Description
Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is a one-pan dish featuring tender chicken in a rich, herb-infused cream sauce served over fluffy basmati rice. It’s simple enough for a weeknight and special enough for guests.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp crushed chilies (adjust heat to preference)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp butter, divided
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp rosemary
- ½ tsp basil
- ¼ tsp ground fennel
- 3 tbsp cream cheese
- 1 cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 cup basmati rice (uncooked)
- Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Cook the basmati rice according to package instructions and set aside.
- Toss chicken pieces with paprika, cumin, oregano, crushed chilies, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Melt 1 tbsp butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
- Drain any excess fat but keep the browned bits and remaining butter in the pan.
- Add the remaining butter and garlic (if using) to the pan; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in thyme, rosemary, basil, and fennel. Cook for another minute.
- Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Gradually whisk in milk or buttermilk until smooth and creamy.
- Return the chicken to the pan, coat with the sauce, and simmer for 3–5 minutes to blend flavors. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the creamy chicken mixture over the prepared basmati rice.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor or halve the quantity if using dried herbs.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a veggie boost.
- Substitute basmati rice with brown rice, quinoa, or couscous if desired.
- For extra creaminess without cream cheese, try heavy cream or a cornstarch-milk mix.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
