Creamy Herb Chicken Basmati: A Weeknight Hug (Print Version)

Creamy Herb Chicken Basmati Rice: Your new favorite one-pan meal! Tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and fluffy rice for a delicious weeknight dinner.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Dairy (contains heavy cream)

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken & Rice Base

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
03 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Creamy Herb Blend

04 - 1 cup heavy cream
05 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
06 - 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
07 - 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped

→ Flavor Enhancers

08 - 2 tbsp olive oil
09 - 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
10 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

12 - Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
13 - Optional: Squeeze of lemon juice

# Instructions:

01 - Grab your chicken thighs, pat 'em dry—this is key for a good sear, trust me! Season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat a glug of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken, skin-side down if you kept the skin, and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. This step builds so much flavor, creating those lovely browned bits in the pan. Don't overcrowd the pan, or you'll steam the chicken instead of searing it, which I've done too many times. Remove the chicken and set aside.
02 - Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet, stirring and scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the chicken—that’s flavor gold, my friend! Sauté until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and your fresh herbs. Stir constantly for about a minute until fragrant. Oh, the smell at this point! It’s just heavenly, filling the kitchen with promises of deliciousness. Be careful not to burn the garlic, it turns bitter fast, which I learned the hard way once. My whole dish tasted off that night.
03 - Now, stir in the basmati rice directly into the skillet with the aromatics. Give it a good stir for about a minute, letting the grains toast slightly. This helps them stay separate and fluffy later. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together, making sure to get all the bits from the bottom. Bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic really starts to happen for our Creamy Herb Chicken Basmati Rice. I love watching the liquid start to bubble gently, knowing all those flavors are melding.
04 - Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, submerging them slightly in the liquid. If you have any juices from the resting chicken, pour those in too—don’t waste that flavor! Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This slow simmer allows the rice to cook perfectly and the chicken to finish cooking through, absorbing all those incredible creamy herb flavors. Resist the urge to peek too often; consistent steam is crucial here!
05 - Once the cooking time is up, turn off the heat but keep the lid on. Let the Creamy Herb Chicken Basmati Rice rest for another 5-10 minutes. This resting period is super important, hon. It allows the rice to fully absorb any remaining liquid and steam, making it extra fluffy and preventing it from getting mushy. I used to skip this, thinking it wasn't a big deal, but trust me, it makes a difference. The anticipation during this time is almost as good as the first bite!
06 - Remove the lid, and with a fork, gently fluff the basmati rice. The grains should be separate and tender, and the chicken perfectly cooked and swimming in that rich, creamy herb sauce. Give it a taste and adjust any seasonings if needed. I always add a little extra fresh parsley at this point for a pop of color and freshness. The aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the table. This Creamy Herb Chicken Basmati Rice is a complete meal, ready to make your evening!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the pan when searing chicken; it steams instead of browns, and you miss out on those delicious crispy bits.
02 - This Creamy Herb Chicken Basmati Rice tastes even better the next day after the flavors have mingled, just reheat gently on the stovetop.
03 - If you don't have fresh herbs, dried works, but use about a third of the amount—fresh really makes this Creamy Herb Chicken Basmati sing!
04 - A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon at the end brightens up the whole dish and makes the Creamy Herb Chicken Basmati Rice presentation pop.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
02 - Chopping board
03 - Sharp knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 650 kcal
Total Fat: 40g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 30g

Back