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Creamy Chicken & Veggie Rice Bowl with Garlic Asparagus

Creamy Chicken & Veggie Rice Bowl with Garlic Asparagus
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A comforting and vibrant Creamy Chicken & Veggie Rice Bowl with Garlic Asparagus. This quick, easy-to-make meal combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, fresh mixed vegetables, and garlicky asparagus served atop fluffy long-grain rice. Perfectly balanced in nutrition and full of bold flavors, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a wholesome, colorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts

Grains

  • 1 cup long-grain rice

Vegetables

  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, and peas)
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy & Alternatives

  • ½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)

Oils & Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Fresh Herbs

  • Chopped fresh basil or parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice: Cook the long-grain rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and set aside to be used as the base of your bowl.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and keep warm.
  3. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and sauté the mixed vegetables until tender yet still crisp, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  4. Prepare Garlic Asparagus: In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add trimmed asparagus spears and chopped garlic. Cook until tender and slightly charred, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower heat of the skillet with mixed vegetables, pour in the heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and silky, coating the veggies well.
  6. Combine and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken and return to the skillet, stirring to coat in the creamy sauce for 1 minute. Assemble your bowl by layering the cooked rice, creamy chicken and vegetables, then top with garlic asparagus. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
  • Do not overcook asparagus to maintain a slightly crisp texture and vibrant color.
  • Fresh garlic elevates the dish’s flavor significantly more than garlic powder.
  • Stir cream gently and avoid boiling to prevent curdling and keep sauce smooth.
  • Allow rice to rest after cooking by fluffing and cooling slightly for improved texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken rice bowl, garlic asparagus, chicken and veggie bowl, quick chicken dinner, creamy chicken recipe, gluten free dinner

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/creamy-chicken-veggie-rice-bowl-with-garlic-asparagus/