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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice - 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth) - 1 cup heavy cream - 5 garlic cloves, minced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish - 1 cup frozen peas (optional) When making creamy garlic chicken rice bowls, precise measurements matter. Use 2 cups of broth for 1 cup of rice. This ratio gives the rice a nice texture. You can swap jasmine rice for basmati or brown rice. If you don’t have heavy cream, use half-and-half or whole milk. This keeps the dish creamy, but it may change the taste a bit. I love using fresh herbs in this recipe. Fresh parsley adds color and a bright taste. You can also add fresh thyme if you have it. For spices, paprika gives warmth and depth. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. These simple choices boost the flavor of your creamy garlic chicken rice bowls. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup of uncooked jasmine rice. Lower the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The rice should be tender and absorb all the liquid. After that, remove it from the heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes. This resting time makes the rice fluffy. While the rice cooks, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes or until it becomes see-through. Next, add 2 diced chicken breasts. Season them with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Cook the chicken for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring often until it turns brown and is fully cooked. Now, it’s time to add the flavor. Toss in 5 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes until you can smell that amazing garlic aroma. After that, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir everything well. Let it simmer on low heat for another 3 to 5 minutes. This step helps the sauce thicken and become creamy. If you want, add in 1 cup of frozen peas. Cook them until they are heated through. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. To get juicy chicken, cut it into small, even pieces. This way, it cooks evenly. Make sure your skillet is hot before you add the chicken. This helps to lock in the juices. Don’t overcrowd the pan. If needed, cook the chicken in batches. Always check for doneness by cutting into a piece. The inside should not be pink. Using jasmine rice gives a nice flavor and aroma. Always rinse the rice before cooking. This removes excess starch and makes the rice less sticky. The broth adds extra taste, so using vegetable or chicken broth is key. If you want firmer rice, decrease the cooking time slightly. For softer rice, you can let it cook a bit longer. Fluffing the rice with a fork before serving makes it light and airy. To boost flavor, use fresh herbs. Try adding basil or cilantro. Fresh herbs can make a big difference. For a richer taste, sauté the garlic until golden. This adds depth and sweetness. You can also add a splash of lemon juice before serving. It brightens the dish and balances the creaminess. Serve the creamy garlic chicken over a bed of fluffy rice. You can use a fork to fluff the rice. This makes it light and airy. Top it with the chicken mix and sprinkle fresh parsley. It adds a nice color and freshness. For a fun twist, serve it in a large bowl for sharing. Everyone loves a family-style meal! For sides, I recommend a simple salad. A green salad with a light vinaigrette works well. You can also serve steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach. These veggies add color and nutrition. For beverages, a crisp white wine pairs nicely. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon. It refreshes the palate between bites. Pro Tips Choose the Right Rice: Jasmine rice is ideal for this recipe due to its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture, which complements the creamy sauce. Perfectly Cook Chicken: Ensure your chicken is cut into even pieces for consistent cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Add Flavor Depth: Sauté the onions until they are golden and caramelized to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish. Garnish Wisely: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brightens the dish's flavor. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon for extra freshness. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for other proteins. Try diced shrimp or tofu for a twist. Both options work well with the creamy sauce. If you prefer red meat, diced beef or pork also taste great. If you want a lighter dish, use cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken. For a vegetarian option, add sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables. To make this dish gluten-free, ensure your broth is labeled gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce if you want extra flavor. For a dairy-free option, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or almond cream. This change keeps the dish creamy and tasty. Remember to check all labels for hidden gluten or dairy. You can play with flavors to suit your taste. Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Smoked paprika gives a deeper flavor than regular paprika. You can also toss in fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. For heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Each change makes the dish your own. To keep your creamy garlic chicken rice bowls fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing. This helps keep the flavors intact. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stovetop for the best taste. In a skillet, heat over low to medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water to help the sauce stay creamy. Stir frequently until it’s hot. You can also microwave it. Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or a paper towel. Heat in short bursts, checking often. To freeze your creamy garlic chicken rice bowls, first, let them cool completely. Portion out servings in freezer-safe containers. Leave some space in the container, as the sauce may expand while freezing. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps everything tasty and fresh. To make creamy garlic sauce, start by cooking minced garlic in olive oil. Let it cook for one to two minutes until fragrant. Next, add heavy cream and stir well. Simmer it on low heat for three to five minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and the flavors blend. You can season with salt and pepper to taste. Yes, you can use brown rice instead of jasmine rice. Brown rice has a nuttier flavor and takes longer to cook. You will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically needs about 40-45 minutes to become tender. Use the same amount of broth, but check the rice often. If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream or cashew cream. Both options provide a creamy texture. Adjust the amount based on your preference for creaminess. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for tasty dishes. I shared ways to change the recipe and how to store leftovers. Remember, good meals start with fresh herbs and spices. Use my cooking tips for perfect chicken and rice. Feel free to get creative and adjust flavors to your liking. Enjoy your cooking journey, and make meals that bring joy to the table. Happy cooking!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls

A delicious and creamy chicken dish served over fluffy jasmine rice, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Remove from heat and let it stand covered for another 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the diced chicken to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. Cook for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Let it simmer on low heat for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • If using, stir in the frozen peas and cook until heated through. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
  • To serve, fluff the rice with a fork and portion it into bowls. Top each bowl with the creamy garlic chicken mixture.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Notes

Feel free to add more vegetables or adjust seasonings to your taste.
Keyword chicken, comfort food, creamy, garlic, rice