Savory Garlic Chicken Rice: 35 Min Joy

You know those nights, right? The ones where the clock is just ticking way too fast, and the thought of figuring out dinner feels like a monumental task? I’ve definitely been there. For years, my life was pretty much a whirlwind of long hours at a corporate job, and most evenings, dinner was something I grabbed on the go. I actually used to think I wasn’t a “kitchen person” at all! But then I discovered this amazing thing called pure cooking joy, and it all started with a challenge to bake some bread. Honestly, that first successful loaf felt like magic! It was that feeling – creating something delicious with my own hands – that sparked this whole passion for me. So, when you’re looking for an incredible easy dinner that’s also a satisfying high protein meal, you’ve gotta try this Savory Garlic Chicken and Rice Bowl. It’s seriously a lifesaver on busy weeknights, and guess what? It makes fantastic leftovers for meal prep too!

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Rice

This garlic chicken rice is an absolute game-changer, and I keep coming back to it all the time!

• Super Speedy: It’s a true easy dinner that’s ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish.
• One-Pan Wonder: Seriously, everything cooks in just one skillet, which means less cleanup – woohoo!
• Packed with Flavor: That savory garlic goodness is just out of this world.
• High-Protein Power: It’s a fantastic high protein meal that keeps you feeling full and satisfied.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is a lifesaver for having lunches ready for the week ahead.
• So Versatile: It’s a great base and you can totally tweak it to your liking.

Ingredients for Savory Garlic Chicken Rice

Okay, so for this amazing garlic chicken rice, you’re going to need just a few simple things. It’s really all about quality ingredients that come together beautifully. Trust me, you probably have most of this in your pantry right now!

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces – I love thighs because they stay so juicy! But chicken breast works great too if that’s what you have on hand.
• 1 tbsp olive oil – Just a little bit to get things started.
• 6 cloves garlic, minced – Don’t skimp on the garlic, folks! This is our star ingredient for that savory punch.
• 1 cup uncooked white rice – Long-grain white rice is perfect here.
• 2 cups chicken broth – This adds so much flavor compared to just water.
• 1 tsp salt – To enhance all those yummy flavors.
• 0.5 tsp black pepper – Freshly ground is always best if you can manage it!
• Optional Toppings: Chopped fresh parsley for a pop of green, sliced green onions for a little bite, or some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

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How to Make Garlic Chicken Rice: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get this amazing garlic chicken rice cooking! It really is as simple as it sounds, and watching the magic happen in one pan is so satisfying. It reminds me a bit of that feeling when I finally nailed my first loaf of bread, that same sense of accomplishment but with way less chance of a dense brick! If you’re looking for a super quick easy dinner that feels like a real win, this is it.

Searing the Chicken for Garlic Chicken Rice

First things first, get a nice big skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s good and hot, add your olive oil. Then, pop in your chicken pieces. We want to get a nice golden-brown sear on all sides, making sure not to crowd the pan – give them some breathing room! This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. That browning is where so much of the deep flavor comes from for our garlic chicken rice.

Adding Aromatics to Your Garlic Chicken Rice

Now, toss in that minced garlic. It smells incredible already! Stir it around for just about a minute until you can really smell that wonderful garlic aroma – but be careful, it can burn fast! We just want to toast it lightly to bring out its best flavor for our savory garlic chicken rice.

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Cooking the Rice to Perfection

Here’s where it all comes together. Stir in your uncooked rice, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is combined. Now, bring it all up to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, pop a lid on tight, and let it simmer. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes, or until all that liquid is soaked up and the rice is perfectly tender. Once it’s done, just fluff it all up with a fork. Easy peasy!

Tips for the Best Garlic Chicken Rice

Okay, so to make sure your garlic chicken rice turns out absolutely amazing every single time, I’ve picked up a few little tricks along the way. It’s all about getting that perfect balance, you know? Little things can make a big difference!

First off, don’t rush that browning step for the chicken! Getting a good sear not only makes it look pretty but adds so much depth of flavor to your garlic chicken rice. Also, make sure your garlic is minced nice and fine so it cooks quickly and evenly. And for the rice? Resist the urge to lift the lid while it’s simmering – that steam is crucial for perfectly fluffy rice!

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Meal Prep Your Garlic Chicken Rice

One of my absolute favorite things about this Savory Garlic Chicken and Rice Bowl is how perfectly it holds up for meal prep. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver during busy weeks! I usually make a big batch on Sunday, and then I have effortless lunches ready to go for Monday and Tuesday. Just let the chicken and rice cool down completely, then portion it out into airtight containers. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 4 days. To reheat, I usually pop it in the microwave for a minute or two until it’s heated through. It’s so satisfying knowing I have a delicious, high-protein meal waiting for me! It’s right up there with how excited I get prepping my meal planning for the week, or even having a quick protein boost ready like my high-protein waffles!

Variations and Serving Suggestions for Garlic Chicken Rice

This garlic chicken rice is fantastic just as it is, but you know me, I love to play around in the kitchen! It’s such a great base for getting creative. Want to add some veggies? Toss in some broccoli florets or chopped bell peppers during the last 10 minutes of simmering for extra color and nutrients. For an extra savory punch, a splash of soy sauce or tamari towards the end is amazing. If you’re feeling fancy, serve it alongside my cilantro lime rice for a double dose of flavor, or maybe a simple green salad. Oh, and you could totally pair it with some savory zucchini muffins for a complete, comforting meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Chicken Rice

Got questions about making this awesome garlic chicken rice? I totally get it! It’s super popular, and people always want to know how to tweak it. Here are a few I get asked a lot:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this garlic chicken rice?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works great here too. Just keep an eye on it, because it cooks a bit faster than thighs. You’ll want to brown it well, but maybe check it a little sooner to make sure it doesn’t dry out. It’s still a fantastic easy dinner either way!

How can I make this savory garlic chicken rice recipe spicier?

Easy peasy! If you love a little heat, just add some red pepper flakes along with the garlic when you’re cooking it. Start with about 1/4 teaspoon, stir it in, and then you can add more at the end if you want even more of a kick. Or, serve it with some sriracha on the side – that’s one of my favorite ways to add a little zing!

Can I swap white rice for brown rice in this garlic chicken rice bowl?

You sure can! Brown rice is a great option if you prefer it. Just a heads-up, brown rice takes a bit longer to cook. You’ll probably need to add about 10 more minutes to the simmering time and maybe an extra splash of chicken broth, or water, if needed. It still makes for a delicious and hearty high protein meal!

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

When I whip up this delicious garlic chicken rice, I always like to have a rough idea of what’s in it. Keep in mind these numbers are estimates, because, you know, cooking is an art, not an exact science! Depending on the exact chicken thighs you use or if you add extra bits, these can wiggle a bit. But generally, one serving gives you about 450 calories, a whopping 35g of protein (perfect for those gym meals!), around 40g of carbs, and about 15g of fat. It’s a really wholesome meal!

Share Your Garlic Chicken Rice Creation!

I would absolutely LOVE to see your garlic chicken rice masterpieces! Did you try it? Let me know in the comments below what you thought. Feel free to share your photos on social media and tag us – seeing your kitchen creations honestly makes my day! You can also check out more yummy ideas on my blog or follow along on Facebook!

Savory Garlic Chicken and Rice Bowl

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A high-protein, savory chicken and rice bowl packed with garlic flavor. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for quick dinners and meal prep.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 25 min
• Total Time: 35 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• Optional Toppings: chopped fresh parsley, sliced green onions, red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Stir in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork. Serve hot, topped with your favorite optional toppings.

Notes

• For meal prep, divide the chicken and rice into individual containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• You can substitute chicken breast for thighs if preferred. Adjust cooking time as needed.
• Add a splash of soy sauce or tamari for extra savory flavor.
• This recipe is a great base for a keto meal plan delivery.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 120mg