Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich & Creamy: A deliciously creamy sauce that’s packed with herbs and spices.

2. Comforting: The combination of tender chicken and fluffy basmati rice makes it a comforting, filling meal.

3. Quick & Easy: Ready in just 45 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

4. Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning to your taste and even add vegetables or other grains.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon oregano

• ¼ teaspoon crushed chilies (adjust for heat preference)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 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 (for a richer, tangier flavor)

• 1 cup basmati rice (uncooked)

• Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced

Directions

1. Cook the Rice: Prepare the basmati rice according to package instructions. Set aside to keep warm.

2. Season the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with paprika, cumin, oregano, crushed chilies, salt, and pepper.

3. Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

4. Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt the remaining butter and sauté garlic (if using) for 30 seconds. Add thyme, rosemary, basil, and fennel, cooking for 1 minute. Stir in the cream cheese until melted, then add the milk or buttermilk, stirring until smooth.

5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and simmer for 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors.

6. Serve: Spoon the creamy herb chicken over the warm basmati rice.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

• Add Vegetables: Include spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.

• Alternative Grains: Serve over quinoa, couscous, or brown rice for a different texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little more milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice?

Yes, jasmine rice or long-grain white rice can be used instead of basmati. Adjust cooking time as needed.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

Heavy cream or a milk-thickener mixture can replace the cream cheese.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer longer, or add a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is a delightful, comforting dish with rich flavors and a creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with the aromatic basmati rice. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and easy to customize based on your preferences!