Get ready to fall in love with your new meal-prep hero: Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Tender, juicy chicken meets fluffy rice and a tangy, luscious sauce, all in one glorious, customizable bowl. Each bite hits the perfect combo of savory, garlicky, and fresh. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for one, this dish is an instant crowd-pleaser that’s just as satisfying on a busy weeknight as it is for a cozy weekend feast.

Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This isn’t just any rice bowl—it’s all about a balance of simple, everyday ingredients, each contributing flavor, texture, and color to make these bowls completely irresistible. You probably have most of what you need on hand already, and each component shines in its own delicious way.

Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose skinless pieces for tender, juicy bites that absorb all the marinade’s goodness.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken sear beautifully in the pan.
Garlic cloves: The heart and soul of the creamy sauce, giving it an unmistakably robust flavor.
Plain Greek yogurt: Acts as a base for the sauce, giving it tanginess and creaminess without weighing it down.
Lemon juice: Brings brightness to the sauce and marinade, lifting all the flavors.
Cooked white or brown rice: The foundation—it’s all about your preference, but fluffy rice soaks up extra sauce like a dream.
Fresh cucumber and tomatoes: Crisp, refreshing contrast to the warm chicken and rice, adding a pop of color.
Chopped fresh parsley (or mint): Lends vibrant, herbal notes to finish everything off.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Because perfectly seasoned food is key!
Paprika or cumin (optional): For a subtle smoky, earthy depth in the marinade.

How to Make Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips, then transfer them into a mixing bowl. Add a swirl of olive oil, a generous squeeze of lemon juice, a pinch of salt and pepper, and, if you love a little warmth, a dusting of paprika or cumin. Let the chicken soak up these flavors for at least 15 minutes (or up to a few hours if planning ahead)—the longer it sits, the more flavorful it’ll be.

Step 2: Grill or Pan-Sear Chicken

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add a touch of olive oil. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding. Let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes so they achieve a golden, caramelized edge, then flip and finish until cooked through—about 6–8 minutes total, depending on your pieces. Juicy and perfectly seasoned chicken is the star of these bowls!

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce

While the chicken finishes cooking, whip up the magic ingredient: Creamy Garlic Sauce. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, finely minced garlic, a splash of fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until you have a smooth, pourable sauce that’s packed with zing and lush texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning; don’t be shy with the garlic if you love it bold!

Step 4: Prep the Bowls

Fluff up your rice and divide it between serving bowls. Slice cucumbers and cherry tomatoes into bite-sized pieces for crunch and brightness. Arrange the warm chicken over the rice, nestle in the crisp veggies, and finish with a handful of freshly chopped parsley or mint. This medley of color and texture makes every bite interesting and delicious.

Step 5: Assemble with Sauce

Now comes the best part: drizzle that creamy garlic sauce all over your chicken, rice, and veggies. Use a spoon for big swirls or a squeeze bottle for fun zigzags—either way, make sure every element gets a little love. Dig in right away while everything is fresh and your kitchen smells like heaven!

How to Serve Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and maybe a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a professional, restaurant-worthy finish. Some toasted sesame seeds or a squeeze of extra lemon can add a delightful, unexpected twist to these Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce.

Side Dishes

These bowls pair beautifully with simple flatbreads like pita or naan to scoop up extra sauce, or pair with a light Greek salad for even more fresh crunch. A side of roasted or steamed vegetables also rounds out the meal and helps you sneak in even more greens.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve deconstructed for family-style meals—line up bowls with each ingredient and let everyone build their own Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce. Or, create individual mason jar salads for meal prep, layering rice, veggies, chicken, and a separate little container of sauce to keep everything fresh until serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftovers into airtight containers, keeping the chicken, rice, and sauce separate for best texture. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, making them amazing for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and rice (together or separately) for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely before sealing in freezer-safe containers. Make a fresh batch of the creamy garlic sauce after thawing, as yogurt-based sauces don’t always freeze and thaw smoothly.

Reheating

Warm your chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to restore moisture. Add the cold, fresh Creamy Garlic Sauce after reheating for that irresistible just-made flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Chicken thighs are actually juicier and bring a little extra richness. Just trim off any excess fat before marinating for the best results.

Is there a dairy-free version of the creamy garlic sauce?

Yes—use unsweetened coconut yogurt or a plant-based yogurt alternative. You’ll still get a creamy, tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and fluffy rice.

How spicy can I make these bowls?

If you’re craving heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the marinade. You can also swirl in a little sriracha or harissa into the creamy garlic sauce for a spicy punch.

What kind of rice works best?

Any rice you love will work! Classic white rice provides a soft backdrop, brown rice adds a bit of chew and nutty flavor, and even fragrant jasmine or basmati rice can elevate each bite.

Can I make Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely. This dish is built for prep—just keep the sauce and veggies separate until you’re ready to eat to ensure everything stays crisp, fresh, and as flavorful as possible.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce, you’ll want to make it again and again. It’s fantastic for sharing, endlessly customizable, and always delivers big on flavor. Don’t be surprised when friends and family start requesting this for every get-together—it’s just that irresistible!

Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe