If comfort food had a secret weapon, it would be Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice. This heavenly one-pan wonder brings tender, golden chicken together with fragrant basmati rice, all blanketed in a dreamy, herb-flecked cream sauce. Each forkful is a cozy celebration of rich flavors and herbaceous notes, crowned with a flurry of fresh parsley. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself on a weeknight, this dish is the answer to that gnawing “what’s for dinner?” question — and it’s destined to become your new favorite.

Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice so special is how a handful of accessible staples come together in a way that feels downright magical. Each ingredient has a role: boosting flavor, giving body, or adding that irresistible creamy finish. Let’s take a closer look at why you’ll want them all.

Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless breasts or thighs for juicy, bite-sized pieces that really soak up the herbs and sauce.
Olive oil: This is your go-to for a golden sear on the chicken and a hint of Mediterranean flair.
Butter: Adds richness and depth, making the base extra luscious.
Onion: Finely chopped onion provides a sweet, savory backbone to the sauce.
Garlic: A trio of cloves delivers that warm, irresistible aroma and classic flavor punch.
Basmati rice: Rinsed and drained, this prized grain cooks up fluffy and fragrant, soaking up every last drop of creaminess.
Chicken broth: Gives the rice its savory lift and helps everything come together in perfect harmony.
Heavy cream: The secret to that voluptuous, silky sauce—don’t skip it if you’re craving indulgence!
Dried thyme: Earthy, slightly minty—key to that signature herby aroma.
Dried parsley: Brings freshness, color, and subtle garden flavor without any fuss.
Dried basil: Soft and slightly sweet, it mellows the other herbs and balances the whole dish.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all those beautiful flavors—season to taste!
Black pepper: Just a touch for warmth and a gentle floral note.
Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds savory depth and a lightly nutty undertone if you want to take it over the top.
Chopped fresh parsley: The finishing touch for a pop of color and bright, fresh flavor.

How to Make Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in your favorite large, deep skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken chunks, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and let them sizzle away for five to seven minutes. The aim here is golden, juicy pieces with some caramelized edges. Once cooked through, scoop the chicken out and set it aside—you’ll be welcoming it back soon.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Turn the heat down to medium and melt in the butter. Toss in the finely chopped onion and let it soften for a couple of minutes. When your kitchen starts smelling incredible, add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds—just until fragrant. It sets the stage for that rich, aromatic base you want in your Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice.

Step 3: Toast the Basmati Rice

Stir the rinsed and drained basmati rice right into the onion and garlic mixture. Let it toast, stirring for a minute or two. This little step teases out more nuttiness from the rice and ensures every grain gets mingled with the aromatics—guaranteeing a flavorful final bite.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth, Herbs, and Chicken

Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the thyme, parsley, and basil. Return the seared chicken (and those tasty juices!) right back into the pan. Gently bring it all to a simmer, cover, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 15 minutes—just until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. This step infuses the rice and chicken with deep herb and broth flavors.

Step 5: Add Cream and Finish

Now for the magic: stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese if you want extra richness. Let it bubble gently, uncovered, for another two to three minutes. The sauce will thicken and coat every grain and piece of chicken in creamy, herby perfection. Taste, adjust seasoning if needed, and you’re ready to garnish and serve.

How to Serve Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice

Garnishes

Finish off your Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice with a generous shower of freshly chopped parsley. If you’re a cheese fan, add a light dusting of more Parmesan for even bigger flavor. A few grinds of black pepper on top makes it both gorgeous and aromatic, inviting everyone to dig in.

Side Dishes

This dish is an all-star on its own, but it also loves company! Pair it with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a handful of steamed green peas stirred in at the end for a pop of color. Warm crusty bread works beautifully to soak up any extra creamy sauce lingering on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try spooning Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice into wide, shallow bowls and topping with colorful microgreens or edible flowers. You can also plate it family-style right from the skillet, letting everyone help themselves. Or pack individual portions into meal-prep containers for an envy-inducing lunch at work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to three days and still tastes fantastic reheated for a quick lunch or dinner.

Freezing

If you want to save some for a rainy day, let the dish cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It freezes best without the garnish. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or extra broth to restore the creaminess. Give everything a good stir and finish with fresh parsley just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of basmati?

You can swap in brown rice, but you’ll need to extend the cooking time and may need a bit more broth. Keep an eye out so the rice cooks thoroughly without becoming mushy.

What herbs can I add or substitute?

Feel free to play with the herb profile—fresh thyme, tarragon, or even a sprinkle of dill can be delicious. Just make sure the flavors won’t outshine the chicken and rice.

How can I make it lighter?

Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk if you want to dial back the richness. The sauce will be a bit less thick, but still flavorful and comforting.

Is Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your chicken broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free, this dish fits perfectly into a gluten-free diet.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, stir in fresh spinach, peas, or chopped asparagus in the last few minutes of simmering. It’s a great way to brighten things up and sneak in more greens.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is a staple in my kitchen—every bite brings warmth, flavor, and just the right touch of indulgence. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a gathering with friends, give this recipe a try and watch it become an instant favorite at your table. I can’t wait for you to taste what makes it so special!

Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this one-pan Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice recipe. Tender chicken cooked with fragrant herbs, basmati rice, and a luscious cream sauce, all in a single skillet for a delightful meal.