Creamy Herb Chicken with Green Beans and Steamed Rice

There’s something magical about a dinner that’s both comforting and elegant. Creamy Herb Chicken with Green Beans and Steamed Rice is exactly that a wholesome, flavorful meal that feels like a hug on a plate. Tender chicken cutlets smothered in a luscious, garlicky, creamy herb sauce, served alongside crisp-tender green beans and perfectly steamed rice, make this dish a weeknight superstar.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight when you want dinner on the table fast, a cozy Sunday family meal, or a casual date-night dinner at home, this recipe delivers rich flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile, customizable, and visually appealing—who doesn’t love a creamy sauce dripping over perfectly cooked chicken?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy, tender chicken: The perfect sear locks in flavor and moisture.
• Rich, creamy sauce: Garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs make every bite decadent.
• Balanced and healthy sides: Green beans and steamed rice round out a complete meal.
• Quick prep: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Kid-friendly & family-approved: Mild, creamy flavors appeal to all ages.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small cutlets)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Creamy Herb Sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half & half)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or mix of basil, oregano & thyme)
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice (optional for brightness)

Sides

• 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
• 2 cups green beans, trimmed
• Salt, pepper, olive oil for sautéing or steaming

Servings: 2–4

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Small saucepan for rice
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Garlic press or knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with garlic powder, thyme, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Sear the chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup rice with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt.
2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
3. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Green Beans

1. Trim ends of green beans.
2. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan, season with salt and pepper, and sauté 5–7 minutes until crisp-tender. Alternatively, steam for 5–6 minutes until tender but still bright green.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Herb Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for chicken, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Pour in chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the pan.
3. Reduce heat slightly and whisk in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning.
4. Simmer 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Stir in lemon juice for brightness if desired.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over each piece, and simmer 2–3 minutes to warm through and absorb flavor.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra herbs.

Step 6: Serve

1. Plate chicken alongside steamed rice and sautéed green beans.
2. Spoon extra creamy herb sauce over the chicken and rice for maximum flavor.
3. Optional garnish: sprinkle chopped parsley or extra Parmesan.

Tips & Variations

• Make it lighter: Use half & half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
• Add more vegetables: Sauté bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for variety.
• Gluten-free: All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, just double-check Parmesan for additives.
• Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Meal prep-friendly: Cook chicken and sauce separately, store in airtight containers, and reheat with vegetables.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This dish combines creamy, garlicky, and herbaceous flavors with tender, juicy chicken and crisp-tender green beans. The Parmesan adds a nutty, umami depth, while the optional lemon juice keeps the dish fresh and bright.

Drink Pairings:

• Wine: Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio enhances the creamy texture.
• Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon or lightly brewed iced tea.

Sides:

• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted or mashed potatoes for extra comfort

Nutritional Overview (Estimated per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fat	20g
Fiber	3g

Dietary Notes: High-protein, naturally gluten-free, can be made lower-fat by using half & half.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Chicken: Can be cooked and stored in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
• Sauce: Prepare ahead and reheat gently; add a splash of cream if too thick.
• Rice: Cook in advance and reheat with a bit of water or butter.
• Vegetables: Green beans can be blanched and stored for up to 2 days; sauté when ready to serve.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Thighs will be more flavorful and juicy; adjust cooking time slightly.

Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Q3: Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-searing?
A: Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, then add sauce at the end.

Q4: Can this be frozen?
A: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Q5: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A: Simmer longer to reduce, or whisk in 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with water for a quick thickening.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Component	Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
Chicken	5 min	10 min	15 min
Rice	1 min	15 min	16 min
Green Beans	2 min	7 min	9 min
Sauce	2 min	5 min	7 min
Total	10 min	15–20 min	30–35 min

Serving Suggestions

• Family-style: Place chicken, sauce, rice, and green beans in a large platter for everyone to serve themselves.
• Elegant plating: Slice chicken, drizzle sauce, arrange green beans on the side, and serve rice molded with a small bowl or ring.
• Lunchbox-friendly: Pack chicken separately from rice and green beans to maintain texture.

Recipe Variations

1. Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowl: Serve chicken, rice, and green beans in a bowl with a drizzle of extra lemon juice and fresh parsley.
2. Creamy Herb Chicken Pasta: Serve the chicken and sauce over fettuccine or penne instead of rice.
3. One-Skillet Version: Sear chicken, then add green beans and rice to the same pan, cooking with sauce for a quick, one-pan meal.

Ingredient Spotlight: Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan adds a savory, umami punch that elevates the creamy sauce. Look for freshly grated Parmesan over pre-grated for smoother melting and richer flavor. Store in the fridge tightly wrapped or in an airtight container. A little goes a long way in enhancing both texture and taste.

Pro Tip: Add Parmesan at the end of cooking to preserve its nutty flavor and prevent graininess.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Searing chicken: Pat chicken dry and don’t overcrowd the pan for a perfect golden crust.
• Sauce emulsification: Whisk constantly after adding cream to prevent curdling.
• Herbs: Use fresh herbs if available; add them at the end for maximum aroma.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerate cooked chicken, sauce, rice, and green beans separately for best texture.
• Freeze sauce and chicken separately in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fat	20g
Fiber	3g

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free, high-protein, kid-friendly, can be adapted to dairy-free.

Conclusion

Creamy Herb Chicken with Green Beans and Steamed Rice is a comforting, elegant meal that fits perfectly into any weeknight or weekend dinner rotation. The tender, juicy chicken paired with a rich, garlicky, creamy herb sauce is irresistible, while the green beans and steamed rice make it a complete, well-rounded dish.

With its ease, versatility, and family-friendly flavors, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. From meal prep to a date-night dinner, it’s a modern classic that brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of elegance to your table.

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