Chicken & Rice Bowls with Garlic Sauce

Hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, these Chicken & Rice Bowls with Garlic Sauce are a complete meal packed with juicy, seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy, garlicky sauce that ties it all together. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this easy bowl recipe delivers fresh, bold flavors in every bite—and it’s way better (and healthier) than takeout!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Bowl Wonder – Everything you need in one satisfying meal.
Flavor-Packed Garlic Sauce – Creamy, zesty, and totally addictive.
Meal-Prep Friendly – Make ahead for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Customizable – Add your favorite veggies and toppings.
Family Favorite – Kid-approved and great for busy nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice or jasmine rice
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Garlic Sauce:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped cucumbers
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced red onions
• Fresh parsley or cilantro
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Lemon wedges

Tools You’ll Need

• Skillet or grill pan
• Medium pot (for rice)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice
In a medium pot, combine the rice, chicken broth (or water), butter, and salt.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and golden brown.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the rice among 4 bowls.
Top with cooked chicken, and drizzle generously with garlic sauce.
Add your favorite toppings like cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, parsley, or feta cheese.

Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for extra freshness.

Tips for Success
Use Chicken Thighs – They stay juicier, but chicken breasts work too.
Marinate Longer – Let the chicken sit in the seasoning for extra flavor if you have time.
Fresh Garlic – Grating the garlic makes the sauce smoother and more flavorful.
Customize Your Bowl – Add roasted veggies, swap in brown rice or quinoa, or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Double the Sauce – It’s so good you might want extra for dipping or drizzling!

Serving Suggestions
As a Meal Prep Lunch – Pack everything separately and assemble when ready to eat.
With Pita Bread – Scoop everything into warm pita for a handheld meal.
With Roasted Veggies – Add roasted broccoli, carrots, or zucchini.
As a Salad – Serve the chicken and toppings over a bed of greens instead of rice.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Store chicken, rice, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Freeze cooked chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Microwave: Heat chicken and rice separately for 1–2 minutes until hot.
Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought garlic sauce?
   Yes, but homemade tastes fresher and lets you control the ingredients.
2. Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying?
   Absolutely! Grilled chicken adds even more smoky flavor.
3. Can I use brown rice?
   Yes, just increase the cooking time according to package instructions.
4. Is this recipe dairy-free?
   Use dairy-free yogurt and mayonnaise to make it dairy-free.
5. Can I make the garlic sauce ahead of time?
   Yes! It tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.

Final Thoughts
These Chicken & Rice Bowls with Garlic Sauce are everything you want in a meal—flavorful, filling, and easy to put together. The juicy chicken, fluffy rice, fresh toppings, and creamy garlic sauce create a combination that’s downright irresistible. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or just looking for a quick and delicious dinner, this recipe has you covered.

Make them today and enjoy a healthy, satisfying bowl full of fresh flavors! Don’t forget to share your creations online!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Bowl – serves 4):
Calories: 430 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 540mg

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