Creamy Garlic Chicken Bowls Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Bowls recipe features tender, seasoned chicken cooked in a rich and velvety garlic Parmesan sauce. Served over a bed of fluffy rice and accompanied by fresh steamed broccoli and juicy cherry tomatoes, this dish is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare on any weeknight.
- Author: Lila
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Additional Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
- 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 well to ensure all chicken pieces are evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Set the cooked chicken aside.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow it to reduce slightly over 2-3 minutes.
- Add Cream: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce gently simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken. Avoid boiling.
- Incorporate Cheese and Spices: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if using. Continue mixing until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the creamy garlic sauce to coat evenly. Let it simmer together for an additional few minutes to heat through.
- Add Fresh Parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Assemble 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 for color and nutrition.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the bowls with extra fresh parsley. Serve immediately with optional lemon wedges for squeezing on top to add a bright citrus note.
Notes
- You can substitute cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired spice level or omit for a milder sauce.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through thoroughly by checking it reaches 165°F internally.
- Fresh parsley can be replaced with fresh basil or chives for a different herbal flavor.
- This dish can be prepared ahead by cooking the chicken and sauce separately, then combining when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: creamy garlic chicken, chicken bowls, garlic parmesan chicken, easy chicken dinner, creamy chicken sauce, healthy chicken recipe