Description
Creamy herb chicken with basmati rice is a comforting meal featuring tender chicken in a velvety herb-infused cream sauce served with fluffy, aromatic basmati rice. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh)
- 1 tsp dried parsley (or 2 tsp fresh)
- 1/2 tsp dried dill (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried basil (or 1 tsp fresh)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (to taste)
- 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
- 3 cups water or broth (for rice)
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook according to package directions with water or broth until fluffy, then set aside.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Let simmer and reduce slightly.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. Simmer over low heat for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return chicken to the pan and coat with the creamy herb sauce. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Serve hot with a scoop of fluffy basmati rice on the side.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.Substitute basmati rice with jasmine rice, couscous, or quinoa.For a lighter version, use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.Not ideal for freezing, as the cream sauce may separate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 chicken breast with sauce and 3/4 cup rice)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 135mg