Description
Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender, spiced chicken, a rich herb-infused cream sauce, and fluffy, aromatic basmati rice. This one-pan meal is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant dish to impress guests. Each bite delivers a blend of creamy, savory, and aromatic flavors that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed chilies (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon rosemary
- ½ teaspoon basil
- ¼ teaspoon ground fennel
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 clove garlic (minced, optional)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup basmati rice (uncooked)
Instructions
- Cook the Basmati Rice:
- Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Cook according to package instructions, ensuring it’s fluffy and tender.
- Set aside and keep warm.
- Season the Chicken:
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with paprika, ground cumin, oregano, crushed chilies, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Skillet for Sauce:
- If there’s excess fat or liquid in the skillet, drain most of it, leaving a small amount along with the browned bits for flavor.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet.
- Make the Creamy Herb Sauce:
- Sauté the minced garlic (if using) for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add thyme, rosemary, basil, and ground fennel to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute to release their flavors.
- Stir in the cream cheese, letting it melt into the pan.
- Gradually pour in the milk or buttermilk, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach the desired consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat the pieces in the creamy herb sauce.
- Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Spoon the creamy herb chicken over a bed of warm basmati rice.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor and color.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Fresh Herbs Enhance Flavor: Use fresh thyme, rosemary, and basil for a more vibrant taste.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of crushed chilies for a milder or spicier dish.
- Avoid Overcooking Chicken: Cook just until the chicken is golden and tender to keep it juicy.
- Fluff Your Rice: Use a fork to fluff the rice before serving to keep it light and airy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: Fusion