Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice

Tender chicken bathed in a velvety herb-infused sauce, served over fluffy basmati rice that soaks up every last drop of flavor. This Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. The aromatic herbs and rich sauce create a comforting dish that feels both luxurious and homey at the same time. You’ll learn how to perfectly cook the chicken, create a silky sauce that never separates, and prepare basmati rice that comes out perfectly fluffy every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice recipe deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation for so many reasons. First, the contrast between the crispy-skinned chicken and the silky sauce creates an irresistible textural experience. The fragrant basmati rice provides the perfect canvas for the herb-infused cream sauce, absorbing all those wonderful flavors while maintaining its distinct texture.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. It’s impressive enough for dinner guests yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. The preparation is straightforward, with most ingredients likely already in your pantry. The aromatics from the fresh herbs and garlic create an enticing scent that will draw everyone to the kitchen.

Best of all, this herb chicken and rice dish comes together in one pan (plus one pot for the rice), meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your delicious creation. The sauce is naturally thick and luscious without any complicated techniques, making this a foolproof recipe even for beginner cooks.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice, you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs/900g)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tbsp)
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

For the Basmati Rice:

• 2 cups (400g) basmati rice
• 3 cups (720ml) water
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 bay leaf (optional)

The fresh herbs are crucial for this dish’s signature flavor profile. If you only have dried herbs, use 1 teaspoon each but know that fresh will provide a more vibrant flavor. The heavy cream creates the luxurious texture that makes this herbed chicken dish so memorable.

Pro Tips

Perfect Chicken Texture: The key to juicy chicken in this Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is to avoid overcooking. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ¾ inch) before cooking. This ensures they cook evenly and remain tender throughout. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (74°C) – any higher and the chicken will become dry.

Foolproof Basmati Rice: For perfectly fluffy basmati, rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch that causes stickiness. After bringing the rice to a boil, reduce to the lowest heat setting, cover tightly, and avoid peeking during the 15-minute cooking time. Let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes after cooking for the fluffiest texture.

Sauce Secrets: To prevent your creamy herb sauce from breaking or curdling, add the cream gradually while the pan is at a gentle simmer, not a boil. When incorporating the Parmesan, remove the pan from heat completely and stir continuously. This creates the silky smooth sauce that makes this chicken and herb rice dish exceptional. For an extra velvety finish, let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. If they’re very thick, pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 2: Start the Rice
While the chicken cooks, prepare your basmati rice. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed rice, water, butter, salt, and bay leaf if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat but keep covered for 5 more minutes.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base
In the same skillet used for chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Add the dried Italian herbs, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary (reserving a little for garnish).

Step 5: Finish the Dish
Add the Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Allow everything to heat through for 2-3 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, remove the bay leaf, and serve the Creamy Herb Chicken over the Basmati Rice, generously topped with sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Variations

Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice: For a brighter, citrusy version of Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice, add the zest of one lemon and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to the sauce. This variation pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed asparagus or broccoli, creating a fresh, light meal perfect for spring and summer evenings.

Mushroom & Spinach Herb Chicken: Enhance the earthiness of this herb chicken dish by adding 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms when sautéing the garlic. Just before serving, stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach to wilt in the warm sauce. This adds nutrition and creates a complete one-pan meal with even more complex flavors.

Dairy-Free Option: For those avoiding dairy, substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and omit the Parmesan cheese. Add 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard to enhance the savory notes. The result is still creamy and satisfying with all the herby goodness of the original recipe.

Storage and Serving

Storage Instructions: Allow leftover Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken considerably when cold; when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore its creamy consistency. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop rather than in the microwave to prevent the sauce from separating.

Serving Suggestions: Serve this herb chicken and rice dish with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cream sauce. Roasted asparagus or green beans also make excellent accompaniments. For a beautiful presentation, serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of the basmati rice, garnish with additional fresh herbs, and add a lemon wedge on the side for brightness.

Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the chicken and sauce up to a day ahead, storing separately in the refrigerator. The rice is best made fresh, but if needed, you can cook it in advance and reheat with a tablespoon of water in the microwave, covered, for 1-2 minutes until steaming.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice recipe and often result in even juicier meat. Adjust cooking time to about 4-5 minutes per side, as thighs may cook slightly faster than breasts.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a non-dairy alternative, full-fat coconut milk works well, though it will add a subtle coconut flavor to the dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The chicken and sauce can be prepared 1-2 days ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop. The rice is best made fresh, but all components reheat well. Just add a splash of broth when reheating the sauce to restore its consistency.

What herbs can I substitute if I don’t have fresh ones?
While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can substitute dried herbs using this ratio: 1 tablespoon fresh = 1 teaspoon dried. The sauce will still be delicious, though slightly less vibrant.

Can I freeze this dish?
While you can freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 2 months, cream-based sauces sometimes separate when thawed. Freeze the rice separately in its own container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, whisking the sauce to recombine if needed.

Conclusion

This Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is comfort food at its finest — elegant enough for company yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The marriage of tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and velvety sauce creates a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary, proving that sometimes the most comforting meals come from the simplest combinations. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this herb-infused chicken and rice will become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

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