Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken: The One-Pan Dinner You’ll Make on Repeat

Name: Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken: The One-Pan Dinner You'll Make on Repeat
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; 2 tsp salt; 2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 4 cups fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 lb fresh green beans; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

By Jason Griffith

As a food writer, I’m always on the hunt for those magical recipes that deliver big flavor with minimal fuss. And let me tell you, this Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken recipe is a true kitchen unicorn. It’s the kind of dish you can whip up on a hectic Tuesday night and still feel like a gourmet chef. The best part? It all comes together in one pan, which means less time scrubbing and more time savoring.

The secret to this dish lies in its lusciously rich and velvety sauce. We start by searing seasoned chicken breasts to a perfect golden-brown, creating a flavorful foundation in the pan. Then, we use those beautiful browned bits (the fancy French word for this is fond) to build a creamy, garlic-infused sauce that clings to every piece of chicken and blankets the fluffy rice and crisp green beans. It’s a symphony of savory flavors with a bright, herbaceous finish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

This recipe is proof that you don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients or hours of prep to make something truly delicious. It’s simple, elegant, and packed with comfort, making it the perfect go-to dinner for any occasion.

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe has become a staple in my home for so many reasons. For starters, it’s incredibly fast. From start to finish, you’re looking at about 45 minutes, and that includes the time it takes to get the rice and green beans ready. As someone who’s often juggling a million things at once, I can appreciate a recipe that respects my time.

Beyond the speed, the flavor profile is just unbeatable. The combination of garlic powder and paprika on the chicken creates a subtle warmth, which is then balanced perfectly by the fragrant fresh herbs and a hint of tangy Dijon mustard in the sauce. The final splash of lemon juice brightens everything up, cutting through the richness of the heavy cream to create a perfectly balanced dish.

It’s also a complete meal in a single skillet, which is a huge win. The protein, the vegetable, and the carb are all accounted for, making this a dinner that feels substantial and satisfying. I love how the creamy sauce coats the fluffy white rice and tender-crisp green beans, tying everything together in one harmonious bite. If you love a hearty, complete meal that comes together with ease, you’ll also love my recipe for Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole, another fantastic one-pan wonder.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Herb Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 lb fresh green beans, steamed

Swaps & Notes

Chicken: Chicken thighs work wonderfully here and will be even more juicy and flavorful.
Green Beans: Don’t have green beans? Asparagus or broccoli florets are excellent substitutions. Just steam them until tender-crisp.
Herbs: Feel free to get creative with your herbs! Rosemary adds a beautiful earthy note, while basil or oregano can lend a Mediterranean twist. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but remember to use half the amount of fresh herbs.
Spice: If you want a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the minced garlic.
Cream: For a slightly lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as rich and thick.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Season both sides of each chicken breast with the spice mix.
Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a cutting board to rest.
Build the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet and melt it. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Create the Base: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Stir in the Dijon mustard. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
Finish the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and fresh herbs. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Remove from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice.
Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts against the grain. Place a generous serving of cooked white rice and steamed green beans on each plate. Arrange the sliced chicken on top and drizzle with a generous amount of the creamy garlic herb sauce. Serve immediately.

Tips for Success

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough to avoid steaming it instead of searing it. A good sear is key to building that delicious flavor base.
Rest the Chicken: Resting the chicken for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and tender.
Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work, fresh parsley and thyme truly elevate the flavor of this sauce. The aroma and brightness they bring are essential to the final dish.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding the lemon juice and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple additions. A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would complement the creamy sauce and fresh herbs perfectly. For a more casual meal, a refreshing glass of Blueberry Lemonade is always a hit. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that amazing sauce.

For a great chicken appetizer before the main course, consider serving Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

(Approximation based on ingredients)

Calories: ~540
Protein: ~45g
Fat: ~30g
Carbohydrates: ~20g
Fiber: ~3g

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftovers of this dish are fantastic! Store the sliced chicken, rice, and green beans separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The sauce can be stored in its own container as well. When reheating, I recommend gently warming the sauce in a small saucepan and then pouring it over the warmed chicken and rice to prevent the sauce from breaking. It will keep well for up to 3 days.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you’re a fan of comforting and flavorful chicken dinners, be sure to check out some of my other favorites:

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s a reliable, delicious solution to the age-old question of “what’s for dinner?”. It’s elegant enough for a weekend meal with guests but simple enough for a busy weeknight. I hope this dish brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to know how it turned out! Leave a comment below with your thoughts, or share a photo on social media and tag me. Happy cooking!