Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice

Name: Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup basmati rice (rinsed); 2 cups chicken broth; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 small onion (finely diced); 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half); ½ cup chicken broth; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon dried rosemary; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped); 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your dining table. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and fluffy basmati rice creates a meal that not only fills the stomach but also warms the heart. Picture yourself enjoying a creamy, herb-infused sauce over perfectly cooked chicken, paired with fragrant rice that soaks up all the delicious flavors. This recipe is perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions, making it a favorite choice for family gatherings and cozy nights at home.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this delicious meal with minimal effort. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it appealing to all ages, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will find something to love. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is sure to impress.

Why make this recipe

There are many reasons to choose Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice for your next meal. First and foremost, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The creamy sauce is incredibly comforting and pairs wonderfully with the chicken and rice, making it an ideal dish for feeding a family or hosting guests. The combination of herbs adds a fresh, vibrant flavor that enhances the entire meal.

Another reason to make this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For example, you can substitute the chicken for turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option. Additionally, the herbs can be swapped based on what you have on hand, allowing you to customize the dish to your liking.

Finally, this recipe is practical. It uses common ingredients that you can find in your pantry or local grocery store. The cooking process is straightforward, making it accessible for both novice cooks and experienced chefs alike. This recipe is a great way to build confidence in the kitchen while creating a delicious meal.

How to make Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice

Making Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is simple and requires just a few steps. Follow along, and you’ll see just how easy it can be to prepare this mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 small onion (finely diced)
1 cup heavy cream (or half & half)
½ cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
1 cup basmati rice (rinsed)
2 cups chicken broth
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Directions:

To begin, season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, sear the chicken until it is golden brown on both sides. Afterward, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.

In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic along with diced onion. Sauté these ingredients until they become soft and translucent. This step will add a lovely depth of flavor to your dish.

Next, add the rinsed basmati rice, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the pan. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover it with a lid and cook until the rice is tender and fluffy. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, but be sure to check the rice for doneness.

While the rice is cooking, you can prepare the creamy herb sauce. Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried oregano, and grated Parmesan cheese to the pan with the sautéed onion and garlic. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens slightly.

Once the sauce is ready, return the chicken to the pan and ensure that it is well-coated with the creamy sauce. Cover the pan and let it simmer for a few more minutes to heat the chicken through.

Finally, serve the chicken alongside the fluffy basmati rice, garnished with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest, if desired. The burst of color from the parsley and the zing from the lemon zest will make your dish even more appealing.

Time Breakdown

When preparing Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice, it helps to know how much time to allocate for each step. The total preparation and cooking time will take around 45 to 50 minutes. This includes roughly 10 minutes for seasoning and searing the chicken, about 15-20 minutes for cooking the rice, and another 15-20 minutes for making the creamy sauce and final assembly.

How to serve Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice

Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is best served hot, immediately after cooking. Portion the rice onto dinner plates and place a piece of chicken alongside it. Drizzle the creamy sauce generously over both the chicken and the rice to enhance flavor and presentation. You can add an extra garnish of freshly chopped parsley for brightness. This dish pairs perfectly with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad to create a well-rounded meal.

How to store Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice

If you have leftovers or want to prepare this meal in advance, storing Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is straightforward. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If you find it too thick, feel free to add a little chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce.

Tips to make Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice

To elevate your Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice, here are some handy tips. First, consider marinating the chicken in the herbs and spices for a few hours before cooking to enhance the flavors. Searing the chicken in a hot pan will ensure it gets a lovely golden crust, which adds flavor.

When selecting your cream, heavy cream will yield a richer sauce, while half & half will give you a lighter version. Feel free to experiment with your preferred type of dairy. For added flavor complexity, consider including fresh herbs like basil or parsley directly into the creamy sauce.

Lastly, you can customize the dish by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the dish while cooking the onion and garlic for extra nutrition and flavor.

Variation

There are several variations of Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice that you can try, depending on your taste preferences. For instance, if you want a bit of a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or substitute the herbs with Cajun seasoning for a Southern twist. You can also turn this dish into a creamy herb pasta by replacing the basmati rice with your favorite pasta noodle.

For a lighter version, consider using skinless turkey or lean chicken cuts. And for a vegetarian option, try substituting the chicken with hearty veggies like zucchini, baby corn, or even chickpeas. The key is to explore and find what you love best.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

When enjoying Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice, it can be helpful to know the nutritional value. On average, one serving of this dish contains approximately:

Calories: 600
Protein: 35g
Fat: 40g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g

These values can vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken; however, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even cooking and flavor absorption.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! The ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free. Just ensure that the chicken broth you use is certified gluten-free to keep the entire dish safe for consumption.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is not spicy at all, but you can adjust the heat level by adding chili flakes or hot sauce to the creamy sauce to suit your taste.

Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is a delicious dish that brings comfort and warmth to your dining experience. With its rich flavors, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice, it is sure to become a favorite in your household. So why not gather your ingredients and try making this recipe today? Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a homemade meal that delights the senses!