Introduction
When you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and simple to make, look no further than this Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice one-pan wonder. This dish is everything comfort food should be—tender, juicy chicken breast seared to golden perfection, paired with aromatic basmati rice, and all simmered together in a silky herb cream sauce that’s rich yet balanced.
It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy, but requires no more than pantry staples, a few herbs, and one skillet. With garlic, rosemary, thyme, and a touch of lemon to brighten the creaminess, this dish is loaded with flavor in every bite. And the best part? It’s all made in one pan—less mess, more flavor, and a deeply satisfying dinner on the table in just about 40 minutes.
For more on cooking creamy one-pot meals without curdling dairy, check out this guide from America’s Test Kitchen.
🛒 Ingredients
🍗 Meat
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips or bite-sized pieces)
🧄 Produce
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp lemon juice (fresh preferred)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
½ tsp dried rosemary
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried oregano
🥫 Canned Goods
2½ cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
🍚 Pasta & Grains
1 cup basmati rice (rinsed and drained)
🧂 Baking & Spices
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
🛢 Oils & Vinegars
2 tbsp olive oil
🧈 Dairy
2 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream
👨🍳 Directions
🔪 Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and cut into strips or bite-sized pieces.
In a bowl, season chicken with:
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt & ¼ tsp black pepper
Mix well to evenly coat.
🍳 Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.

Remove and set aside on a plate.
🧅 Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter.
Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and lemon juice. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
🍚 Step 4: Add Rice and Broth
Stir in rinsed basmati rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.
Pour in 2½ cups chicken broth and stir well.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes, until the rice is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
🥘 Step 5: Add Cream and Chicken
Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and return the chicken to the skillet.
Simmer uncovered for 5–6 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and coat everything.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
🍽️ Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes
🥄 Serving Suggestions
Add steamed green beans or roasted broccoli on the side.
Serve with lemon wedges for brightness.
Crusty bread makes a perfect companion to mop up the creamy sauce.
🌿 Variations
Add Spinach: Toss in 1–2 cups of fresh spinach during the final few minutes of cooking.
Use Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for extra flavor and tenderness.
Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the cream sauce.
Mushroom Boost: Add ½ cup sliced mushrooms to the onion sauté step.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and butter with olive oil.
❄️ Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating:
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between rounds.
❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use brown rice instead of basmati?
Yes, but increase the cook time to 35–40 minutes and add an extra ½ cup broth. - What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Use half-and-half or evaporated milk. Sauce may be thinner but still flavorful. - Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace chicken with chickpeas or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth. - Can I meal prep this?
Yes! It stores and reheats well—great for lunches or quick dinners. - How do I keep the cream from curdling?
Ensure you simmer gently and avoid boiling after adding cream. - What other herbs can I use?
Basil, marjoram, or tarragon are great additions for a twist on the flavor profile. - Is this gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all your ingredients (like broth and seasonings) are verified GF. - Can I add cheese?
Yes! Stir in a handful of grated parmesan or asiago with the cream for extra richness. - Why rinse basmati rice?
Rinsing removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy. - Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté in the pot, add rice and broth, cook on HIGH pressure for 6 minutes, quick release, stir in cream and herbs.
📝 Conclusion
This Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is a deeply satisfying, cozy, and complete one-pan meal that tastes like it simmered all day—but it’s ready in just under 40 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or even impressing guests with minimal effort. The blend of fresh and dried herbs, rich cream, and tender chicken makes every bite feel like a warm hug.
One skillet. One meal. Endless comfort.
Want more one-pan creamy meals? Explore this creamy chicken collection for more weeknight inspiration.
Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice – A Comforting, Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal

When you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and simple to make, look no further than this Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice one-pan wonder. This dish is everything comfort food should be—tender, juicy chicken breast seared to golden perfection, paired with aromatic basmati rice, and all simmered together in a silky herb cream sauce that’s rich yet balanced. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy, but requires no more than pantry staples, a few herbs, and one skillet. With garlic, rosemary, thyme, and a touch of lemon to brighten the creaminess, this dish is loaded with flavor in every bite. And the best part? It’s all made in one pan—less mess, more flavor, and a deeply satisfying dinner on the table in just about 40 minutes. For more on cooking creamy one-pot meals without curdling dairy, check out this guide from America’s Test Kitchen.
🍗 Meat
- 1 lb boneless (skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips or bite-sized pieces))
🧄 Produce
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp lemon juice (fresh preferred)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
🥫 Canned Goods
- 2½ cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
🍚 Pasta & Grains
- 1 cup basmati rice (rinsed and drained)
- 🧂 Baking & Spices
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
🛢 Oils & Vinegars
- 2 tbsp olive oil
🧈 Dairy
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
🔪 Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry and cut into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, season chicken with:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt & ¼ tsp black pepper
- Mix well to evenly coat.
🍳 Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove and set aside on a plate.
🧅 Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
- In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and lemon juice. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
🍚 Step 4: Add Rice and Broth
- Stir in rinsed basmati rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in 2½ cups chicken broth and stir well.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes, until the rice is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
🥘 Step 5: Add Cream and Chicken
- Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and return the chicken to the skillet.
- Simmer uncovered for 5–6 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and coat everything.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
🌿 Variations
Add Spinach: Toss in 1–2 cups of fresh spinach during the final few minutes of cooking.
Use Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for extra flavor and tenderness.
Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the cream sauce.
Mushroom Boost: Add ½ cup sliced mushrooms to the onion sauté step.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and butter with olive oil.
❄️ Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating:
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between rounds.
❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use brown rice instead of basmati?
Yes, but increase the cook time to 35–40 minutes and add an extra ½ cup broth.
2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Use half-and-half or evaporated milk. Sauce may be thinner but still flavorful.
3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace chicken with chickpeas or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth.
4. Can I meal prep this?
Yes! It stores and reheats well—great for lunches or quick dinners.
5. How do I keep the cream from curdling?
Ensure you simmer gently and avoid boiling after adding cream.
6. What other herbs can I use?
Basil, marjoram, or tarragon are great additions for a twist on the flavor profile.
7. Is this gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all your ingredients (like broth and seasonings) are verified GF.
8. Can I add cheese?
Yes! Stir in a handful of grated parmesan or asiago with the cream for extra richness.
9. Why rinse basmati rice?
Rinsing removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy.
10. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté in the pot, add rice and broth, cook on HIGH pressure for 6 minutes, quick release, stir in cream and herbs.
📝 Conclusion
This Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is a deeply satisfying, cozy, and complete one-pan meal that tastes like it simmered all day—but it’s ready in just under 40 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or even impressing guests with minimal effort. The blend of fresh and dried herbs, rich cream, and tender chicken makes every bite feel like a warm hug.
One skillet. One meal. Endless comfort.
Want more one-pan creamy meals? Explore this creamy chicken collection for more weeknight inspiration.