Description
This creamy garlic chicken bowl recipe is an easy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, served over rice with fresh steamed broccoli and cherry tomatoes for a well-balanced, comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 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
Bowl Components
- 4 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 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. Toss to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning blend.
- 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, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors.
- Add Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce gently simmer for 3-5 minutes until it begins to thicken, ensuring it does not boil to prevent curdling.
- Incorporate Cheese and Spices: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using, mixing continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper according to taste.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the creamy garlic sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to warm through and absorb the flavors.
- Finish with Parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh note.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among four serving bowls.
- Add Chicken: Spoon a generous portion of the creamy garlic chicken over the rice in each bowl.
- Add Vegetables: Arrange the steamed broccoli florets and sliced cherry tomatoes around the chicken in each bowl to add color, nutrition, and texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish each bowl with additional fresh parsley. Serve the bowls immediately for best flavor and texture.
- Optional Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the bowls to add a zesty brightness if desired.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Use cauliflower rice to make it low-carb and gluten-free if preferred.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your desired spice level or omit for a milder sauce.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with basil or cilantro based on flavor preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximate)
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Creamy garlic chicken, chicken bowls, easy chicken recipe, garlic sauce, Parmesan chicken, healthy dinner bowl
