One Bowl Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice
This dish combines tender garlic-infused chicken, perfectly cooked creamy rice, and a hint of herbs for a cozy one-pan meal. The sauce is creamy yet light, with subtle Mediterranean touches like olive oil, lemon, and parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cubes
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
For the Rice and Sauce:
1 tbsp butter or olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup milk or half-and-half
¼ cup cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp dried oregano or thyme
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Cook 5–6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove and set aside.
Saute Aromatics
In the same pan, add butter and onion. Saute for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Rice and Broth
Stir in rice and toast it for 1–2 minutes to absorb flavors.
Pour in chicken broth, stir, and bring to a boil.
Simmer
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes (until rice is almost cooked and liquid mostly absorbed).
Make It Creamy
Stir in milk, cream (or yogurt), Parmesan, oregano, and cooked chicken.
Simmer uncovered for 3–5 more minutes until creamy and thickened.
Finish and Serve
Add lemon juice and fresh parsley.
Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
Serve hot straight from the pan — one bowl is all you need!
Tips
Use basmati rice for a fluffier texture or arborio rice for extra creaminess.
Substitute cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a healthier twist.
Add spinach, peas, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple Mediterranean salad or steamed vegetables.
Add a drizzle of garlic yogurt sauce or tzatziki for freshness.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 40g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 2g