Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Recipe: A Cozy Dinner Delight

Weeknight dinners transform with this creamy herb chicken that promises pure comfort and flavor.

Aromatic basmati rice provides the perfect canvas for each delectable bite.

Mediterranean influences shine through delicate herb combinations that dance across your palate.

Tender chicken pieces nestle into a rich, velvety sauce crafted from garden-fresh ingredients.

Simple techniques make this dish accessible even for novice home cooks.

Minimal prep work ensures you can whip up this elegant meal in under 30 minutes.

Let’s unlock a dinner experience that feels both luxurious and wonderfully uncomplicated.

Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Feels Like a Cozy Hug

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delectable chicken dish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a gourmet meal without extensive preparation time.
• Flavor Explosion: Packed with aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste that will tantalize taste buds and impress dinner guests.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this streamlined cooking method that transforms the same skillet from searing chicken to creating a luscious, creamy sauce, saving time and reducing dishwashing.
• Versatile Dinner Champion: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences, this recipe can be modified with lighter cream options or additional vegetables, making it a flexible meal solution for various households.

Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Ingredients

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that forms the heart of the dish, perfect for absorbing herb flavors. Choose fresh, boneless cuts for even cooking.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano: Classic herb blend that adds depth and aromatic complexity to the chicken. Fresh herbs provide more intense flavor compared to dried.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich base for cooking and add subtle flavor depth. Use extra virgin olive oil for best taste.
• Onions, Garlic: Create foundational flavor profile, adding sweetness and savory notes. Fresh garlic cloves offer more robust taste than pre-minced.

• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances overall chicken flavor. Low-sodium broth allows better seasoning control.
• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Create luxurious, creamy sauce with rich, tangy undertones. Choose freshly grated Parmesan for best texture.

• Basmati Rice: Light, fragrant rice that complements the creamy chicken. Long-grain variety offers best texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds color and fresh herbal note to the dish.

Herb Chicken with Basmati Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Seasoning and Searing the Chicken

Sprinkle chicken with a blend of herbs including thyme, rosemary, and oregano.

Add salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook the chicken until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust and is completely cooked through.

This typically takes about 6-8 minutes on each side.

Once done, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sautéing Aromatic Ingredients

Using the same skillet, melt butter to create a flavorful base.

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté these ingredients until they become fragrant and soften, which takes approximately 2-3 minutes.

The mixture will release an incredible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Step 3: Creating the Luxurious Cream Sauce

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and starts to thicken, creating a velvety texture that will coat the chicken perfectly.

Step 4: Bringing Everything Together

Gently return the cooked chicken to the skillet, carefully spooning the creamy herb sauce over each piece.

Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, which helps the flavors meld together and ensures the chicken is heated through.

Step 5: Plating and Serving

Spread fluffy basmati rice onto serving plates.

Carefully place the creamy herb chicken on top of the rice.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately while the dish is still hot and the sauce is creamy.

Creamy Chicken and Basmati Rice Tips to Know

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of equal thickness for even cooking and optimal tenderness.
• Crush dried herbs between your fingers before adding to release more intense flavors and maximize seasoning impact.
• Maintain medium heat to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning chicken, ensuring perfect caramelization and moisture retention.
• Gradually add cream and stir continuously to prevent separation and achieve silky, consistent texture without lumps.
• Rinse basmati rice before cooking to remove excess starch, resulting in fluffy, separated grains that perfectly complement the creamy chicken.

Creamy Herb Chicken Storage Guide

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator for maximum freshness, keeping it good for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying and maintain sauce consistency. Stir gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.

Satisfying Matches for Herb Chicken and Rice

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy herb sauce, balancing the richness with its bright, zesty notes.
• Herbal Sidekick Beverage: Brew a fresh rosemary-infused iced tea that echoes the herb profile of the chicken, creating a refreshing and harmonious drink experience.
• Perfect Side Salad Match: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, cutting through the creamy sauce and adding a peppery contrast to the dish's richness.
• Bread Accompaniment Delight: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delectable sauce, providing an extra layer of flavor and texture to the meal.

Chicken And Rice With Creamy Twists

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a gluten-free cheese alternative. Use cornstarch to thicken sauce instead of traditional flour.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond cream. Use olive oil instead of butter and choose dairy-free cheese substitutes.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace basmati rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Keep the herb-seasoned chicken and creamy sauce intact for a lighter meal.
• Mediterranean Inspired: Add sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives to the sauce. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top and replace rosemary with oregano for a Greek-style version.

FAQs

• What herbs work best in this recipe?

Thyme, rosemary, and oregano create a perfect herb blend that adds depth and aromatic flavor to the chicken, complementing the creamy sauce beautifully.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with turkey breast or pork tenderloin as alternative protein options that will absorb the herbs and creamy sauce equally well.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

• Is it necessary to use Parmesan cheese?

Parmesan adds a rich, salty complexity to the sauce, but you can substitute with pecorino romano or gruyère if needed for similar depth of flavor.

Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent creamy herb chicken & basmati brings Mediterranean comfort to dinner tables with elegant simplicity. Fragrant herbs, tender chicken, and fluffy rice combine for a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Base and Dairy Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Infuse the chicken with a robust blend of aromatic herbs, massaging salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the meat to enhance its flavor profile.
2. Activate a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, strategically positioning the seasoned chicken to achieve a golden-brown exterior while ensuring complete internal cooking, rotating midway to guarantee even caramelization.
3. Utilize the same skillet’s residual flavors by melting butter, then introducing finely chopped onions and minced garlic, gently sautéing until they release their fragrant essence and become translucent.
4. Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, meticulously scraping accumulated flavor-rich fond from the pan’s surface to incorporate maximum depth.
5. Reduce heat and introduce heavy cream and grated Parmesan, whisking continuously to create a velvety, smooth sauce that harmoniously blends and thickens.
6. Reintroduce the perfectly cooked chicken into the creamy herb sauce, allowing it to bathe and absorb the nuanced flavors during a gentle 5-minute simmer.
7. Present the basmati rice as a luxurious foundation, carefully nestling the herb-infused chicken and cascading the luscious cream sauce over the dish.
8. Elevate the visual and flavor experience by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley, serving immediately to preserve the sauce’s elegant consistency and temperature.

Notes

• Swap herbs easily by matching similar flavor profiles like basil with oregano or tarragon with thyme for variety.
• Choose skinless chicken breasts for a leaner version of this dish, ensuring they remain juicy by not overcooking.
• Use lactose-free cream and dairy-free Parmesan for a friendly alternative for those with dairy sensitivities.
• Toast basmati rice before cooking to enhance its nutty flavor and create a more aromatic base for the creamy chicken.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg