There’s nothing quite like the comforting flavors of Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice. This one-pan meal combines tender chicken, a velvety herb-infused sauce, and fragrant basmati rice for a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week. It’s easy to make, yet elegant enough to serve for guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Easy prep and cleanup with everything cooked in one pan.
- Rich and Creamy: The herb-infused sauce is irresistibly silky.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that pleases both kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Perfect as-is or customizable with your favorite veggies or spices.
Ingredients for Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Rice:
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
For the Creamy Herb Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet with a lid
- Spatula or tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the seasoning evenly onto both sides of the chicken.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Basmati Rice
- In the same skillet, add the rinsed basmati rice and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast it.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Herb Sauce
- Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
- In the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Italian herbs, parsley, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy herb sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve the chicken and creamy sauce over the basmati rice, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach directly to the dish for added nutrition.
Tips for the Best Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice
- Even Cooking: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, use them for a burst of flavor.
- Customize the Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: You can freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes! Chicken thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.
Q2: What if I don’t have heavy cream?
A: You can substitute with half-and-half or a mix of milk and a tablespoon of butter.
Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit the Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion: Comfort in Every Bite!
This Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich flavors and wholesome ingredients into one unforgettable dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Did you try this recipe? Share your experience and photos on social media and tag us—we’d love to see your creations!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 420
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Enjoy every creamy, herby bite!
Print
Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Description
There’s nothing quite like the comforting flavors of Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice. This one-pan meal combines tender chicken, a velvety herb-infused sauce, and fragrant basmati rice for a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week. It’s easy to make, yet elegant enough to serve for guests.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Rice:
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
For the Creamy Herb Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the seasoning evenly onto both sides of the chicken.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Basmati Rice
- In the same skillet, add the rinsed basmati rice and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast it.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Herb Sauce
- Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
- In the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Italian herbs, parsley, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy herb sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve the chicken and creamy sauce over the basmati rice, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Even Cooking: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, use them for a burst of flavor.
- Customize the Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American
