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

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.  
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Cook the Basmati Rice:
  1. Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch.
  2. Cook according to package instructions, ensuring it’s fluffy and tender.
  3. Set aside and keep warm.
Season the Chicken:
  1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with paprika, ground cumin, oregano, crushed chilies, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken:
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Skillet for Sauce:
  1. 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.
  2. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet.
Make the Creamy Herb Sauce:
  1. Sauté the minced garlic (if using) for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add thyme, rosemary, basil, and ground fennel to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute to release their flavors.
  3. Stir in the cream cheese, letting it melt into the pan.
  4. Gradually pour in the milk or buttermilk, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce.
  5. 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:
  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat the pieces in the creamy herb sauce.
  2. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Assemble and Serve:
  1. Spoon the creamy herb chicken over a bed of warm basmati rice.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor and color.
  3. 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.