Velvety Herb Chicken with Basmati Rice Recipe – A Homey Delight

Weeknight dinners demand a knockout chicken recipe that brings bold flavors to the table.

This succulent herb chicken basmati rice dish combines aromatic herbs with tender, juicy meat for a truly memorable meal.

Fresh herbs infuse every bite with vibrant, irresistible taste.

The basmati rice serves as a perfect canvas for the herb-packed chicken, absorbing all the delicious seasonings.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of textures and rich, complex flavors.

Simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this mouthwatering culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that creates a hearty base with golden-brown exterior and tender interior, selecting fresh, boneless cuts for even cooking.

• Basmati Rice: Fragrant long-grain rice that provides delicate texture and subtle nutty flavor, choosing high-quality, aged basmati for best results.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate the entire dish's taste profile.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Concentrated seasonings that add depth and aromatic complexity without raw ingredient texture.
• Italian Seasoning, Thyme, Parsley: Herbal mixture providing fresh, green notes and Mediterranean-inspired taste, selecting dried herbs for consistent flavor.
• Paprika: Adds warm, slightly smoky undertone and beautiful color to the chicken's surface.

• Olive Oil: Perfect for high-heat searing, creating beautiful golden-brown crust on chicken.
• Butter: Adds rich, creamy undertone and helps caramelize onions smoothly.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enhances overall savory foundation.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce with incredible richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes sharp, salty depth and helps thicken sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens entire dish with fresh, tangy counterpoint.

Helpful Tools For Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice

• Large skillet: Essential for searing chicken and cooking rice with deep, even heat.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise for seasoning chicken and measuring ingredients accurately.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring rice and mixing creamy sauce without scratching pan.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping fresh herbs and preparing ingredients.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Colander: Useful for rinsing basmati rice before cooking.

Follow These Steps For Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice

• Brown the Chicken

Dust chicken with a blend of zesty spices. Fire up a skillet with olive oil and sizzle the chicken until it’s golden and crispy on both sides. This creates a delicious crust that locks in all the amazing flavors.

• Craft the Fragrant Rice

Using the same skillet, melt butter and dance some diced onions around until they’re soft and translucent. Toss in minced garlic for a quick aromatic moment. Introduce basmati rice and let it toast, creating a nutty undertone. Pour in rich chicken broth and let everything simmer together. Nestle the chicken back into the rice and cover, allowing magic to happen.

• Create the Luscious Sauce

When rice reaches perfect tenderness, drizzle in velvety cream and sprinkle Parmesan. Gently stir to create a silky blanket over the dish. Splash in bright lemon juice and scatter fresh herbs, transforming the sauce into a zesty, creamy dream.

• Plate and Celebrate

Scoop this luxurious one-pan wonder onto plates. Shower with extra herbs and a snowfall of Parmesan. Each bite promises a harmony of creamy, herbal, and comforting flavors that’ll make taste buds dance.

Handy Tips For Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice

• Herb-Lover's Chicken Tricks: Swap dried herbs for fresh ones to boost the aromatic profile and elevate the dish's freshness.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Replace basmati rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version that keeps all the delicious flavors intact.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a creamy sauce without dairy.
• Meal Prep Magic: This recipe stores beautifully in airtight containers for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or planned dinners throughout the week.
• Protein Power Options: Easily swap chicken with turkey breast or plant-based chicken alternatives to suit different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.

Serve Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice The Easy Way

• Herb Garden Party: Sprinkle extra fresh chopped herbs like basil, chives, or oregano on top for a vibrant, aromatic touch that brings the dish to life with color and flavor.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Offer additional grated Parmesan or crumbled feta on the side, allowing guests to customize their meal and add an extra cheesy kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Mediterranean Twist: Serve alongside a light Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and olives, creating a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy chicken, transforming the meal into a complete Mediterranean-inspired feast.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the herb-infused chicken with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will beautifully highlight the dish's delicate herbal notes and creamy texture.

Save And Store Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Properly

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain maximum freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains tender and rice stays moist.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in microwave with a small splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently midway through heating to distribute warmth evenly and prevent dry spots.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Separate chicken and rice before freezing to prevent texture degradation. Pack in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Frozen meals stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Portion Control Magic: Divide meal into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Label containers with date and contents to track freshness. These ready-to-eat meals simplify meal planning and reduce weekday cooking stress.

Succulent Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Herb-infused creamy chicken with basmati rice delivers Mediterranean comfort on a plate. Simple ingredients combine for a rich, satisfying meal that brings Mediterranean warmth to your table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed & drained
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp paprika

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Seasoning Fusion: Massage chicken with a vibrant blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika, ensuring comprehensive flavor infusion.
2. Searing Perfection: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Execute a precise golden-brown sear on chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, then transfer to a waiting plate.
3. Aromatic Base: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic, allowing its essence to bloom briefly.
4. Rice Preparation: Incorporate basmati rice, toasting gently to enhance its nutty profile. Pour chicken broth, season lightly, and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. One-Pan Symphony: Nestle seared chicken atop the rice, cover, and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes until rice reaches optimal tenderness.
6. Creamy Transformation: Stream heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the skillet, creating a velvety sauce that simmers for 2 minutes.
7. Herbal Elevation: Awaken the dish with Italian seasoning, thyme, parsley, and a bright lemon juice splash, gently folding herbs into the creamy landscape.
8. Culinary Presentation: Garnish with fresh herbs and a delicate Parmesan cheese dusting, elevating the meal to a celebration of comfort and elegance.

Notes

• Enhance Chicken Seasoning: Massage spices thoroughly into the meat for at least 10-15 minutes before cooking to allow deeper flavor absorption and tenderization.
• Control Skillet Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect golden-brown sear without burning the chicken, using a cast-iron skillet for optimal heat distribution.
• Balance Rice Moisture: Rinse basmati rice before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains that don’t become sticky or clumpy.
• Adjust Cream Sauce Consistency: Add cream gradually and simmer gently to prevent separation, using room temperature cream for smoother integration and preventing potential curdling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg