If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of tender, juicy chicken smothered in a luxurious, herb-infused cream sauce, paired beautifully with fragrant, fluffy basmati rice. Each bite offers a comforting, yet fresh flavor profile that makes this meal feel special enough for company but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Once you make this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to dishes when you crave something both cozy and elegant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each one bringing something wonderful to the table—whether it’s the fresh herbs lending vibrant color and aroma, or the rich cream adding that irresistible silky texture.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect protein base that cooks quickly and stays juicy.
- 1 cup basmati rice: Known for its fragrant aroma and light, fluffy texture, ideal to soak up the creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter: Adds richness and a golden sear to the chicken.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a subtle sharpness and warmth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious base of the sauce with a smooth, velvety mouthfeel.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds a savory note and thins out the sauce just enough.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped: Infuses a gentle earthiness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds brightness and freshness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped: Offers fragrant, piney notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional): Adds a subtle zing that wakes up the dish.
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional): Perfect finishing touch for a burst of citrus aroma.
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional): To make every serving look bright and inviting.
How to Make Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook the rice
Start by cooking the basmati rice according to the package instructions. This rice is wonderfully fragrant and has a light texture that pairs impeccably with creamy dishes like this one. Once cooked, set it aside so it’s ready to soak up the delicious sauce later.
Step 2: Cook the chicken
Heat your olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. When the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Removing the chicken at just the right time ensures it stays tender and juicy—a crucial part of this dish’s success. Set the chicken aside for the next step.
Step 3: Make the sauce
Using the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent, filling your kitchen with that homey aroma. Then pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer gently for about 2 minutes to concentrate the flavors. Next, stir in the heavy cream along with the fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Let the sauce simmer for another 3-5 minutes so it thickens slightly, turning luxuriously creamy and perfectly infused with herbs.
Step 4: Combine chicken and sauce
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the sauce. Coat the chicken well, allowing it to simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes. This step warms the chicken through and lets it soak up all those incredible herbal, creamy flavors. Your Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe is almost ready to be devoured!
Step 5: Serve
Serve the creamy herb chicken generously over the warm basmati rice. For an optional bright pop, sprinkle some fresh lemon zest and herbs on top. This finishing touch makes it look as good as it tastes!
How to Serve Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few sprigs of thyme add inviting color and aroma that enhance the visual appeal and freshness. Lemon zest is another fantastic garnish that complements the herbs perfectly and adds a lovely citrus brightness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad. These options bring a freshness and crunch that balance out the creamy richness of the chicken and rice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try serving the chicken sliced in a fan shape over a bed of rice on large plates. You might drizzle any extra sauce around the edges or in a small bowl alongside for dipping. Using a colorful plate or adding a vibrant side salad can also make your dinner feel restaurant-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld and develop overnight, making your second-day meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, separate the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers. While cream-based sauces can separate slightly after freezing, gentle reheating and stirring usually bring them back to creamy perfection.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. This keeps everything moist and luscious without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?
While basmati rice is recommended for its fragrance and texture, you could substitute jasmine or long-grain white rice. Just keep in mind the cooking times and flavors vary slightly, so basmati offers the best complementary pairing.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream alternative. This will slightly change the flavor profile but maintain a creamy texture that works well with the herbs and chicken.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken breasts should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the chicken is no longer pink inside and the juices run clear when cut into.
Can I prepare this dish for more than two servings?
Yes, simply multiply the ingredients accordingly and use a larger skillet or cook the chicken in batches. Keep the rice and sauce portions balanced to maintain the rich flavor and texture.
What herbs work best in the Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe?
The combination of thyme, rosemary, and parsley creates a wonderfully aromatic and fresh flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy sauce and chicken. You can also experiment with basil or tarragon for a different twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a dish that’s easy to make but tastes like you spent hours on it. This Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe hits that mark perfectly. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal that feels both special and approachable. Don’t hesitate to try it out—you might just find yourself making it again and again, sharing it with friends and family who will surely thank you for it!
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Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and delicious recipe featuring tender boneless chicken breasts cooked in a rich, creamy herb sauce, served over fluffy basmati rice. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner with fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley enhancing the dish’s aroma and taste.
Ingredients
Chicken & Rice
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup basmati rice
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the rice: In a medium pot, prepare the basmati rice following the package instructions. Once cooked, set it aside and keep warm.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and thoroughly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer gently for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add cream and herbs: Stir in the heavy cream, fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly, melding the flavors together.
- Combine chicken with sauce: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and return them to the skillet. Coat the chicken well with the creamy herb sauce and continue simmering for another 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through and infuse it with flavor.
- Serve: Plate the creamy herb chicken over the cooked basmati rice. Garnish with lemon zest and fresh herbs if using, and add a splash of lemon juice for a bright finishing touch.
Notes
- Using fresh herbs greatly enhances the flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted if necessary (use one-third the amount).
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste throughout cooking.
- Lemon juice and zest add a nice brightness but can be omitted if preferred.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
