Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice – A Comforting, Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal
Nothing beats the ease and comfort of a one-pan meal, especially when it’s as flavorful and satisfying as this Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice! 🍗🍚🌿
Picture this: tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, nestled into a bed of fragrant basmati rice, all coated in a luscious, creamy herb sauce. Fresh thyme, parsley, and a hint of garlic infuse every bite with cozy, aromatic flavor. The best part? Everything cooks together in one pan, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or looking for a comforting weekend dinner, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s versatile — you can swap the herbs, add veggies, or make it even creamier with your favorite cheese.
If you love comforting skillet meals, be sure to check out this Creamy Tuscan Chicken or the ever-popular One-Pot Chicken Alfredo.
Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- Protein:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing
- Rice:
- 1 cup basmati rice rinsed and drained
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth low sodium
- Creamy Herb Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for a gentle heat
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish Optional but recommended!:
- Fresh parsley or thyme
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Extra grated Parmesan
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown but not fully cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium.
- Add butter and melt.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add onion powder, thyme, parsley, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cook for another 30 seconds to toast the spices.
Step 3: Add Rice and Broth
- Pour in the basmati rice, stirring to coat in the buttery herb mixture.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Step 4: Nestle the Chicken Back In
- Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
- Cover the pan with a lid and reduce heat to low.
- Cook for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Make It Creamy
- Remove the lid and reduce the heat to low.
- Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Gently stir the sauce around the chicken and rice until smooth and creamy.
- Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Garnish with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the cozy, creamy flavors!
Notes
Variations
Want to give your Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice a personal twist? Try these creative ideas! 1. Add Vegetables
Stir in baby spinach, peas, or asparagus tips during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a veggie boost. 2. Cheesy Upgrade
Add 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella for extra cheesy goodness. 3. Make It Spicier
Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce. 4. Lemon Herb Twist
Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and zest for brightness. 5. Herb Swap
Use fresh rosemary or tarragon for a different herb profile. 6. Dairy-Free Version
Substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Storage and Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing:
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Pro Tip: Garnish with fresh herbs after reheating to revive flavor! 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work beautifully and stay juicy in this recipe. 2. Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes — jasmine or long-grain white rice works well. Adjust the liquid ratio as needed. 3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish, cool completely, and store in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving. 4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). 5. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. For richness, add 1 tablespoon butter along with the milk. 6. What can I serve with this dish?
A simple green salad or garlic bread complements it beautifully. 7. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add hearty veggies like mushrooms or chickpeas. 8. Can I use pre-cooked rice?
It’s best to cook the rice in the sauce for maximum flavor, but if using pre-cooked rice, reduce broth and cooking time. 9. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers. 10. Can I add wine to the sauce?
Absolutely! Add 1/4 cup dry white wine when sautéing the garlic for depth of flavor. Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a cozy, creamy one-pan meal to bring comfort to your dinner table, and this Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice delivers every time. 🍗🍚🌿 With tender, juicy chicken, perfectly fluffy rice, and a rich, herbaceous cream sauce, this dish feels special yet is incredibly easy to make. Plus, it’s versatile — customize it with your favorite herbs, veggies, or cheeses to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or impressing dinner guests, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen. For more comforting meals, try this One-Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta or this Creamy Mushroom Chicken. Enjoy every creamy, comforting bite!
Want to give your Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice a personal twist? Try these creative ideas! 1. Add Vegetables
Stir in baby spinach, peas, or asparagus tips during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a veggie boost. 2. Cheesy Upgrade
Add 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella for extra cheesy goodness. 3. Make It Spicier
Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce. 4. Lemon Herb Twist
Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and zest for brightness. 5. Herb Swap
Use fresh rosemary or tarragon for a different herb profile. 6. Dairy-Free Version
Substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Storage and Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing:
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Pro Tip: Garnish with fresh herbs after reheating to revive flavor! 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work beautifully and stay juicy in this recipe. 2. Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes — jasmine or long-grain white rice works well. Adjust the liquid ratio as needed. 3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish, cool completely, and store in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving. 4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). 5. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. For richness, add 1 tablespoon butter along with the milk. 6. What can I serve with this dish?
A simple green salad or garlic bread complements it beautifully. 7. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add hearty veggies like mushrooms or chickpeas. 8. Can I use pre-cooked rice?
It’s best to cook the rice in the sauce for maximum flavor, but if using pre-cooked rice, reduce broth and cooking time. 9. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers. 10. Can I add wine to the sauce?
Absolutely! Add 1/4 cup dry white wine when sautéing the garlic for depth of flavor. Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a cozy, creamy one-pan meal to bring comfort to your dinner table, and this Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice delivers every time. 🍗🍚🌿 With tender, juicy chicken, perfectly fluffy rice, and a rich, herbaceous cream sauce, this dish feels special yet is incredibly easy to make. Plus, it’s versatile — customize it with your favorite herbs, veggies, or cheeses to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or impressing dinner guests, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen. For more comforting meals, try this One-Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta or this Creamy Mushroom Chicken. Enjoy every creamy, comforting bite!