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.
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.