Description
Enjoy a comforting and delicious meal with Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice, featuring bite-sized chicken pieces in a rich cream sauce infused with herbs and spices. This easy one-pan dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a perfect blend of creamy, savory, and aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed chilies (adjust for heat preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon basil
- 1/4 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
Instructions
1. Cook the basmati rice according to the package instructions. Set aside and keep warm.
2. In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with paprika, cumin, oregano, crushed chilies, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. In a large pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. If needed, drain excess fat or liquid from the pan, leaving behind browned bits for flavor.
5. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan. If using, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add thyme, rosemary, basil, and fennel; cook for 1 minute to release their flavors.
6. Stir in cream cheese until it melts. Slowly pour in milk or buttermilk, stirring constantly to form a smooth creamy sauce. Adjust consistency with more liquid if needed.
7. Return the chicken to the pan, stir to coat, and simmer for 3-5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
8. Serve the creamy herb chicken over cooked basmati rice.
Notes
Add the rice directly into the pan with the chicken and sauce if you’d like it to absorb more flavor.
Use buttermilk for tanginess and depth in the sauce.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to ensure even browning.
Adjust the heat by varying the amount of crushed chilies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: creamy herb chicken, chicken and rice, basmati chicken recipe, one pan chicken dinner