Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce – A Weeknight Favorite That Brings Everyone Together 🍗🍚

There’s something special about dinners made with a little teamwork. Last Thursday, while I grilled the chicken, my son proudly stirred the garlic sauce, and my partner chopped the veggies like a pro. Within 25 minutes, we had a colorful, delicious dinner — but more than that, we had shared moments in the kitchen. 💛

This Chicken & Rice Bowl with creamy garlic sauce is everything you want from a weeknight dinner: easy, satisfying, fresh, and packed with flavor.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the Bowls:

  • 2 chicken breasts (grilled or pan-seared, sliced)
  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 1 cup broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 avocado (sliced)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced or pressed)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt & pepper to taste

👨‍🍳 Instructions – Step-by-Step

  1. Prepare rice and veggies 🍚🥦
    Cook rice according to the package. Steam or blanch the broccoli just until tender but still crisp.
  2. Cook the chicken 🍗
    Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a bit of oil. Cook in a skillet or grill for about 6–7 minutes per side (depending on thickness). Slice thinly.
  3. Make the garlic sauce 🥣
    In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, yogurt (or sour cream), lemon juice, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
    Tip: If you’re sensitive to raw garlic, sauté it lightly first to mellow the flavor.
  4. Assemble the bowls 🥗
    Start with rice as the base. Top with broccoli, cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, and chicken.
  5. Drizzle with sauce & serve 😋
    Generously spoon the garlic sauce over the top. Optional: garnish with fresh herbs or a pinch of chili flakes for extra flavor and color.

🕒 Prep Time

25 minutes — quick, balanced, and delicious.

❌ Mistakes to Avoid

  • Too much raw garlic?
    ➝ Raw garlic can overpower the sauce. If you’re sensitive, sauté it first to soften the flavor.
  • Don’t skip the sauce!
    ➝ The creamy garlic sauce ties all the elements together — without it, the bowl feels incomplete.
  • Lacking variety?
    ➝ A mix of protein, grains, veggies, and healthy fats makes this bowl more satisfying and nutritious.

💡 Serving Tip

Top your bowl with chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or a pinch of chili flakes 🌶️. A squeeze of lime or lemon adds a bright, zesty finish!

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fast and easy to make
  • Family-friendly and meal-prep friendly
  • Balanced and nourishing
  • Easily customizable with your favorite ingredients