Creamy Herb Chicken and Basmati Rice Recipe

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Herb Chicken and Basmati Rice Recipe. It combines tender, juicy chicken, aromatic basmati rice, and a luscious, herb-infused cream sauce, making it a perfect meal for dinner parties, family gatherings, or a cozy night at home. With its rich flavor profile and elegant presentation, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Aromatic and Flavorful: The blend of fresh herbs and basmati rice creates a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen.
2. Creamy Indulgence: The creamy herb sauce ties everything together, offering a luxurious texture and flavor.
3. Easy One-Pan Meal: Save time and effort by cooking everything in one skillet.
4. Customizable: Swap out the chicken or adjust the herbs to suit your preferences.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken
   • Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
   • In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
2. Sear the Chicken
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Basmati Rice

1. Rinse the Rice
   • Rinse basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, ensuring fluffy rice.
2. Cook the Rice
   • In a saucepan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and sauté for 2 minutes.
   • Stir in chicken broth, turmeric (if using), and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
   • Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Herb Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic
   • In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
2. Create the Base
   • Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Add Parmesan and Herbs
   • Stir in Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, and thyme. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

1. Return the Chicken
   • Add the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning the creamy herb sauce over each piece.
   • Cover and cook on low heat for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
2. Add the Rice
   • Once the chicken is done, stir the cooked basmati rice into the skillet, coating it in the sauce. Alternatively, serve the rice on the side.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Herbs
   • Fresh herbs elevate the flavor of the dish, but dried herbs can be substituted in a pinch.
2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
   • Keep an eye on the chicken while it cooks in the sauce to prevent it from drying out.
3. Layer the Flavors
   • Sear the chicken and toast the rice for extra depth of flavor.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Option
   • Substitute the chicken with tofu, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables.
2. Spicy Twist
   • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
3. Cheesy Upgrade
   • Mix in shredded mozzarella or Gruyère for an extra cheesy sauce.
4. Whole-Grain Swap
   • Use brown basmati rice for a healthier twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Serve with steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a fresh garden salad.
• Beverages: Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a refreshing lemonade.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of rice?
   • Yes, jasmine rice or long-grain white rice can be substituted, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
   • Use half-and-half or whole milk, but note that the sauce may be less creamy.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • Yes, prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Reheat and cook the rice fresh for best results.

Conclusion

This Creamy Herb Chicken and Basmati Rice Recipe is a deliciously satisfying meal that brings together the best of creamy comfort and herbaceous brightness. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is easy to prepare yet sophisticated enough to impress. Try it out, and enjoy the compliments from your table!

Yield: 4

Creamy Herb Chicken and Basmati Rice Recipe

Print

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Herb Chicken and Basmati Rice Recipe. It combines tender, juicy chicken, aromatic basmati rice, and a luscious, herb-infused cream sauce, making it a perfect meal for dinner parties, family gatherings, or a cozy night at home. With its rich flavor profile and elegant presentation, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• For the Creamy Herb Sauce:
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• For the Basmati Rice:
• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
   Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
   Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
   Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
2. Step 2: Cook the Rice
   In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed basmati rice, chicken broth, butter, and dried parsley.
   Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
   
3. Step 3: Make the Creamy Herb Sauce
   In the same skillet used for the chicken, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
   Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, thyme, parsley, basil, and lemon juice. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
   
4. Step 4: Combine and Serve
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy herb sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken and blend the flavors.
   Serve the creamy herb chicken over a bed of basmati rice, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• For Juicier Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
• Herb Variations: Substitute fresh herbs for dried if available; double the quantity for fresh.
• Rice Alternatives: Swap basmati rice with jasmine rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for variety.