Name: Flavorful Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp cumin; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Juice of ½ lemon; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 1 clove garlic, finely grated or minced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; Salt, to taste; 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; ½ red onion, thinly sliced; Crumbled feta cheese (optional); Fresh parsley or dill (optional); Lemon wedges, for serving

Description

These Flavorful Chicken & Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are quick, healthy, and full of bold flavor—perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or an easy meal for two. Juicy seared chicken, fluffy rice, fresh veggies, and a smooth, tangy garlic sauce come together in the best kind of bowl: one that’s comforting and clean. Customizable and delicious every time!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cumin
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Juice of ½ lemon

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

½ cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, finely grated or minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt, to taste

For the Bowl:

2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley or dill (optional)
Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Season the Chicken
In a bowl, toss diced chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and fully cooked.
Make the Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, garlic, lemon juice, mustard, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Bowls
Start with a scoop of rice in each bowl. Top with chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Drizzle with creamy garlic sauce and garnish with feta, herbs, and a lemon wedge.

Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately while warm, or pack into containers for meal prep.

Notes

Make it dairy-free: Use plant-based yogurt and skip the feta.
Use any grain you like: Quinoa, couscous, or even farro work beautifully here.
Want heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or swirl some sriracha into the garlic sauce.
Perfect for meal prep: Store components separately and assemble fresh each day.

Need to stretch it? Add roasted chickpeas or black beans for extra bulk.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired, American Fusion