When it comes to comforting meals that are both delightful and satisfying, Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice takes the spotlight. This dish is the epitome of a cozy weeknight dinner; the creamy herb sauce clings to juicy chicken, while fluffy basmati rice absorbs all the delicious flavors. As someone who has whipped this up on numerous occasions, I can tell you it’s a dish that never fails to impress—with minimal effort and a singular pan for easy cleanup.

Why you’ll love this dish

This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to any table. It’s quick to assemble, budget-friendly, and appeals to a wide range of palates—making it a hit even with picky eaters. Whether you’re looking for a hassle-free weekday dinner or something special for a family gathering, this Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is versatile enough for any occasion.

“Absolutely delicious! This has become a go-to recipe in my house. My kids devoured it!” – Maria, enthusiastic home cook

Preparing Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice – A Comforting, Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal

This one-pan wonder combines perfectly cooked chicken, rich creamy sauce, and aromatic basmati rice into a culinary masterpiece. The process is simple yet ensures layers of flavor. Here’s a gentle overview of how you’ll bring this delightful dish together:

Season and sear the chicken until golden.
Sauté garlic and onion to create a fragrant base.
Cook basmati rice in flavorful chicken broth.
Whip up a creamy herb sauce that will elevate the chicken.
Simmer all the components together for a few minutes.
Plate it beautifully and enjoy!

What you’ll need

To make this flavorful meal, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless (skinless chicken breasts or thighs)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Herb Cream Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 small onion (finely diced)
1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for a lighter option)
½ cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

For the Basmati Rice:

1 cup basmati rice (rinsed)
2 cups chicken broth
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Garnishing:

2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)

Feel free to swap ingredients for adaptations that suit dietary needs or preferences.

Step-by-step instructions

Season and Sear the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts or thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, toss in the butter and let it melt. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant—about 2-3 minutes.
Cook the Basmati Rice: Next, add rinsed basmati rice to the skillet, followed by chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and let simmer until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid—about 15-20 minutes.
Make the Creamy Herb Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream (or half & half) and chicken broth, stirring well. Mix in thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Lastly, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Simmer & Cook Everything Together: Nestle the seared chicken back into the sauce and rice mixture. Let it simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve & Garnish: Plate the Creamy Herb Chicken with a generous scoop of basmati rice, then top with chopped parsley and a hint of lemon zest for added brightness.

Best ways to enjoy it

This dish shines on its own, but consider these creative ways to enjoy your Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice:

Pair with steamed green veggies like broccoli or asparagus for an extra dose of nutrition.
Serve with a light side salad for a refreshing contrast.
Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that creamy sauce.

Keeping leftovers fresh

Storing leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy this dish even days later. Transfer any uneaten Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice into an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to preserve it longer, consider freezing the dish—just ensure you’ve let it cool down before sealing it in a safe, freezer-friendly bag. It should maintain its quality for up to three months.

When reheating, ensure everything reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use the microwave or stovetop, stirring occasionally to achieve even heating.

Pro chef tips

To take your dish to the next level, consider these expert suggestions:

Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy texture.
For an added depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mix a few hours before cooking.
Experiment with different herbs, such as dill or cilantro, for unique twists in flavor.
If you enjoy a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for a nice kick.

Creative twists

This recipe is incredibly versatile; you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes:

Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for color and nutrients.
Swap Proteins: Use shrimp or tofu if you’re looking for a seafood or vegetarian option instead of chicken.
Different Cheeses: Try using feta or mozzarella instead of Parmesan to create new flavor profiles.

Common questions

What is basmati rice, and can I substitute it?
Basmati rice is a long-grain rice popular for its nutty flavor and fluffy texture. If you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with jasmine rice or long-grain white rice, keeping in mind the cooking times may vary.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce beforehand and store them separately. When ready to serve, just heat everything through and cook the rice.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Just ensure that it’s cooled and in an airtight container or freezer bag for best results. Remember to label it and consume within three months for optimal quality.
What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
Half & half is a fantastic lighter substitute. Alternatively, you could use coconut cream for a dairy-free option, keeping in mind that flavors will slightly change.

Enjoy your cooking adventure with this Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice, and savor the vibrant flavors that come together in just one pan! If you have any tips or variations, feel free to share—happy cooking!

Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice

A comforting, one-pan meal that combines juicy chicken, a rich creamy herb sauce, and fluffy basmati rice, perfect for a quick family dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Servings 4 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless (skinless chicken breasts or thighs)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Herb Cream Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 small onion (finely diced)
1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for a lighter option)
½ cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

For the Basmati Rice

1 cup basmati rice (rinsed)
2 cups chicken broth
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Garnishing

2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

Preparation

Season the chicken breasts or thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Cooking

In the same pan, add butter and let it melt. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant—about 2-3 minutes.
Next, add rinsed basmati rice to the skillet, followed by chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a boil, then cover and simmer until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid—about 15-20 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream (or half & half) and additional chicken broth, stirring well. Mix in thyme, rosemary, and oregano, then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Nestle the seared chicken back into the sauce and rice mixture. Let it simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Serving

Plate the Creamy Herb Chicken with a generous scoop of basmati rice, then top with chopped parsley and a hint of lemon zest for added brightness.

Notes

Feel free to swap ingredients for adaptations that suit dietary needs or preferences. Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers for up to three days in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to three months.

Keyword Basmati Rice, comfort food, Creamy Herb Chicken, easy dinner, One-Pan Meal