If you’re searching for a one-pan wonder that’s equal parts comforting and elegant, Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is destined to steal the show at your dinner table. Imagine juicy, golden chicken breasts nestled right into a bed of herbed rice, the whole thing swirled together with creamy Parmesan and bright green parsley. This is the kind of meal that wraps you up like a cozy blanket, with standout flavors and textures you’d expect from a far more complicated recipe. Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is about to become your new weeknight go-to and a dish you’ll proudly serve to guests.

Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about simple, honest ingredients coming together for a meal that tastes much fancier than the effort required. Each component of this Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice brings something to the party – from juicy chicken to the nutty, floral grains, fresh herbs, and velvety cream.

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, they cook up plump and soak up all those savory, herby flavors.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken perfectly and drawing out every bit of flavor.
Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden-brown perfection and adds richness to the skillet.
Unsalted butter: For an extra layer of flavor and a silky base to sauté garlic and rice.
Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and classic savory notes that truly make the dish sing.
Basmati rice: Its long, tender grains add a subtle nuttiness and stay perfectly fluffy.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with deep, savory flavor and helps everything cook evenly.
Dried thyme, parsley, and basil: The trio that creates the herbaceous backbone – each one adds earthiness and brightness.
Heavy cream: Turns the rice unbelievably creamy, almost like a risotto but without the fuss.
Parmesan cheese: Melts into the rice for a salty, umami boost and ties all the flavors together.
Fresh parsley: Brings a final pop of color and fresh flavor right before serving.

How to Make Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, then sprinkle them with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Sear each chicken breast for about 3–4 minutes per side. You want a gorgeous golden crust but don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked through; they’ll finish simmering with the rice soon. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Toast the Rice

Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken. Toss in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about a minute. Then stir in your rinsed basmati rice and let it toast for 1–2 minutes. This step deepens the rice’s flavor and gets it ready to soak up every last drop of herby goodness.

Step 3: Add Broth and Herbs

Pour chicken broth over the rice and stir in thyme, parsley, and basil. Everything should come together in a swirl of scent and color, promising that signature Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice flavor. If you want extra richness and sophistication, add a splash of white wine before the broth and let it reduce for a moment.

Step 4: Nestle in the Chicken and Simmer

Gently return those beautifully seared chicken breasts to the skillet, arranging them right on top of the herbed rice. Cover the pan, lower the heat, and let it all gently simmer for 18–20 minutes. By the time the rice is fluffy and the chicken hits 165°F (74°C), all the flavors have melded together.

Step 5: Make It Creamy and Finish

Take the chicken out again and set aside briefly. Stir the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the rice until everything is gorgeously creamy. Return the chicken to the pan one last time, spooning some of that dreamy rice over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and your Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is ready to wow!

How to Serve Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice

Garnishes

Nothing beats a generous shower of chopped fresh parsley right before serving, which brightens up the whole skillet. You can also add a twist of black pepper or extra shaved Parmesan for an extra touch of elegance that makes your Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This dish is a meal in itself, but it loves company. Consider pairing your Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice with a crisp green salad, some honey-glazed carrots, or simple roasted broccoli. The veggies balance out the richness and add a welcome dose of color to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

You can let folks help themselves straight from the skillet for a cozy, family-style vibe, or plate each serving individually for more formal occasions. Try fanning out the chicken breasts on a platter with the creamy rice piled in the center and a flourish of herbs scattered over the top – it’s simple, yet stunning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice holds up surprisingly well! Place leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The rice may absorb a little more liquid as it sits, but a splash of broth or cream when reheating will bring it right back to perfection.

Freezing

If you’re planning to freeze portions, let the dish cool completely first. Transfer individual servings into freezer-safe containers. While the creamy sauce may change texture slightly after thawing, it still tastes wonderful, especially for packed lunches or make-ahead dinners.

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a little extra chicken broth or cream over the rice to restore its creaminess. Warm gently in a covered skillet on low heat or use the microwave in short bursts. Stir well to ensure the sauce is evenly heated, and always check the chicken is hot all the way through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice and even add a bit more richness to the dish. Just adjust the cook time as needed since thighs can take a little longer to cook through.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can swap the heavy cream for unsweetened coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor will be a bit different but still creamy and satisfying.

What other herbs can I use for variety?

Try swapping in fresh dill, tarragon, or chives for a slightly different herbal flavor profile. Just remember, dried herbs are more concentrated, so use fresh ones generously if you make that swap in your Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice.

Do I have to toast the rice?

Toasting the basmati rice adds extra flavor and helps keep the grains separated, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step—the dish will still be delicious!

Can I use brown rice instead?

If you prefer brown rice, you’ll need to add more liquid and extend the simmering time to at least 40–45 minutes. Make sure the chicken stays juicy by checking it periodically or adding it back to the pan in the last 20 minutes of cooking.

Final Thoughts

There’s a special kind of joy in making and sharing Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice, whether it’s for a bustling family dinner or a cozy get-together with friends. It’s comforting, a little bit fancy, and oh-so satisfying. Give it a try, and you’ll see just how quickly this dish becomes a cherished favorite in your own kitchen!

Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this herb-infused chicken and basmati rice skillet. Perfectly seasoned chicken cooked to tender perfection, nestled on a bed of flavorful rice, and finished with a luxurious creamy sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Rice:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
2 1/4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried basil

Cream Sauce:

1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Season Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Sear Chicken: In a large skillet, sear chicken in olive oil until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic.
Cook Rice: Toast rice, add broth, thyme, parsley, basil, then return chicken to the skillet.
Simmer: Cover and simmer until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
Finish: Remove chicken, stir in cream, Parmesan, and return chicken. Garnish with parsley.