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Creamy Chicken & Veggie Rice Bowl with Garlic Asparagus

Creamy Chicken & Veggie Rice Bowl with Garlic Asparagus

A comforting and healthy Creamy Chicken & Veggie Rice Bowl with Garlic Asparagus featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious creamy sauce served over fluffy rice. This easy-to-make dish balances rich flavors and fresh garlic asparagus for a satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables

  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas)
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

Grains

  • 1 cup long grain or jasmine rice

Cream Sauce

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth

Fats & Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the rice: Cook 1 cup of your chosen rice according to the package directions until fluffy and set aside to absorb the creamy sauce later.
  2. Cook the chicken: Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook chicken pieces for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed, then add minced garlic and mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas). Cook for 4-5 minutes until tender but still crisp, retaining bright color and texture.
  4. Cook the garlic asparagus: In a separate pan, sauté asparagus with garlic and a pinch of salt for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still snap-worthy.
  5. Make the creamy sauce: Add heavy cream (or coconut milk) and chicken broth to the vegetable skillet. Stir and cook over low heat until slightly thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and optional fresh herbs.
  6. Combine and serve: Slice the cooked chicken and fold into the creamy vegetable mixture. Serve over the cooked rice and top with the garlic asparagus for a fresh, garlicky crunch.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and juiciness.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; sauté veggies in batches if needed to keep them crisp.
  • Fresh minced garlic elevates the asparagus and overall flavor.
  • Let cooked chicken rest a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.
  • For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or a mix of broth and cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken, chicken rice bowl, garlic asparagus, healthy chicken recipe, creamy sauce, quick dinner, gluten free, easy weeknight meal