Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice: A Comforting and Flavorful Meal
Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is a delightful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with aromatic herbs and a rich, creamy sauce, all served over fluffy basmati rice. This comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want something hearty and flavorful. The creamy herb sauce infuses the chicken with savory goodness, and the basmati rice acts as a perfect base to soak up all the delicious flavors.
This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed by everyone in your family, from children to adults. The combination of herbs, chicken, and basmati rice creates a satisfying and well-balanced meal that’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds.
Discover more about the benefits of cooking with herbs
Learn about the versatility of basmati rice
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
Ingredients
For Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice, you will need:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- For the Creamy Herb Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the Basmati Rice:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp butter (optional)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Prepare the Basmati Rice
- While the chicken is cooking, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Make the Creamy Herb Sauce
- In the same skillet that you cooked the chicken in, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, parsley, thyme, basil, and lemon juice. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
- Serve the basmati rice on a plate, top with the sliced chicken, and pour the creamy herb sauce over the top.
- Garnish with extra parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Advanced Techniques
Infusing the Creamy Herb Sauce with More Flavor
For a deeper flavor, you can infuse the sauce with extra herbs. Try adding a sprig of rosemary or a bay leaf to the sauce as it simmers. Remove them before serving, as they will add a subtle layer of complexity to the sauce. You can also use fresh garlic in place of garlic powder for a more robust flavor.
Pan-Seared Chicken with a Crispy Skin
If you want to achieve a crispy skin on the chicken breasts, start by searing the chicken in the skillet with skin-side down (if using skin-on chicken). Let it cook for 3-4 minutes on each side before finishing it off in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. This will give you that crispy texture while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Making the Sauce Spicy
For a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy herb sauce. You can also experiment with spicy mustard or a touch of cayenne pepper to adjust the spiciness to your preference.
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Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Storage
Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to store the chicken and rice separately to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the chicken and rice cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy the meal again, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a skillet or microwave until warm. You may need to add a splash of water or cream to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency.
Reheating
Reheat the dish in a pan over low heat, adding a little bit of water or cream to loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure that it heats evenly. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it halfway through to ensure even heating.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Gluten-Free
To make Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice gluten-free, ensure that the Dijon mustard you use is gluten-free, and replace any breadcrumbs or thickeners with arrowroot powder or cornstarch.
Dairy-Free
For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk of your choice, such as almond milk or cashew cream. Use a dairy-free parmesan cheese alternative to make the sauce just as creamy.
Low-Carb/Keto
For a low-carb or keto version, replace the basmati rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. These substitutes will allow you to enjoy the creamy chicken sauce without the carbs from the rice.
Vegetarian
For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh marinated with a bit of soy sauce and herbs for added flavor. You can also use mushrooms or eggplant as the main protein for a hearty vegetarian alternative.
FAQs About The Recipe
Q: Can I make the creamy herb sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently over low heat, adding a little cream or water if it has thickened too much.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and will provide more flavor and tenderness. You may need to cook them a little longer, depending on their size.
Q: Can I serve this dish with other sides?
A: Yes, Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or sautéed greens like spinach or kale.
Q: Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
A: Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. The chicken and sauce can be made in advance, and the rice can be cooked and portioned out for several meals.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, creamy herb sauce, and aromatic basmati rice creates a satisfying meal that will quickly become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, adaptable to different dietary preferences, and full of flavor, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or a special dinner.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with your own variations, this dish is a surefire hit. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of comfort with every bite!
