– **Title**: Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
– 1 pound chicken breast, diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **For the Creamy Garlic Sauce**:
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon water (to thin, if needed)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the creamy garlic sauce. In a bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust the consistency with water if necessary.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from heat.
5. To assemble the bowls, place a generous portion of cooked rice at the bottom of each bowl. Top with the cooked chicken.
6. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken and rice.
7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
8. Serve warm and enjoy your Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice adds a lovely texture to the dish. If you can’t find jasmine rice, feel free to use basmati, long-grain white rice, or even brown rice. Just adjust cooking times as brown rice takes longer.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe. You can swap them for thighs for more flavor, or use tofu for a vegetarian version. If you have leftover chicken, it works well here too!
Mayonnaise: I use regular mayonnaise for creaminess, but you can substitute Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo to lighten it up. This will change the flavor a bit but can still be delicious!
Garlic Powder: If you don’t have garlic powder, fresh garlic is a perfect substitute. Just use about half a clove per teaspoon of garlic powder to keep the flavor balanced.
How Can I Cook Chicken Perfectly So It’s Juicy?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but there are some key points to ensure it stays juicy and flavorful:
- Start with dried chicken breasts to help the seasoning stick better.
- Use medium-high heat for a nice sear, which keeps moisture inside.
- Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer can be really helpful here!
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
What’s the Best Way to Make a Creamy Sauce Smooth?
Making a creamy garlic sauce that’s smooth and well-blended is simple! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with room temperature ingredients. This helps them combine better.
- Whisk everything together well in a bowl until smooth. A fork or whisk works great for this!
- If you want to adjust the thickness, add a little water or milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
How to Make Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice and Chicken:
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 4 cups water
- 2 chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total to prepare and cook. You will need approximately 15 minutes to cook the rice and chicken, along with some time for mixing the creamy garlic sauce. It’s simple and quick, perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Start by combining 2 cups of jasmine rice and 4 cups of water in a medium pot. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then turn the heat down to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Once the water is absorbed, remove from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes. This resting time helps make the rice fluffy!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the rice is cooking, grab a grill pan or skillet and preheat it over medium-high heat. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, which helps them cook better. Drizzle the chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken to ensure it’s well coated.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Once your pan is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until they are cooked through and have beautiful grill marks. To ensure they are fully cooked, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). After cooking, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
4. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until everything is blended into a smooth and creamy sauce. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you like!
5. Assemble the Bowls:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Start by adding a scoop of the fluffy rice to each serving bowl as your base. Then top the rice with the sliced grilled chicken. Don’t forget to drizzle that delicious creamy garlic sauce on top!
6. Garnish:
To finish it off, sprinkle some chopped green onions over the bowls for a touch of freshness and color. It looks great and adds flavor too!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now your Chicken & Rice Bowls are ready to enjoy! Serve them warm, and encourage everyone to mix in the creamy garlic sauce for an extra layer of yummy flavor. Dig in and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of Jasmine Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it takes longer to cook. Usually, brown rice requires about 40-45 minutes of simmering and may need a bit more water (around 2.5 cups of water for each cup of rice). Be sure to check the package instructions for the best cooking method!
How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut cream or a cashew-based sour cream. For the mayonnaise, look for vegan mayo brands. This way, you can still enjoy a creamy sauce without any dairy ingredients!
Can I Store Leftovers? How Long Do They Last?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the rice and chicken separately to maintain their texture. You can microwave the creamy garlic sauce briefly but be careful not to let it overheat.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add to the Bowls?
Feel free to customize your bowls! You can add steamed broccoli, sautéed bell peppers, or mixed greens for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times if you’re adding raw veggies to cook with the chicken!
