Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown but not fully cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium.
- Add butter and melt.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add onion powder, thyme, parsley, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cook for another 30 seconds to toast the spices.
Step 3: Add Rice and Broth
- Pour in the basmati rice, stirring to coat in the buttery herb mixture.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Step 4: Nestle the Chicken Back In
- Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
- Cover the pan with a lid and reduce heat to low.
- Cook for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Make It Creamy
- Remove the lid and reduce the heat to low.
- Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Gently stir the sauce around the chicken and rice until smooth and creamy.
- Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Garnish with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the cozy, creamy flavors!
Notes
Variations
Want to give your Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice a personal twist? Try these creative ideas! 1. Add Vegetables
Stir in baby spinach, peas, or asparagus tips during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a veggie boost. 2. Cheesy Upgrade
Add 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella for extra cheesy goodness. 3. Make It Spicier
Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce. 4. Lemon Herb Twist
Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and zest for brightness. 5. Herb Swap
Use fresh rosemary or tarragon for a different herb profile. 6. Dairy-Free Version
Substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Storage and Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing:
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Pro Tip: Garnish with fresh herbs after reheating to revive flavor! 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work beautifully and stay juicy in this recipe. 2. Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes — jasmine or long-grain white rice works well. Adjust the liquid ratio as needed. 3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish, cool completely, and store in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving. 4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). 5. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. For richness, add 1 tablespoon butter along with the milk. 6. What can I serve with this dish?
A simple green salad or garlic bread complements it beautifully. 7. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add hearty veggies like mushrooms or chickpeas. 8. Can I use pre-cooked rice?
It’s best to cook the rice in the sauce for maximum flavor, but if using pre-cooked rice, reduce broth and cooking time. 9. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers. 10. Can I add wine to the sauce?
Absolutely! Add 1/4 cup dry white wine when sautéing the garlic for depth of flavor. Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a cozy, creamy one-pan meal to bring comfort to your dinner table, and this Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice delivers every time. 🍗🍚🌿 With tender, juicy chicken, perfectly fluffy rice, and a rich, herbaceous cream sauce, this dish feels special yet is incredibly easy to make. Plus, it’s versatile — customize it with your favorite herbs, veggies, or cheeses to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or impressing dinner guests, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen. For more comforting meals, try this One-Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta or this Creamy Mushroom Chicken. Enjoy every creamy, comforting bite!
Want to give your Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice a personal twist? Try these creative ideas! 1. Add Vegetables
Stir in baby spinach, peas, or asparagus tips during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a veggie boost. 2. Cheesy Upgrade
Add 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella for extra cheesy goodness. 3. Make It Spicier
Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce. 4. Lemon Herb Twist
Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and zest for brightness. 5. Herb Swap
Use fresh rosemary or tarragon for a different herb profile. 6. Dairy-Free Version
Substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Storage and Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing:
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Pro Tip: Garnish with fresh herbs after reheating to revive flavor! 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work beautifully and stay juicy in this recipe. 2. Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes — jasmine or long-grain white rice works well. Adjust the liquid ratio as needed. 3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish, cool completely, and store in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving. 4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). 5. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. For richness, add 1 tablespoon butter along with the milk. 6. What can I serve with this dish?
A simple green salad or garlic bread complements it beautifully. 7. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add hearty veggies like mushrooms or chickpeas. 8. Can I use pre-cooked rice?
It’s best to cook the rice in the sauce for maximum flavor, but if using pre-cooked rice, reduce broth and cooking time. 9. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers. 10. Can I add wine to the sauce?
Absolutely! Add 1/4 cup dry white wine when sautéing the garlic for depth of flavor. Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a cozy, creamy one-pan meal to bring comfort to your dinner table, and this Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice delivers every time. 🍗🍚🌿 With tender, juicy chicken, perfectly fluffy rice, and a rich, herbaceous cream sauce, this dish feels special yet is incredibly easy to make. Plus, it’s versatile — customize it with your favorite herbs, veggies, or cheeses to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or impressing dinner guests, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen. For more comforting meals, try this One-Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta or this Creamy Mushroom Chicken. Enjoy every creamy, comforting bite!