Chicken & Rice Bowl with Creamy Garlic Sauce
A simple, comforting bowl built on fluffy long-grain rice, golden pan-seared chicken, and a silky garlic-cream sauce. Perfect for weeknights and adaptable for meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3-4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lb total)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water (for the rice)
- 4-6 cloves fresh garlic, minced adjust to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or neutral oil)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse 1 cup long-grain white rice under cold water until runoff is clear. Combine rice and 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 18–20 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes; then fluff with a fork.
- While the rice cooks, pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cooking
- Add chicken to hot skillet. Cook 6–7 minutes per side without moving too much, until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) at the thickest point. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil for 5 minutes to rest.
- In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce. Stir continuously and let the mixture simmer gently about 4–5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Slice rested chicken into strips. Return slices to the skillet and stir to coat them thoroughly in the sauce. Warm through 2–3 minutes so chicken absorbs some sauce.
- Divide fluffed rice into bowls. Spoon saucy chicken over the rice. Garnish as desired.
Notes
For a lighter sauce, swap half the heavy cream for low-fat milk. For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk and a splash of lime. Pair with steamed broccoli, a simple salad, or fruits for a balanced meal.