Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice – A Comforting, Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal Recipe
This Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice recipe is a comforting and flavor-packed one-pan meal featuring tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a luscious herb-infused cream sauce with perfectly cooked basmati rice. It’s an easy-to-make dish that combines aromatic herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese to create a rich and satisfying dinner perfect for any night of the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the finely diced onion. Cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Basmati Rice: Add the rinsed basmati rice to the skillet and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast the rice. Pour in the chicken broth along with salt and black pepper, then stir to combine everything well.
- Make the Creamy Herb Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir thoroughly. Add dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and incorporated fully into the sauce.
- Simmer & Cook Everything Together: Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, ensuring it is partially submerged in the creamy sauce and rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve & Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and lemon zest over the top for a fresh, bright finish. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, herbaceous flavors of this comforting one-pan meal.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half & half.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Rinsing the basmati rice helps to prevent it from becoming sticky.
- Ensure the skillet is covered during simmering to cook the rice evenly.
- Lemon zest is optional but adds a nice brightness to the dish.
- Letting the dish rest before serving helps the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Keywords: creamy chicken recipe, herb chicken, basmati rice dish, one-pan meal, comfort food, creamy herb sauce, easy chicken dinner