Hey y'all! If you’re craving a comforting meal that’s quick, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying, this Chicken Rice Bowl with Cream Cheese Sauce is about to be your new go-to. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a lusciously tangy cream cheese sauce come together for a dinner that works for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or even a cozy date night at home. Ready for a bowl full of comfort? Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Chicken Rice Bowl with Cream Cheese Sauce
- Ultra-creamy sauce brings irresistible richness to every bite.
- Ready in under 40 minutes – perfect for busy schedules.
- Customizable with veggies or grains to suit your taste.
- Great for lunch, dinner, or meal prep throughout the week.
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing for all occasions!
Ingredients for Chicken Rice Bowl with Cream Cheese Sauce
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (for rice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Chicken Rice Bowl with Cream Cheese Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Rice
- Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups chicken broth to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
- While the rice cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced chicken, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sauté for 7-9 minutes, stirring frequently, until chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Transfer chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1 tablespoon flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in ½ cup milk, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened (about 2-3 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until fully melted, then add mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir until cheeses are melted and sauce is velvety and smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Rice Bowl
- Spoon a generous serving of rice into each bowl.
- Top with sautéed chicken pieces.
- Drizzle with warm cream cheese sauce and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes for the Best Chicken Rice Bowl with Cream Cheese Sauce
- For extra flavor, use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought broth.
- Dice chicken evenly to ensure it cooks at the same rate and stays juicy.
- Let the cream cheese come to room temperature for easier melting into the sauce.
Chicken Rice Bowl with Cream Cheese Sauce Variations
- Veggie Boost: Stir in sautéed spinach, broccoli, or peas for added nutrition and color.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a swirl of sriracha to the sauce.
- Whole Grain Swap: Substitute brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
Required Equipment for Chicken Rice Bowl with Cream Cheese Sauce
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Large nonstick skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Storage Instructions & Shelf Life
Store leftover Chicken Rice Bowl with Cream Cheese Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Not recommended for freezing, as the sauce may separate.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Pair this bowl with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette.
- Serve alongside garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up every bit of sauce.
- Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lime.
Pro Tips for the Ultimate Chicken Rice Bowl with Cream Cheese Sauce
- Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce and maximum flavor (learn more about cheese grating).
- Don’t overcook the chicken – remove from heat as soon as it’s no longer pink in the center.
- For extra creamy sauce, use full-fat dairy and add a splash more milk if it thickens too much (cooking with dairy tips).
Chicken Rice Bowl with Cream Cheese Sauce FAQ
- Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
- Absolutely! Just chop or shred the chicken and add it to the sauce when assembling your bowl.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in the sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to keep the sauce silky.
There you have it – a creamy, dreamy Chicken Rice Bowl with Cream Cheese Sauce that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
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1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken breasts, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 7-8 minutes until chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
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2While the chicken cooks, prepare the cream cheese sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine cream cheese and milk. Stir continuously until smooth and creamy.
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3Add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and well combined. Remove from heat.
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4To assemble, divide cooked rice among four bowls. Top each bowl with cooked chicken.
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5Drizzle the warm cream cheese sauce over the chicken and rice. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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