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
Scale
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