Creating Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is straightforward if you follow these clear steps:

1. Prep Ingredients: Start by rinsing the basmati rice under cold water and set aside. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Make Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any brown bits from the bottom. Stir in heavy cream, fresh thyme, parsley, and lemon zest. Allow it to simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, coating it in the creamy herb sauce. Allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
6. Cook Basmati Rice: Meanwhile, in a separate pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil for the rice. Add the rinsed basmati rice and a pinch of salt. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is fluffy and the water is absorbed.
7. Combine and Rest: Once both components are ready, remove the chicken from the sauce and let it rest for a few minutes. Fluff the basmati rice with a fork.
8. Serve: Slice the chicken and serve over a bed of basmati rice. Drizzle with additional creamy herb sauce and garnish with extra parsley, if desired.

These steps break down the process clearly, making it simple to create this incredible dish.