Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, fragrant rice, and a luscious herb-infused cream sauce. This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners when you want a meal that’s both easy and indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup with all the flavors cooked together.
- Creamy and Delicious: A velvety herb sauce that coats every bite.
- Versatile: Swap the herbs or add vegetables for a personalized touch.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh herbs like basil or chives for garnish
Full ingredient list and substitutions below.
Directions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
Stir the rinsed basmati rice into the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Simmer
Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet on top of the rice. Cover and simmer on low heat for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce
Remove the chicken and set aside. Stir the heavy cream and dried parsley into the rice. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy herb sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Herbs: If possible, replace dried herbs with fresh ones for a more vibrant flavor.
- Rice Texture: Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly to prevent it from becoming sticky.
- Chicken Substitute: Boneless thighs or even salmon can work beautifully in this recipe.
- Thicker Sauce: Add a sprinkle of flour or cornstarch if you prefer a thicker cream sauce.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Toss in spinach, peas, or diced carrots while simmering the rice.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese with the cream for extra richness.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for some heat.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Beverage Pairing: A chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing iced tea complements the dish beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of basmati?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and the amount of broth slightly.
2. What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays tender?
Don’t overcook the chicken. Sear it quickly and let it finish cooking with the rice.
3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative.
4. How do I keep the rice from sticking to the pan?
Use a nonstick skillet and stir the rice occasionally during cooking.
Conclusion
Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is a meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making it an ideal addition to your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or just treating yourself to a comforting meal, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati is a comforting one-pot dish that features tender chicken cooked in a rich, creamy herb sauce, paired with aromatic basmati rice. Perfect for a family dinner or an elegant meal, this recipe is full of flavor and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter.
- Add onions and garlic; sauté until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Stir in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
- Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and thickened.
- Combine:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over it.
- Simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Serve:
- Plate the basmati rice and top with the creamy herb chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Swap dried herbs with fresh ones for a more vibrant flavor.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg