Crumbled feta adds a tangy contrast, and creamy avocado slices boost richness and make the bowl feel indulgent yet wholesome.
Side Dishes
These bowls are fabulous on their own, but if you’d like, pair them with a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A crisp cucumber and tomato salad with a light vinaigrette will echo the fresh flavors perfectly, while roasted sweet potatoes or steamed broccoli will add warmth and extra nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the chicken and rice in mini mason jars for meal prep or picnic-friendly packing. You can also turn these into lettuce wraps for a lower-carb option or use cauliflower rice to keep it grain-free and light. The creamy garlic sauce makes fantastic dipping sauce when served on the side too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores beautifully in separate containers for chicken, rice, and sauce to keep textures fresh. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners all week long.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and rice separately (not the sauce) in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and rice gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep things moist. Add the creamy garlic sauce fresh from the fridge on top just before serving—this way it stays luscious and never separates.
FAQs
Can I use different types of rice?
Absolutely! White, brown, jasmine, or even cauliflower rice are all great choices. Each will add a slightly different texture and flavor, so pick what you enjoy most or have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap out the Greek yogurt and sour cream for your favorite dairy-free alternatives and skip the cheese. The sauce will still be creamy and delicious.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild by default, making it family-friendly. To add spice, you can include a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle some hot sauce on the finished bowls.
Can I prep the components ahead of time?
Definitely! Cook the chicken and rice a day or two in advance and prepare the sauce. Store everything separately and assemble when ready to eat for the freshest experience.
What other proteins can I use instead of chicken?
If you want to switch things up, shrimp, tofu, or even grilled beef strips work wonderfully with the creamy garlic sauce and rice base. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals thanks to its incredible flavor, ease of preparation, and versatility. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a reliable meal prep option. I truly hope you enjoy making and devouring these bowls as much as I do!
Print
Chicken Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Description
Delicious and healthy Chicken Rice Bowls topped with a creamy garlic sauce and fresh vegetables. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe features tender, seasoned chicken cooked on the stovetop, paired with fluffy rice and a tangy, flavorful sauce, perfect for quick dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings (optional):
- Sliced cucumbers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Shredded carrots
- Chopped parsley or cilantro
- Avocado slices
- Crumbled feta
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss the diced chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to reach your desired sauce consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among 4 bowls. Top each bowl with the cooked chicken, your choice of optional vegetables such as sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, avocado slices, and fresh herbs or crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce. Serve the bowls warm.
Notes
- To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative and omit the feta cheese.
- For meal prep, store the chicken, rice, sauce, and toppings separately in airtight containers and assemble just before eating to maintain freshness.
- You can use white, brown, or jasmine rice according to preference or dietary needs.
- Adjust the seasoning in the sauce and chicken to suit your taste.
