Description
Let’s talk about the kind of dinner that checks every box: protein-packed, quick to throw together, customizable, and tastes even better the next day. Enter these Easy Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Think tender, golden seared chicken piled over fluffy rice, with whatever veggies you’ve got hanging out in the fridge, all smothered in a dreamy, garlicky sauce that makes everything taste like it came from your favorite café. These bowls are your new back-pocket meal — equally great for feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or rescuing a Tuesday night when the fridge is uninspiring and your will to cook is fading.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bowls:
1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size chunks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cups cooked white or brown rice
2 cups steamed or sautéed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, spinach, zucchini — your call)
Optional toppings: chopped fresh herbs, feta, pickled onions, sliced avocado, lemon wedges
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
2–3 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Water to thin, if needed
Instructions
Step 1: Make the garlic sauce. Whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste. Add a splash of water if it’s too thick. Chill in the fridge while everything else cooks.
Step 2: Cook the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken in a single layer for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Don’t crowd the pan — do it in batches if needed.
Step 3: Prep the rice and veggies. Warm up the rice or cook it fresh if you’ve got time. Steam or sauté your favorite veggies. Season them lightly with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Step 4: Build your bowls. Start with a scoop of rice, add your veggies and chicken, then drizzle generously with that creamy garlic sauce. Top with herbs, cheese, avocado — whatever makes your bowl extra.
Notes
These bowls are great with a side of warm pita or naan
Serve with a side salad for extra greens
Want to add more crunch? Toss in some roasted chickpeas or chopped nuts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~480 calories per serving
- Protein: ~35g per serving