Satisfy your cravings with this cozy bowl layered with juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a dreamy garlic sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything.

🍴 Comfort in a Bowl

There’s something deeply comforting about a meal that’s all-in-one—protein, carbs, veggies, and sauce—layered together in a big, hearty bowl. These Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce were born out of a weeknight craving for something warm, flavorful, and just a little indulgent.

The garlic sauce? It’s the star. Creamy, garlicky, and kissed with lemon—it brings the whole bowl together like a big cozy hug. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a hungry crowd, this dish checks every box.

🥘 Key Ingredients

Boneless Chicken Thighs or Breasts

Juicy and full of flavor, chicken thighs are ideal here—but breasts work if you prefer leaner meat. Seasoned simply with paprika, garlic, and lemon juice.

Long Grain White or Jasmine Rice

Fluffy and neutral, rice soaks up the garlic sauce beautifully and forms the perfect base for your bowl.

Creamy Garlic Sauce

A dreamy blend of Greek yogurt or mayo, sour cream, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It’s tangy, garlicky, and rich without being heavy.

Fresh Veggies (Tomato, Cucumber, Lettuce)

Add crunch, color, and freshness. Pick your favorites or clean out your fridge drawer!

Olive Oil + Seasonings

Simple spices like smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper elevate both the chicken and rice without much effort.

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Rice
Cook 1 cup of rice according to package instructions. Fluff and set aside. For added flavor, cook in chicken broth instead of water.
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken and marinate for 15–30 minutes.
Sear or Grill the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest before slicing.
Make the Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayo), 2 tbsp sour cream, 1–2 cloves grated garlic, juice of ½ lemon, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and a dash of cumin. Chill until ready to serve.
Assemble the Bowls
In each bowl, layer a scoop of rice, sliced chicken, chopped veggies, and a generous drizzle of garlic sauce. Add a sprinkle of parsley or paprika for color.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pair with warm pita bread or crispy chickpeas on top for added crunch.
Add pickled red onions or feta cheese for a tangy kick.
Serve with iced tea or lemon water for a refreshing contrast.

🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigeration

Store each component separately in airtight containers. They’ll keep for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Reheat chicken and rice in the microwave or skillet. Add a splash of water to prevent drying. Garlic sauce is best served cold.

Freezing

Freeze cooked chicken and rice only. Do not freeze the garlic sauce—it may separate.

❤️ Final Thoughts

These Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are endlessly versatile, comforting, and crave-worthy. They’re easy enough for a weekday, but delicious enough for a weekend gathering.

Don’t be surprised if that garlic sauce becomes your new obsession. (I’ve been known to dip fries in it. No regrets.)

❓ FAQ Section

Can I make this low-carb?
Yes! Swap rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa.

Is there a dairy-free version of the garlic sauce?
Absolutely—use dairy-free yogurt or mayo, and skip the sour cream.

Can I meal prep this?
Yes! Prep all components separately and assemble bowls fresh for the best texture.

What veggies work best?
Tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots, red cabbage, or arugula all work beautifully.

Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce