This one-pan wonder is a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that combines juicy seared chicken with aromatic basmati rice and a rich herb cream sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal prep and even easier cleanup.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients for Creamy Herb Chicken & Rice
- Simple Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chef’s Tips & FAQs
- Conclusion
Ingredients for Creamy Herb Chicken & Rice
This silky, one-pan meal yields 4 servings:
Chicken
- Chicken breasts (or thighs): 1 lb
- Garlic powder, Onion powder, Italian seasoning: 1 tsp each
- Paprika, Salt: 1/2 tsp each
Rice Base
- Basmati rice (rinsed): 1 cup
- Chicken broth: 2 cups
Cream Sauce
- Heavy cream (or half & half): 1 cup
- Chicken broth: 1/2 cup (extra)
- Parmesan cheese (grated): 1/2 cup
- Butter: 2 tbsp
- Garlic: 3 cloves (minced)
- Onion: 1 small (diced)
- Dried Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano: 1/2 tsp each
Simple Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season and Sear
Pat the chicken dry and season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and salt. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside (the chicken will finish cooking with the rice).
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics & Toast Rice
In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the diced onion until soft (about 3 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the rinsed basmati rice and stir for 1 minute to toast the grains slightly.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth for the rice, plus the additional 1/2 cup for the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese begins to melt into the liquid.
Step 4: One-Pan Simmer
Nestle the seared chicken back into the pan. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes. The dish is done when the rice has absorbed the liquid and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Garnish and Rest
Remove from the heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and optional lemon zest before serving.
Chef’s Tips & FAQs
- Mushy Rice? Ensure you rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch. Stick to the prescribed ratio of rice to total liquid for the best texture.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and swap the Parmesan for 2 tbsp of nutritional yeast for a similar savory “cheese” flavor.
- Storage: This meal preps beautifully! Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of broth to loosen the cream sauce.
Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken dry and season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and salt. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for $4text{–}5text{ minutes}$ per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside (the chicken will finish cooking later).
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the diced onion until soft (about $3text{ minutes}$). Add the minced garlic and cook for $30text{ seconds}$ until fragrant. Add the rinsed basmati rice and stir for $1text{ minute}$ to toast the grains slightly.
- Pour in the $2text{ cups}$ of chicken broth for the rice, plus the additional $1/2text{ cup}$ for the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese begins to melt into the liquid.
- Nestle the seared chicken back into the pan. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for **$20text{ minutes}$**. The dish is done when the rice has absorbed the liquid and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of **$165^{circ}text{F}$** ($75^{circ}text{C}$).
- Remove from the heat and let the dish rest, **covered**, for **$5text{ minutes}$**. This allows the rice to finish steaming. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and optional lemon zest before serving.
Notes
Conclusion
The Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is a complete, balanced meal that delivers deep, herbaceous flavors with the convenience of a single pan. It’s the ultimate solution for a sophisticated dinner on a time budget.
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