If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then look no further than this Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of tender, flavorful chicken bathed in a luscious, herb-infused cream sauce served over fluffy, aromatic basmati rice. Every bite delivers comfort and a harmony of herbs that make this recipe an absolute favorite for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. This dish shows just how simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create something truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, yet each plays an essential role in building the rich, layered flavors and delightful textures of the Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe. From the fragrant herbs to the creamy sauce components, they all work together beautifully to make this dish shine.
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Tender, lean protein that soaks up all the spices and creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a gentle smoky warmth and beautiful color to the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin: Brings a subtle earthiness and complexity.
- ½ teaspoon oregano: Classic herb that infuses the dish with a Mediterranean flair.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: For a bit of gentle heat that you can adjust to your liking.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided: Adds richness and helps create that velvety sauce.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Delicate herbal notes that complement the chicken beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary: Provides a woodsy, aromatic edge.
- ½ teaspoon dried basil: Sweet and slightly peppery, rounding out the herb profile.
- ¼ teaspoon ground fennel (optional): A hint of sweetness and a subtle anise flavor that lifts the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese: The secret to the rich, creamy texture that makes this recipe so indulgent.
- 1 cup milk (or buttermilk for a tangier flavor): Creates the luscious sauce, and substituting buttermilk adds a piquant twist.
- 1 cup uncooked basmati rice: The fragrant, fluffy base that perfectly soaks up the creamy chicken.
- Optional: 1 small clove garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant depth and extra warmth to the sauce.
How to Make Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Basmati Rice
The first step is simple—cook your basmati rice according to the package instructions and keep it warm. Basmati rice is key here because its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture provide the perfect bed for the creamy herb chicken, ensuring every bite is a flavor-packed delight.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a bowl, toss your chicken pieces with paprika, cumin, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. This seasoning mix is where the magic begins, infusing the chicken with a warm, herby, and mildly spicy flavor profile that will shine once cooked.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Next, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat and add the seasoned chicken. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is beautifully browned and cooked through. This step locks in flavor and creates those tasty browned bits that will add depth to your sauce. Once done, set the chicken aside and keep that skillet ready.
Step 4: Prepare the Herb Base
Drain any excess fat from the skillet, leaving behind those flavorful browned bits. Then, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. If you’re using garlic, sauté it now for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds a fragrant and flavorful base for your sauce.
Step 5: Toast the Herbs
Sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, basil, and optional fennel. Toast these herbs for about one minute, allowing their aromas to bloom and the flavors to intensify, which adds incredible depth to the final sauce.
Step 6: Make the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the cream cheese and keep stirring until it melts into a smooth, creamy mixture. Slowly pour in the milk (or buttermilk), stirring continuously to create a velvety sauce. Add a little more milk if the sauce gets too thick—this attention to texture is what makes this Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe so delectable.
Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet and stir to coat every morsel in the creamy herb sauce. Let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully and the sauce thickens slightly, turning the dish into a rich, comforting delight.
Step 8: Serve
Finally, spoon the creamy herb chicken over your warm basmati rice and don’t forget to drizzle extra sauce on top—because saucy is always better when it comes to this Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe.
How to Serve Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives elevates the dish with a bright pop of green and fresh herbal notes. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the creamy richness, balancing the flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with crisp steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to add a crunchy contrast. A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the creamy sauce wonderfully, keeping the meal balanced and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely dinner presentation, plate the basmati rice using a small bowl to form a neat mound, then spoon the creamy herb chicken around or on top. Garnish with your chosen fresh herbs and a dash of paprika to add color and make it feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making it easy to enjoy the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool completely before freezing to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm in a covered pan over low heat or microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and keep the chicken tender and moist. Stir occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! While basmati rice is preferred for its aroma and texture, jasmine rice or even plain white rice can be used as an alternative. Just note that the overall flavor balance might change slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the cream cheese and butter for dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and plant-based margarine, and use almond or oat milk instead. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Can I cook this with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely. Chicken thighs work wonderfully and often stay juicier and more flavorful. Adjust cooking time as thighs may need a tad longer to cook through.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes offer a mild heat that can be easily adjusted or omitted based on your preference. It’s designed to have a gentle warmth rather than being overly spicy.
Can I prepare parts of the recipe in advance?
Yes! You can season and cut the chicken ahead of time, and even cook the rice in advance. Keeping sauce preparation fresh works best for that creamy, just-made taste.
Final Thoughts
Making this Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe is like inviting a little comfort and joy to your dinner table. It’s one of those dishes that feels both homey and a bit indulgent, perfect for sharing with family or treating yourself after a busy day. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become one of your beloved go-tos, bringing that creamy herb goodness to your weekly meal rotation.
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Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked with a fragrant blend of herbs and spices, simmered in a rich cream cheese and milk sauce, served over fluffy basmati rice. Perfectly balanced with a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes and aromatic dried herbs, this comforting dish is simple yet elegant, ready in just 45 minutes for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Fat and Herbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon ground fennel (optional)
Sauce and Rice
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 cup milk (or buttermilk for a tangier flavor)
- 1 cup uncooked basmati rice
- Optional: 1 small clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Cook the rice: Prepare the basmati rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, keep it warm while preparing the chicken and sauce.
- Season the chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with paprika, ground cumin, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the spices.
- Brown the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the skillet: Drain any excess fat from the skillet, leaving behind the browned bits to add flavor for the sauce.
- Sauté garlic and herbs: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. If using garlic, add the minced clove and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then stir in dried thyme, rosemary, basil, and optional ground fennel. Toast the herbs for about 1 minute to release their aroma.
- Create the creamy sauce: Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts completely and becomes smooth. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring continuously to combine and create a creamy sauce. If the sauce thickens too much, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet and stir to coat them thoroughly with the herb cream sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy herb chicken over the warm basmati rice. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra sauce as desired.
Notes
- For a tangier sauce, substitute buttermilk for regular milk.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes depending on your preferred spice level.
- Optional ground fennel adds a subtle licorice flavor that complements the herbs but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Make sure to not overcook the chicken to keep it moist and tender.
- Use fresh herbs as a garnish for an extra burst of color and flavor if available.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
