Creamy Herb Chicken with Basmati Rice

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When you need a warm, satisfying dinner that feels comforting yet elegant, this Creamy Herb Chicken with Basmati Rice delivers every time. Juicy, pan-seared chicken is gently simmered in a rich herb-infused cream sauce while fragrant basmati rice cooks right alongside it, soaking up every bit of flavor. The result is a cozy, restaurant-quality one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, relaxed family dinners, or simple meal prep.

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 Creamy Herb Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

For the Basmati Rice

• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed well
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon zest (optional, for brightness)

Instructions For Creamy Herb Chicken with Basmati Rice

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

1. In the same pan, melt butter.
2. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

• Add rinsed basmati rice and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast and enhance flavor.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Herb Sauce

1. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.
2. Stir in thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Add Parmesan cheese and stir gently until melted.

Step 5: Simmer Everything Together

1. Nestle the chicken back into the pan.
2. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken reaches doneness.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

• Rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley and lemon zest, then serve warm.

Pro Tips

• Rinse basmati rice thoroughly to keep it fluffy, not sticky
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce
• Keep heat low once covered to avoid scorching the cream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan dinner with minimal cleanup
• Creamy, comforting flavors the whole family loves
• Perfect balance of protein and carbs
• Ideal for meal prep and leftovers

Substitutions & Variations

• Dairy-Free: Use full-fat coconut milk and dairy-free cheese
• Protein Swap: Try shrimp, salmon, or turkey cutlets
• Veggie Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

Make-Ahead

• Prep and season chicken up to 24 hours in advance

Storage

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months

Reheating

• Stovetop: Warm gently with a splash of broth
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between

Serving Ideas For Creamy Herb Chicken with Basmati Rice

• Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce
• Add a side of steamed broccoli or asparagus

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: ~520
• Protein: ~38g
• Carbohydrates: ~42g
• Fat: ~24g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of basmati?

Yes, but increase the liquid and cooking time.

How do I prevent mushy rice?

Use the correct liquid ratio and avoid stirring once simmering.

Can I use fresh herbs?

Absolutely—use three times the amount of fresh herbs.

What cheese works best?

Parmesan, Asiago, or Gruyère all melt beautifully.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, it reheats well and keeps its flavor.

This Creamy Herb Chicken with Basmati Rice is the definition of comfort food done right—rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a family or planning cozy leftovers, this one-pan meal belongs in your regular dinner rotation.

Creamy Herb Chicken with Basmati Rice

Ovalioekrg

Creamy herb chicken with fragrant basmati rice cooked together in one pan for a comforting, flavorful, and easy weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Comfort Food, Mediterranean-Inspired

Servings 4 servings

Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

• large deep skillet with lid
• cutting board
• chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup chicken broth (for sauce)
• 0.5 tsp dried thyme
• 0.5 tsp dried rosemary
• 0.5 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth (for rice)
• 0.5 tsp salt (for rice)
• 0.25 tsp black pepper (for rice)

Instructions

 

• Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
• In the same pan, melt butter. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add rinsed basmati rice to the pan and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast.
• Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
• Nestle the chicken back into the pan. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
• Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional lemon zest, then serve warm.

Notes

Rinse basmati rice well to keep it fluffy. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce. Keep heat low once covered to prevent scorching the cream. Let rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture.

Keyword basmati rice dinner, creamy herb chicken, easy comfort food, one-pan chicken and rice

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