Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice: The Perfect Comfort Meal

There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and a rich, creamy herb sauce. This dish, Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice, hits all the right notes for a cozy, satisfying dinner. Whether you’re looking for an easy crockpot recipe, a quick stovetop solution, or an Instant Pot twist, this recipe delivers delicious results every time.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make this dish, explore its versatility, and share tips for turning it into a go-to dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend meal, this recipe combines the ease of preparation with a flavor profile that feels gourmet.

The Inspiration Behind Creamy Herb Chicken & Rice

Chicken and rice is a classic pairing found in kitchens across the globe. From Spanish arroz con pollo to Middle Eastern chicken kabsa, this duo is celebrated for its versatility and comforting appeal. Our version, however, leans into creamy indulgence. Inspired by Southern-style smothered chicken and rice dishes, this recipe amps up the flavor with fresh herbs and a velvety sauce.

For this particular dish, we’re using basmati rice—a long-grain variety prized for its nutty aroma and fluffy texture. Paired with tender chicken tenderloins cooked to perfection, this is comfort food at its finest.

What Makes This Recipe a Winner?

• Quick Prep: With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, this recipe is perfect for busy days.
• Versatile Cooking Options: It can be made in a crockpot, Instant Pot, or on the stovetop, depending on your preference.
• One-Pot Convenience: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, making this a no-fuss dinner.
• Customizable Flavors: You can easily adjust the herbs or sauce to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken and Sauce:

• 1 ½ lbs chicken tenderloins (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Rice:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon butter
• Pinch of salt

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice

Stovetop Method

1. Cook the Rice:
   • Rinse the basmati rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
   • In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water (or chicken broth) to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon butter, a pinch of salt, and the rice.
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it rest with the lid on.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper.
   • Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
   • Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, thyme, and parsley. Stir to combine. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
4. Combine and Serve:
   • Return the seared chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
   • Serve the chicken and creamy herb sauce over a bed of warm basmati rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese.

Crockpot Version

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Add the chicken, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, mustard, thyme, and parsley to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
2. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Toward the end of cooking, remove ½ cup of sauce and whisk in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Return the mixture to the crockpot and stir until thickened.
4. Serve: Spoon the creamy chicken over freshly cooked basmati rice and garnish as desired.

Instant Pot Version

1. Sauté the Chicken: Use the sauté function to sear the chicken in olive oil. Remove and set aside.
2. Build the Sauce: Add the garlic, chicken broth, cream, mustard, thyme, and parsley to the pot. Stir to combine.
3. Pressure Cook: Place the chicken back in the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Allow for a natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.
4. Serve: Thicken the sauce if needed (using the cornstarch method above) and serve over rice.

Tips for Perfect Results

1. Use Fresh Herbs: If you have access to fresh thyme and parsley, they’ll elevate the dish with brighter flavors.
2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Whether using a stovetop, crockpot, or Instant Pot, monitor the chicken closely to ensure it remains tender and juicy.
3. Rinse Your Rice: This step prevents the rice from becoming gummy.
4. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, whisk in a little more cornstarch slurry.

Variations to Try

• Vegetable Add-Ins: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Cheesy Twist: Add grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella to the sauce for a richer, cheesier profile.
• Lemon Herb Chicken: Add a splash of lemon juice and zest for a tangy, citrusy twist.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

Serving Suggestions

1. With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
2. Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to mop up every bit of the creamy sauce.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted carrots or asparagus complement the creamy chicken beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice recipe is more than just a quick dinner idea—it’s a full-flavored meal that feels both hearty and elegant. Its creamy sauce and aromatic herbs create a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen.

Whether you’re a fan of crockpot recipes, Instant Pot dishes, or quick stovetop meals, this recipe has you covered. It’s versatile enough to please the whole family while being simple enough for busy weeknights.