– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt, divided
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup long-grain white rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
Creating Easy Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce is straightforward when you follow these simple steps:
1. Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook Rice: In the same skillet, add rice and sauté for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-18 minutes until rice is tender.
4. Make Creamy Sauce: In another saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
5. Add Flavorings: Whisk in Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and Parmesan cheese. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt to taste.
6. Combine: Slice the cooked chicken and add it back into the skillet with the rice. Pour the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken and rice, stirring gently to combine.
7. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Each of these steps is designed to guide you seamlessly in recreating this incredible dish, ensuring a delightful dining experience for everyone.