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Creamy Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 90 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Rice Bowl is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender diced chicken thighs sautéed and simmered in a rich garlic cream sauce, served atop fluffy white rice cooked in savory chicken broth. Perfect for a wholesome and satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe balances creamy textures with aromatic garlic and fresh parsley garnish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Rice

  • 1 lb chicken thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Other Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Simmer gently for about 18-20 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork to keep the grains separate and fluffy.
  2. Sauté the chicken: While the rice cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken thighs to the hot oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Cook the onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Make the cream sauce: Pour in the cup of heavy cream to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes as it thickens slightly and becomes glossy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Combine chicken with cream sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces back to the skillet, stirring them into the creamy garlic sauce to coat evenly. Continue to cook the mixture for another 2 minutes to heat the chicken through and meld the flavors together.
  6. Assemble and serve: Spoon the fluffy cooked rice into serving bowls. Top with the creamy garlic chicken mixture. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty and delicious creamy garlic chicken rice bowls.

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat compared to chicken breasts.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic to taste for more or less pungency.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer or add a small slurry of cornstarch mixed with water.
  • Sprinkle additional fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
  • Can be served with steamed or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Keywords: creamy garlic chicken, chicken rice bowls, creamy chicken recipe, one pan chicken dinner, garlic cream sauce, weeknight chicken dinner

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/creamy-garlic-chicken-rice-bowls-recipe/