If you are looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Creamy Herb Chicken Basmati Rice Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. This recipe perfectly blends tender, juicy chicken with fragrant basmati rice, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy herb sauce that bursts with comforting flavors. Every bite delivers a beautiful balance of savory herbs, the gentle nuttiness of Parmesan, and the smooth richness of cream, making it a go-to weeknight dinner that feels both special and satisfying. Plus, it comes together in one pan, keeping things simple without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients, each carefully chosen to contribute a unique flavor or texture. They come together effortlessly to build layers of taste that make this dish truly shine.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken: Bite-sized pieces ensure quick and even cooking with tender results.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps to brown the chicken beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Brings a creamy richness that enhances the overall mouthfeel.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet, aromatic base for the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with deep, savory warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a gentle earthy herb note that pairs well with chicken.
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds a piney, fragrant complexity.
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley: Lends a fresh, mild herbaceous flavor.
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed: Its fluffy, fragrant grains are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- 2 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth: The cooking liquid that imparts savory depth to the rice.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Creates the velvety, luxurious texture everyone loves.
- â…“ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Supplies a salty, nutty kick that elevates the creaminess.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Optional fresh herbs for garnish: A vibrant finishing touch that brightens the dish visually and in flavor.
How to Make Creamy Herb Chicken Basmati Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. This sear locks in the juices and builds a wonderful flavor base. Remove the chicken and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Herbs
Using the same pan, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic along with the dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Keep everything moving for about 30 seconds until the mixture becomes wonderfully fragrant, filling your kitchen with herbal goodness that hints at the delicious richness to come.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Next, add the rinsed basmati rice to the pan and stir it around for about 1 minute. This step allows the rice to get lightly toasted and coated in the infused oil and herbs, adding a subtle nuttiness and helping the grains stay fluffy after cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb the broth, swelling up into tender, aromatic grains that soak up all the flavors from the herbs and aromatics.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Once the rice is cooked and the liquid absorbed, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and the cooked chicken pieces. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated through and irresistibly creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed for the perfect balance. This finishing step ties all the elements together into one harmonious, soul-satisfying meal.
How to Serve Creamy Herb Chicken Basmati Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or chives over the creamy herb chicken basmati rice for a burst of color and fresh flavor that complements the richness. A little extra grated Parmesan right before serving can add a savory punch and a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, vibrant sides like a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables such as asparagus or carrots. These lighter accompaniments add brightness and texture contrast, balancing the creaminess of the main course.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve the creamy herb chicken basmati rice in individual shallow bowls, topped with a sprig of fresh herbs. Alternatively, transform it into a gratin by transferring to a baking dish, topping with extra Parmesan and breadcrumbs, then broiling until golden. It’s perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover creamy herb chicken basmati rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It maintains its creamy texture and flavors well, making it an easy, ready-made meal for busy days.
Freezing
While cream-based dishes sometimes change texture when frozen, you can freeze this recipe for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container, and when thawed, the rice might require gentle reheating with a splash of broth or cream to restore its luscious consistency.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts. Add a bit of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and keep the rice from drying out, stirring occasionally until warmed through and creamy once again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this dish because they stay moist and tender, adding even more flavor to your creamy herb chicken basmati rice recipe.
Is it okay to substitute fresh herbs for dried ones?
Yes! If using fresh herbs, increase the quantity to about three times the dried amount called for, as fresh herbs are milder. They add a brighter, fresher flavor that can really elevate the dish.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, swap the butter for olive oil, and use coconut cream or a plant-based cream instead of heavy cream, and a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. The flavor will be different but still deliciously creamy.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to rinse your basmati rice well before cooking and keep the heat low while simmering covered. Stirring before the liquid is fully absorbed can lead to mushy rice, so it’s best to let it cook undisturbed.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Stirring in fresh spinach, peas, or mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking adds color and nutrition without overpowering the creamy herb chicken basmati rice recipe’s delicate flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Herb Chicken Basmati Rice Recipe is one of those special dishes that feels like a cozy night in while tasting impressively gourmet. Once you combine tender chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and that dreamy herb cream sauce, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite for so many. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new weeknight comfort food that everyone asks for again and again.
Print
Creamy Herb Chicken Basmati Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
Description
A comforting and creamy herb chicken with basmati rice, cooked in a single skillet to blend savory herbs, tender chicken, and rich Parmesan cream into a hearty American-inspired main course.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Optional: fresh herbs for garnish
Rice & Dairy
- 1 cup basmati rice (rinsed)
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic along with dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pan, stirring well to coat the grains evenly with the onion and herb mixture. Cook for about 1 minute to lightly toast the rice.
- Cook the Rice: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the rice simmer gently for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, then add the cooked chicken back into the pan. Continue simmering for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dish is heated through, creamy, and well combined.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve warm as a satisfying main course.
Notes
- For fresh herbs, use three times the amount of dried herbs listed.
- Add spinach or peas at the end of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
- This dish pairs excellently with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
