Description
Creamy Herb Chicken and Basmati Rice — a cozy, one-pan dinner featuring seared chicken cooked with basmati rice in a silky herb-infused sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (halal)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs for garnish, lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add basmati rice and toast for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and stir in dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Nestle the seared chicken back into the pan. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15–18 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Stir in the heavy cream gently and simmer uncovered for 3–5 minutes until creamy and well combined.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and/or reduce the oil slightly.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve with extra lemon wedges or extra fresh herbs for brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 chicken breast and 1/2 cup cooked basmati rice)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: Creamy Herb Chicken and Basmati Rice, Creamy herb chicken, basmati rice, one-pan chicken, chicken and rice dinner