If you’re craving a comforting meal that balances elegance and simplicity, Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice deserves a front-row seat at your dinner table. Imagine juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts nestled in a bed of fluffy basmati rice, all cloaked in a velvety herb cream sauce with savory notes that dance on your taste buds. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s as impressive for casual family nights as it is for impromptu dinner parties, all while delivering flavors that everyone will swoon over. Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is not just nourishment—it’s food that feels like a hug.

Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice recipe is beautifully straightforward, letting every ingredient shine while building layers of flavor. Each addition plays a role—adding aroma, depth, creaminess, or that irresistible golden crust that makes this dish unforgettable.

Chicken breasts: The star of the dish, offering juicy protein that soaks up all the creamy, herby flavors.
Olive oil: Helps achieve that golden brown sear and adds richness to the chicken.
Unsalted butter: Lends a rich, creamy base for sautéing aromatics and enriching the sauce.
Fresh garlic: Brings bold, aromatic notes—don’t skip freshly minced for the best flavor punch.
Finely chopped onion: Adds gentle sweetness and body to the sauce.
Basmati rice: Offers a fluffy, delicate texture that perfectly absorbs the creamy sauce.
Chicken broth: Deepens the flavor of the rice and ties everything together with savory goodness.
Heavy cream: The key to an ultra-luxurious, velvety sauce—pure comfort in every bite.
Dijon mustard: Adds just a hint of tang and complexity; it brightens up the whole dish.
Dried thyme: Infuses earthy, woodsy flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
Dried basil: Lends freshness and subtle sweetness, balancing the richness.
Dried parsley: Enhances color and lends a gentle herbaceous note.
Paprika: Brings a pop of color and a whisper of smoky warmth.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer perfectly.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for extra depth and savory, nutty notes.
Fresh parsley: The finishing touch—fresh, vibrant, and eye-catching as a garnish.

How to Make Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken a generous seasoning of salt, pepper, and paprika. This not only develops a savory crust but ensures the meat itself is flavorful. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken breasts. Sear them for 4 to 5 minutes per side until they’re gorgeously golden and aromatic. Take them out of the pan and set aside, keeping all those delicious flavorful bits in the skillet—they’ll infuse the rice later.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Turn down the heat to medium, then melt the butter in the same skillet. Add your minced garlic and finely chopped onion, sautéing until both are soft and beginning to caramelize. This step forms the flavor backbone of the Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice, releasing enticing aromas and setting the scene for the rest of your ingredients.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Stir in your rinsed basmati rice, tossing it with the butter, garlic, and onion. Toast for about a minute—just until the edges of the rice start to turn slightly translucent. This simple step intensifies the nutty fragrance of the rice and helps each grain stay separate and fluffy after cooking.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Herb Sauce

Next, stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, basil, and parsley. Mix everything well to marry the flavors. Bring this to a gentle simmer, letting the mixture turn lusciously creamy. The rice will absorb all these flavors, becoming the heart of your Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice.

Step 5: Finish Cooking Chicken and Rice

Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet, making sure they’re partially submerged in the sauce and surrounded by rice. Cover the pan and let it cook on low heat for about 20 minutes. By the time the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed, your chicken will be perfectly juicy and full of herby, creamy goodness.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Just before serving, gently stir in the Parmesan cheese so it melts into the sauce, adding a final savory layer. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor, and your Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is ready to make everyone at the table swoon!

How to Serve Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice

Garnishes

A little extra love goes a long way—finish your Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice with a generous shower of fresh chopped parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese, if you’re feeling indulgent. A squeeze of fresh lemon is also a fantastic optional touch, instantly brightening the whole dish and making those herby flavors pop.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but it’s wonderful with a crisp green salad or simple steamed veggies like asparagus, green beans, or peas. If you want to keep things light, serve with a tangy cucumber salad. For a special occasion, some warm crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, spoon a mound of herbed basmati rice onto each plate, top with a sliced chicken breast, and drizzle the sauce over everything. Or serve straight from the skillet, family style, so everyone can help themselves—the warm, bubbling pot will look and smell irresistible in the center of your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice, lucky you! Cool the leftovers to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days and are just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

The creamy sauce in this recipe freezes better than you might expect. Transfer cooled chicken and rice to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, smoothing out the surface. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or milk before warming to help loosen the sauce and keep the rice moist. Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, or pop individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through. Just be sure not to overheat, so your chicken stays tender and the sauce smooth.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Chicken thighs bring an extra level of juiciness and richer flavor to Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice. Just adjust the cook time as needed, making sure they are cooked through before serving.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

If you prefer a lighter dish, half-and-half works beautifully. For a non-dairy version, try coconut cream, though it will subtly change the flavor profile.

What can I add to make this dish more vegetable-packed?

Near the end of cooking, toss in a handful of baby spinach, peas, or even chopped bell pepper. Fresh greens or veggies not only bring color but up the nutritional value as well.

Can I make Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the full recipe, cool, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat and add a little extra broth or cream to restore that silky sauce texture.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

It’s a hit with little ones! Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is mild, flavorful, and free from any strong spices, so most kids (and picky eaters) devour it without complaint.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to treat yourself and your loved ones to a meal that’s as cozy as it is elegant, Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is the answer. Give it a try, and you’ll see just how quickly this one-pan wonder becomes one of your most-requested comfort meals!

Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this flavorful Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice dish. Tender chicken cooked in a rich, herby cream sauce served over fragrant basmati rice, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Rice:

1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream

Seasonings:

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish:

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear chicken until golden brown. Set aside.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and onion, then add rice, broth, cream, seasonings. Simmer.
Cook the Chicken and Rice: Return chicken to skillet, cover, and cook on low heat for 20 minutes until rice is tender.
Finish and Garnish: Stir in Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.