Creamy Herb Chicken and Basmati Rice is the perfect blend of comfort, elegance, and rich flavor, making it an ideal dish for both busy weeknights and special gatherings.
This hearty meal combines tender, juicy chicken breasts or thighs seasoned with aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley, then simmered gently in a luscious, creamy sauce.
Paired with fluffy, fragrant basmati rice, each bite offers a satisfying balance of creamy richness and fresh, herby brightness.
What sets this dish apart is its versatility and ease. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home in under an hour.
The creamy sauce not only adds depth to the chicken but also soaks beautifully into the rice, ensuring every spoonful is packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, Creamy Herb Chicken and Basmati Rice delivers both comfort and sophistication.
Plus, it’s easily adaptable — add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra color and nutrition. This dish promises to become a favorite, bringing warmth and satisfaction to your table with minimal effort.
CREAMY HERB CHICKEN AND BASMATI RICE
Description
Creamy Herb Chicken and Basmati Rice is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Tender, juicy chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and then simmered in a rich, creamy herb sauce packed with fresh parsley, thyme, and garlic.
Paired with fluffy, aromatic basmati rice, this meal balances hearty protein with a light, herbal freshness.
The creamy sauce soaks into the rice, creating a savory, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
It’s a wholesome, satisfying meal that feels both cozy and elegant — ready in under an hour and perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Rinse basmati rice under cold water until clear. Set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden on all sides (about 5–7 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
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In the same pan, add remaining butter and olive oil. Sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the basmati rice and toast for 1–2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
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Once rice is tender, return the chicken to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream, thyme, parsley, basil, and Parmesan if using. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until everything is creamy and heated through.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 700kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 35g54%
- Saturated Fat 18g90%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 45g90%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
CREAMY HERB CHICKEN AND BASMATI – TIPS, SERVINGS, TRICKS, AND CONCLUSION
Creamy Herb Chicken and Basmati Rice is the perfect cozy meal when you want something rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy.
The juicy chicken, coated in a creamy herb sauce, paired with fluffy, fragrant basmati rice, feels both indulgent and wholesome.
Whether you're cooking for a special dinner or meal prepping for the week, mastering this dish is totally worth it. Here’s how to make it even better:
Essential Tips
- Chicken Choice Matters
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the juiciest, most flavorful result. Chicken breasts work too if you prefer a lighter option, but be careful not to overcook them. - Sear for Flavor
Always sear the chicken first until golden brown. This not only locks in juices but also creates tasty bits (fond) in the pan that make your sauce even more delicious. - Fresh Herbs > Dried Herbs
If possible, go for fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and basil. Fresh herbs bring the sauce to life. If you only have dried herbs, cut the quantity in half because dried herbs are more concentrated. - Deglaze the Pan
After searing the chicken, deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth or white wine. This lifts all the browned bits into the sauce, boosting the flavor. - Creamy but Light
Use heavy cream for a rich sauce or substitute half-and-half for a lighter option. Greek yogurt stirred in at the end can also make the dish creamy with extra protein.
Serving Suggestions
- Portion Size: Plan for about 1 chicken thigh or breast per person and ½ to 1 cup cooked basmati rice per serving.
- Plating Tip: Serve the chicken over a bed of warm basmati rice, then generously spoon the creamy herb sauce on top.
- Add Veggies: Pair it with steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple arugula salad for a full meal.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with extra chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon, or even a few chili flakes for a little kick.
This recipe typically yields about 4 servings — perfect for a small family dinner or several meal prep portions for the week.
Tricks for Extra Goodness
- Infused Rice: Cook the basmati rice with a bay leaf or a cinnamon stick for a subtle background flavor that complements the herbed chicken beautifully.
- Layer the Flavors: Add a little garlic or shallot to the pan right after searing the chicken for a deeper aromatic base.
- Sauce Thickness: If your sauce feels too thin, let it simmer gently without a lid. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of broth or milk.
- Marinate the Chicken: If you have time, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for an hour before cooking — it’ll be even more flavorful.
- One-Pan Shortcut: To save dishes, cook everything (chicken, sauce, even finishing the rice) in one large deep skillet or braiser.
Conclusion
Creamy Herb Chicken and Basmati Rice is a feel-good dish that’s fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight.
It’s all about balance — tender chicken, a rich and herby sauce, and light, fragrant rice to soak it all up. The little details — like searing properly, using fresh herbs, and seasoning your rice — are what elevate this meal from good to unforgettable.
Once you’ve made it a couple of times, you can start experimenting with adding mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even spinach to the sauce for variations. It’s a flexible recipe you’ll come back to over and over again, perfect for when you want hearty food with fresh, bright flavors.
Master the basic technique, and this creamy herb chicken will become a true staple in your kitchen!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What herbs work best in creamy herb chicken?
You can use a mix of fresh or dried herbs like thyme, parsley, rosemary, and basil. Fresh herbs add a brighter flavor, while dried herbs give a more concentrated, cozy taste. Italian seasoning is a great shortcut if you want an easy blend!
Can I use other types of rice instead of basmati?
Yes, but basmati is recommended because it's light, fluffy, and slightly nutty — perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. If needed, you can substitute with jasmine rice, long-grain white rice, or even brown rice (just adjust cooking times, as brown rice takes longer).
How do I keep the chicken tender and juicy?
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, and don’t overcook them. Sear the chicken until golden, then finish cooking it gently in the creamy sauce. Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing also keeps it juicy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce 1–2 days in advance. Store them separately from the cooked rice to keep everything fresh. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce gets too thick.
