This Chicken and Rice Bowls is a simple yet satisfying dish that combines tender, grilled chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch, this recipe delivers bold flavors and creamy comfort in every bite.
Easy Chicken and Rice Bowls Recipe
These Chicken and Rice Bowls are all about balance: juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken paired with creamy garlic sauce and rice to soak up all the flavors. The dish is versatile, allowing you to customize it with vegetables, spices, or your favorite garnishes.
Perfect for meal prep or serving fresh, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
Why Our Chicken and Rice Bowls Are the Best
Our Chicken & Rice Bowls are the ultimate comfort food. The chicken is lightly seasoned and grilled to perfection, while the garlic Parmesan sauce is smooth, creamy, and indulgent. With simple, wholesome ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is both quick and delicious.
Ingredients Notes for Chicken and Rice Bowls
Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect flavor and texture:
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Tender and lean, they are perfect for grilling.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Adds moisture and helps the seasoning stick to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a subtle, savory garlic flavor.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder – Complements the garlic and enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the flavors.
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a hint of spice to the chicken.
For the Rice:
- 2 cups cooked rice – A neutral base that soaks up the creamy garlic sauce beautifully.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter – Creates a rich base for the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – The star of the sauce, giving it bold flavor.
- ¼ cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce smooth and creamy.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds depth and savory richness.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley – Adds a fresh, herbal note.
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano – Enhances the Italian-inspired flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Balances and seasons the sauce.
Ingredient Substitution Tip: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness or swap rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or mashed potatoes for a fun twist.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Chicken and Rice Bowls
To make this delicious dish, you’ll need:
- Grill or grill pan
- Small saucepan
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons
- Serving bowls
How to Make Chicken and Rice Bowls
This recipe comes together in three easy steps: grilling the chicken, making the sauce, and assembling the bowls.
1. Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Rub the 1 pound chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper.
Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
2. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add the 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.
Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Bowls
Divide the 2 cups cooked rice among serving bowls. Top each bowl with sliced grilled chicken.
Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce, ensuring the sauce coats both the chicken and the rice.
Garnish with extra chopped parsley, Parmesan cheese, or a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired.
How To Store Chicken and Rice Bowls
Store leftover chicken, rice, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop, and gently reheat the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of cream or milk to thin the sauce if needed.
Chicken and Rice Bowls Variations
This versatile recipe can be customized with your favorite flavors:
- Spicy Chicken Bowls: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning for a kick of heat.
- Vegetable-Packed Bowls: Add steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers to the bowls for extra nutrients.
- Asian-Inspired Bowls: Swap the garlic sauce for teriyaki sauce and top with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Mediterranean Bowls: Use lemon-herb chicken and swap the garlic sauce for tzatziki or hummus.
- Low-Carb Bowls: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
What To Serve With Chicken and Rice Bowls
These bowls are a complete meal, but here are some pairing ideas for extra flair:
- Green salad: A fresh salad with a simple vinaigrette complements the creamy sauce.
- Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots make excellent sides.
- Garlic bread: Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
- Iced tea or lemonade: Refreshing drinks to balance the richness of the sauce.
Top Tips for Perfect Chicken and Rice Bowls
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C without overcooking.
- Warm Rice: Serve the bowls with warm, freshly cooked rice to absorb the sauce better.
- Fresh Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the sauce—it provides the boldest flavor.
- Season to Taste: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Let the Chicken Rest: Resting the chicken after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it moist and flavorful.
Helpful Notes
- Double the sauce recipe if you like extra sauce to drizzle over vegetables or bread.
- For meal prep, store the chicken, rice, and sauce in separate containers to maintain the best texture.
- To save time, use pre-cooked rice or microwaveable rice packs.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten: “Always use high-quality Parmesan cheese for sauces—it makes all the difference in flavor.
- Gordon Ramsay: “Let your chicken rest before slicing for the juiciest results.”
- Ree Drummond: “Don’t be afraid to adjust seasonings to your taste—cooking should be fun and flexible.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness to the dish.
2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if it thickens.
3. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Adjust cooking times accordingly if you’re cooking it from scratch.
4. Can I grill the chicken indoors?
Yes, use a grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet if an outdoor grill isn’t available.
5. Can I add other toppings to the bowls?
Of course! Avocado slices, roasted nuts, or a squeeze of lemon juice would all be great additions.
Enjoy these delicious Chicken and Rice Bowls , and savor the comforting, hearty flavors!
Chicken and Rice Bowls
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- – 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- – 1 tablespoon olive oil
- – 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- – 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- – 1/4 teaspoon salt
- – 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
For the Rice:
- – 2 cups cooked rice
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- – 2 tablespoons butter
- – 2 cloves garlic minced
- – 1/4 cup heavy cream
- – 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- – 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- – 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- – Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among serving bowls. Top each bowl with sliced chicken and drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately. Enjoy your flavorful Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce!
Notes
- Substitute grilled chicken with pan-seared or baked chicken if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
