Creamy Garlic Chicken Bowls Recipe
Creamy Garlic Chicken Bowls are a delicious, comforting meal featuring tender chicken cooked in a rich and creamy garlic sauce, served over fluffy rice with vibrant steamed broccoli and fresh cherry tomatoes. This recipe is perfect for a hearty dinner that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Chicken and Seasonings
- 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
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
To Serve
- 4 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
- 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.
- 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 cooked through and lightly browned on all sides (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Set aside.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant (avoid burning).
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in Heavy Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Gently simmer for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken (avoid boiling).
- Add Cheese and Spices: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to warm through.
- Finish with Parsley: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls.
- Add Chicken: Top each bowl with a generous portion of the creamy garlic chicken.
- Add Vegetables: Arrange the steamed broccoli florets and sliced cherry tomatoes around the chicken in each bowl.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
- Optional Serving: Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the bowls.
Notes
- You can use white, brown, or cauliflower rice as a base for this bowl depending on your preference or dietary needs.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level or omit if you prefer a milder sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook the garlic in the sauce to avoid bitterness.
- To save time, prepare rice and steam vegetables ahead of time.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring the chicken broth is gluten-free and using cauliflower rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Keywords: creamy garlic chicken, chicken bowls, easy dinner recipe, garlic sauce, healthy chicken recipe