This Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is a complete, comforting meal all made in a single skillet. It’s one of those simple and satisfying one pan meals that brings the whole family to the table with its incredible aroma. The tender herb chicken and the rich, creamy herb sauce meld perfectly with fluffy basmati rice for an unforgettable dinner.
This dish takes me right back to my mother, Eva’s, kitchen. She had a way of turning simple ingredients into a meal that felt like love. The scent of herbs and cream reminds me of her handwritten recipes, unfussy, comforting, and always made with a happy heart.
Why This Dish Feels Like Home
- One-Pan Simplicity: The entire meal, from chicken to rice, comes together in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup.
- Rich & Creamy: A simple combination of heavy cream and cream cheese creates a luxuriously smooth herb sauce that coats every grain of rice.
- Weeknight Winner: This recipe is straightforward and quick, making it one of my go-to chicken and basmati rice recipes for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful & Aromatic: The Italian herbs, garlic, and onion powder build a fragrant foundation that makes this creamy chicken dish truly special.
Gathering Your Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
The Only Pan You’ll Need
My Trusted Large Skillet
A good, heavy-bottomed skillet is my trusted companion for one pan meals like this; it heats evenly and gives the chicken a perfect golden sear.
Bringing It All to Life, Step by Step
Giving the Chicken a Golden Start
In a large skillet, warm your olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with the Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let them sauté for about 6–8 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and just cooked through. I always like to make sure not to overcrowd the pan so every piece gets a nice color. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate for now.
A Little Secret for Perfect Rice
In that very same skillet, add your rinsed basmati rice. Stir it around for a minute or two. This little step is my secret to more flavorful rice; toasting it in the leftover pan juices and spices really deepens the flavor of basmati rice recipes.
Letting the Rice Gently Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Pop a lid on the skillet, turn the heat down to low, and let it cook for 12–14 minutes. You’re looking for the rice to be tender and to have absorbed most of that lovely broth. It’s one of the easiest rice recipes you’ll make!
Creating That Dreamy, Creamy Sauce
Now for the magic. Stir in the heavy cream, cream cheese, parsley, and onion powder right into the rice. Keep stirring gently until everything melts together into a smooth, creamy sauce. It should look and smell absolutely divine.
The Moment It All Comes Together
Return the cooked chicken and any juices that have collected on the plate back into the pan. Give everything a good stir to get it all acquainted. Let it simmer without the lid for another 2–3 minutes, just until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
A Fresh Sprinkle to Finish
To finish, sprinkle a little fresh, chopped parsley over the top. It adds a wonderful touch of freshness and color. Serve this delicious rice dinner warm and enjoy every bite.
A Note on Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used. The values are calculated using a standard nutrition calculator and should be considered an approximation.
Lighter Twists on This Cozy Classic
- Use a Lighter Base: For a less rich version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk. For a tangier twist, plain Greek yogurt mixed with a little milk also works beautifully.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to stir in a cup of steamed peas, chopped spinach, or sautéed mushrooms along with the chicken in the final step to boost the veggie content.
- Swap the Rice: While this is one of my favorite basmati rice recipes, you could also use brown basmati rice for added fiber. Just remember to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount according to the package directions.
How We Love to Serve It
- With a Green Salad: The richness of the creamy chicken and rice pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.
- Steamed Greens: A side of steamed asparagus or green beans adds a lovely, crisp contrast to the creaminess of the dish.
- Garlic Bread: For an extra-cozy meal, serve with warm garlic bread to sop up any leftover herb sauce. There’s never any left in my house!
A Few Little Secrets for Success
- Don’t Forget to Rinse the Rice: Rinsing your basmati rice before cooking is so important! It removes excess starch, which helps the grains stay separate and fluffy rather than becoming gummy.
- Keep the Chicken Tender: Be sure to remove the chicken from the skillet once it’s just cooked through in the first step. It will be added back later, and this prevents it from becoming dry and tough.
- Gentle Heat for a Creamy Sauce: After adding the cream and cream cheese, keep the heat on a low simmer. Boiling the sauce can cause it to separate or curdle.
For Another Day
If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can gently warm the dish on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave it in short intervals until heated through.
From My Kitchen to Yours
There is something so special about sharing a meal that is both simple and deeply comforting. I hope this Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice brings a little warmth and happiness to your dinner table. May it be the start of new memories for you and your loved ones, just as recipes like these have been for my family.
Your Questions Answered
Can I use another kind of rice?
Yes, while basmati rice is ideal for its fragrance and texture, you could substitute it with long-grain white rice or jasmine rice. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the rice you choose.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try making a dairy-free version by using full-fat coconut milk in place of the heavy cream and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is this a good recipe for adding vegetables?
Absolutely! This is a wonderful base for adding vegetables. Finely chopped carrots or celery can be sautéed with the rice, while heartier greens like spinach or kale can be stirred in with the cream sauce to wilt.
Print
Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is a comforting one-pan meal filled with tender chicken, fluffy basmati rice, and a rich, creamy herb sauce that brings the whole family together.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and season with Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add rinsed basmati rice and toast for 1–2 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 12–14 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
- Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, parsley, and onion powder until creamy and smooth.
- Return chicken and juices to the skillet. Simmer 2–3 minutes until heated through and sauce thickens.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Add peas, spinach, or mushrooms for extra vegetables. Store leftovers up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: creamy herb chicken, basmati rice, one pan meal, easy chicken dinner