Description
This Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice recipe features tender chicken breast pieces cooked in a luscious cream cheese and herb sauce, seasoned with paprika, cumin, and oregano, served over fluffy basmati rice. A comforting and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Butter and Herbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon rosemary
- ½ teaspoon basil
- ¼ teaspoon ground fennel
Sauce and Rice
- 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
- Cook the Rice: Prepare the basmati rice according to package instructions, typically simmering it in water until tender. Once cooked, set aside and keep warm.
- Season the Chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with paprika, ground cumin, oregano, crushed chilies, salt, and pepper until evenly coated in the spices.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook them until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Using the same pan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté the minced garlic (if using) for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the thyme, rosemary, basil, and ground fennel, cooking the herbs for about 1 minute to release their flavor. Stir in the cream cheese and cook until it has melted completely. Gradually add the milk or buttermilk, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the pan with the sauce. Simmer together for 3-5 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the herb cream sauce flavors and to meld everything perfectly.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy herb chicken mixture over the warm basmati rice and serve immediately for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of crushed chilies to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a tangier, richer sauce flavor.
- You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or sour cream for a different creamy texture.
- For added vegetables, sauté bell peppers or spinach along with the herbs in the sauce step.
- Ensure to not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
