Description
A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts cooked in a creamy herb sauce, served over fragrant basmati rice. This recipe combines fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley with garlic and onion in a rich heavy cream sauce, making for a perfect weeknight meal that is simple yet elegant.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Rice
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce & Herbs
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the rice: In a medium pot, prepare the basmati rice according to the package instructions, usually by rinsing, then simmering in water until fluffy. Once cooked, set aside and keep warm.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Using the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add cream and herbs: Stir in the heavy cream, fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the skillet. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors well.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and return the slices to the skillet. Coat the chicken thoroughly with the creamy herb sauce and let it simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken through and meld the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the creamy herb chicken slices over a bed of prepared basmati rice. Garnish with lemon zest and fresh herbs if using, and drizzle with lemon juice for added brightness if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken breasts in lemon juice and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the best flavor.
- You can prepare the rice ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if using salted butter or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
