If you’re looking for a quick yet indulgent dinner, creamy garlic herb chicken is the perfect choice. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then coated in a luscious garlic and herb cream sauce. Served with light, fluffy rice and tender-crisp green beans, this dish strikes the perfect balance between rich flavors and fresh sides.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or just craving something comforting after a long day, this recipe is simple to prepare, full of flavor, and sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Green Beans:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 40 minutes.
- Comforting & Satisfying – Creamy sauce with tender chicken and hearty sides.
- Balanced Meal – Protein, carbs, and vegetables all in one plate.
- Customizable – Swap herbs or sides to fit your taste.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the rice and salt, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Step 2: Steam the Green Beans
Fill a pot with 1 inch of water and bring to a boil. Place the green beans in a steamer basket, cover, and steam for 5–7 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp. Season with salt and toss with butter if desired. Keep warm until ready to serve.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 75°C). Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add parsley and thyme, stirring briefly to release their aroma.
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for 2 minutes to heat through.
Serve the chicken breasts over a bed of fluffy rice, with green beans on the side. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and rice for maximum flavor.
Tips for Best Results
- Pound Chicken Evenly – This helps it cook evenly and stay tender.
- Don’t Overcook – Use a meat thermometer to avoid dry chicken.
- Use Fresh Herbs – Fresh parsley and thyme give the dish a bright flavor, but dried herbs work too.
- Double the Sauce – If you love extra sauce for your rice, double the cream and broth amounts.
Variations
- Garlic Mushroom Chicken – Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms when sautéing garlic.
- Lemon Herb Chicken – Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice to the sauce for a tangy twist.
- Spinach Cream Chicken – Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of simmering.
- Whole Grain Option – Serve with brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is complete on its own but pairs well with:
- Fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
- Crusty bread for soaking up the sauce
- Roasted carrots or asparagus for extra vegetables
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze chicken and sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well and are often juicier.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Swap the cream for full-fat coconut milk and skip the Parmesan.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Use dried parsley and thyme, but reduce the amount by half.
Final Thoughts
Creamy garlic herb chicken with fluffy rice and green beans is the kind of meal that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic sauce, and fresh sides creates a well-rounded dinner that’s as comforting as it is satisfying.
Once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your weeknight rotation—it’s easy, adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. For more delicious, easy-to-follow recipes, visit our website and explore a wide range of comforting meals that bring flavor to your table.