If you’re craving a meal that wraps comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance into one, you have to try this Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe. The tender chicken breasts are seasoned with a fragrant blend of herbs and spices, seared to a golden perfection, and paired beautifully with nutty, fluffy basmati rice. But here’s the real star: the luscious, creamy parmesan herb sauce that ties everything together with a rich, silky hug. This is the kind of dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners yet feels special enough to serve guests. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list seem long; these ingredients are simple, easy to find, and each one plays a crucial role in crafting this dish’s irresistible taste, texture, and color. From fresh herbs that brighten the dish to creamy cheese that melts all worries away, this lineup has your dinner covered.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are your star proteins seasoned to juicy perfection.
- Olive oil: For a lovely sear that locks in flavor and juiciness.
- Salt and pepper: Basic yet essential seasoning to enhance every bite.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Add depth and a hint of sweetness without overpowering.
- Dried thyme, rosemary, and paprika: The perfect herb and spice trio that brings a warm, aromatic touch.
- Basmati rice: Light and fluffy, with a fragrant aroma that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory richness while cooking.
- Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and helps build the sauce’s silky texture.
- Heavy cream: For that indulgent, velvety sauce that coats every grain and slice of chicken.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Brings nutty, savory goodness that melts into the cream perfectly.
- Fresh parsley, dill, and chives: Chopped and sprinkled on top to brighten the dish with vibrant herbaceous notes.
How to Make Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and paprika. This blend layers flavors that will form a fragrant, savory crust once cooked, making every bite unforgettable.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts until golden brown, approximately 6 to 7 minutes per side. Cooking them this way locks in juices and gives you a beautiful crust. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside; the skillet is about to do some more magic!
Step 3: Toast the Basmati Rice
Using the same skillet lets you capture all those delicious browned bits leftover from the chicken. Add the basmati rice and toast it lightly for about two minutes—this step brings out the nutty aroma and adds an extra depth to the rice’s flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Rice in Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring this to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The broth seeps into each grain, making your basmati rice tender, flavorful, and perfectly fluffy—the ideal partner for that creamy chicken.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
While waiting for the rice, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in heavy cream continuously as it warms, creating a silky base. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts fully into a smooth and luscious sauce—this is the heart of your Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe.
Step 6: Combine and Coat
Once the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed, stir your parmesan cream sauce right into the skillet with the rice. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and spoon that gorgeous sauce over each piece, coating everything luxuriously. It’s mouthwatering just thinking about it, right?
Step 7: Add the Fresh Herbs
Finally, sprinkle the chopped parsley, dill, and chives over the dish. These fresh herbs brighten and balance the creaminess with a burst of vibrant color and flavor, completing the look and taste of your Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe in the most delightful way.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Now your dish is ready to bring to the table. Serve it hot, dig in, and experience the comforting blend of creamy textures and herbaceous flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and chives aren’t just for flavor; they add a pop of color and freshness that elevate the dish’s appearance and taste. A light sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese on top before serving can be divine for an extra cheesy kick.
Side Dishes
To keep the spotlight on your Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe, pair it with simple, crisp sides like steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a mixed green salad. Their fresh textures and light flavors contrast wonderfully with the creamy, rich main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try plating the chicken sliced atop a bed of the creamy rice. Garnish with a lemon wedge to add a hint of brightness your guests can squeeze over the meal. Alternatively, serve the rice molded in a ring or bowl with the chicken arranged around it, making for a stunning presentation that tastes just as good as it looks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld overnight, making your leftovers just as delicious, if not better.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the chicken and rice separately in freezer-safe containers. This prevents the creamy sauce from separating too much and helps maintain the best texture. They’ll keep for up to two months.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the rice and chicken gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to bring back that silky sauce texture. Stir gently and heat until warm throughout but avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?
While basmati rice adds a distinctive aroma and fluffy texture to the dish, you can substitute it with jasmine or long-grain rice. Just keep in mind that cooking times and liquid ratios may vary slightly.
Is heavy cream necessary for the sauce?
Heavy cream is key to achieving the luscious richness of the sauce, but if you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half or a creamy plant-based milk, though the texture and richness will be somewhat different.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil and use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives. Fresh herbs and spices still shine through to keep the dish flavorful and satisfying.
What fresh herbs can I use if I don’t have parsley, dill, or chives?
Basil, tarragon, or oregano can be great alternatives, each lending their unique flavor. Use what you have on hand for an herbaceous twist to the classic.
How can I tell if the chicken is cooked perfectly?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). It should be white and opaque throughout, juicy, and tender—not dry. Cooking it properly is crucial for the best Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe experience.
Final Thoughts
Embracing the comforting warmth and fragrant freshness of this Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe is like inviting a little happiness to your dinner table. It’s simple enough for busy nights but special enough to impress loved ones. So, give it a go—you might just find your new favorite go-to meal with a creamy, herby twist that hits all the right notes every time.
Print
Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, cooked to perfection in a skillet. The chicken is served over perfectly cooked basmati rice infused with chicken broth and topped with a luscious creamy parmesan sauce, finished with a fresh blend of parsley, dill, and chives for an herby finish. This recipe is ideal for a hearty yet elegant dinner that blends creamy textures with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Rice
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Herbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and paprika to build a robust herbaceous flavor base for the meat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Toast the Rice: In the same skillet, add the basmati rice and toast it lightly for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, which enhances the rice’s nutty flavor.
- Simmer the Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the rice simmer for 15-20 minutes until it is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: While the rice cooks, melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and whisk continuously until heated through. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Coat: Once the rice is done cooking, stir the creamy parmesan sauce into the rice. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce generously over the chicken to coat it thoroughly.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley, dill, and chives over the chicken and rice to add fresh, aromatic herb notes that brighten the dish.
- Serve: Serve the creamy herb chicken and basmati rice hot and enjoy a flavorful and comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce but the texture will be less rich.
- Make sure to cover the rice properly while simmering to ensure even cooking and moisture retention.
- Fresh herbs provide the best flavor; however, dried herbs can be used if fresh are unavailable, adjusting quantities accordingly.
- Resting the chicken after cooking helps retain its juices for a tender bite.
- For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the cream and butter with coconut cream and dairy-free butter alternatives.
