🍗 Herby Cream Chicken Bites with Fluffy Rice & Steamed Broccoli

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes

Tender chicken bites coated in a creamy herb sauce, served with soft fluffy rice and simple perfectly steamed broccoli — a comforting, balanced weeknight meal.

⭐ Ingredients

For the Chicken Bites

• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp dried parsley

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Herb Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)

• ½ cup chicken broth

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, adds brightness)

For the Fluffy Rice

• 1 cup uncooked rice (jasmine or basmati recommended)

• 2 cups water or broth

• Pinch of salt

For the Steamed Broccoli

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: drizzle of olive oil or squeeze of lemon

🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Rice

1. Rinse rice until the water runs clear.

2. Add rice, water (or broth), and salt to a pot.

3. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low.

4. Simmer for 12–15 minutes until fluffy.

5. Turn off heat and let sit (covered) for 5 minutes.

2. Steam the Broccoli

Option A: Stovetop

• Steam broccoli for 4–5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.

Option B: Microwave

• Place broccoli in a bowl with 2 tbsp water.

• Cover and microwave 2–3 minutes.

Season with salt, pepper, and lemon if desired.

3. Cook the Chicken Bites

1. Season chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, basil, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil + butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Add chicken bites and cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

4. Make the Creamy Herb Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds.

2. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits.

3. Add heavy cream and Parmesan.

4. Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened.

5. Stir in cooked chicken bites.

6. Add fresh parsley and lemon juice if using.

5. Assemble the Meal

• Divide rice into bowls or plates.

• Add steamed broccoli.

• Spoon the creamy herby chicken bites over the rice.

• Garnish with extra herbs or Parmesan.

🌿 Tips

• Want it extra creamy? Add 2 tbsp cream cheese.

• Want it lighter? Use half-and-half or evaporated milk.

• Want more flavor? Add ½ tsp Dijon mustard to the sauce.

❓ Q & A Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

A: Yes! Thighs stay juicier and are perfect for this recipe.

Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?

A: Yes — replace cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free Parmesan or skip the cheese.

Q3: Can I add other vegetables?

A: Absolutely! Mushrooms, spinach, peas, or zucchini work great in the creamy sauce.

Q4: How do I make the sauce thicker?

A: Let it simmer longer, or add 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water.

Q5: Can I meal prep this dish?

A: Yes — it reheats beautifully. Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Q6: Can I serve this with pasta instead of rice?

A: Yes! It pairs amazingly with:

• Penne

• Fettuccine

• Egg noodles

Q7: Can I make it spicy?

A: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or chili crisp to taste.