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Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice: A Delicious One-Pan Comfort Meal

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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

  1. 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.
  2. Season the Chicken:
    • In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with paprika, ground cumin, oregano, crushed chilies, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

Find it online: https://friendlywell.com/creamy-herb-chicken-basmati-rice-a-delicious-one-pan-comfort-meal/