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Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavors of Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice, a dish that combines tender chicken with a velvety, herb-infused sauce, perfectly paired with fluffy basmati rice. This recipe is a symphony of spices and creamy goodness, making it an ideal choice for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
I first discovered this recipe during a cozy family gathering. The aroma of herbs and spices filling the kitchen brought everyone together, and the creamy sauce paired with the fragrant basmati rice was an instant hit. It’s since become a staple in my home, loved by both family and friends.
Get ready to cook a dish that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Let’s dive into the world of Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice!
What to Expect
- Time: Approximately 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready. This includes measuring out your spices, cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, and having your basmati rice cooked and set aside. A little prep goes a long way in making the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces | 2 |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cumin | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Crushed chilies (adjust for heat preference) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper to taste | |
| Butter, divided | 2 tablespoons |
| Thyme | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Rosemary | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Basil | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground fennel | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cream cheese | 3 tablespoons |
| Milk or buttermilk (for a richer, tangier flavor) | 1 cup |
| Basmati rice (uncooked) | 1 cup |
| Garlic, minced (optional) | 1 clove |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Cook the Rice: Begin by cooking the basmati rice according to the package instructions. Once done, set it aside to keep warm.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with paprika, ground cumin, oregano, crushed chilies, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 6-8 minutes, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Prepare the Pan: If there’s a lot of excess fat or liquid in the pan, drain some off, but leave behind any browned bits and a little of the remaining butter and juices, as they will add flavor to the sauce.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. If using, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add thyme, rosemary, basil, and ground fennel, and cook for about 1 minute to release their flavors.
- Create the Creamy Base: Add the cream cheese to the pan and stir until it begins to melt and blend with the spices. Slowly pour in the milk or buttermilk, stirring constantly to create a smooth and creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more milk or buttermilk to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to coat it in the creamy herb sauce. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy herb chicken over the cooked basmati rice and enjoy your meal!
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding the cooked basmati rice directly into the pan with the creamy herb chicken. This allows the rice to soak up the delicious sauce, enhancing every bite. If you prefer a tangier sauce, opt for buttermilk instead of regular milk. It adds a delightful depth and a slight tang that pairs wonderfully with the spices.
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or buttermilk to refresh the creamy texture.
For another delicious recipe, check out this Dairy Free Tuscan Chicken.
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Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is a restaurant-quality dinner made right at home. It features fluffy, aromatic basmati rice served alongside golden pan-seared chicken breasts, all smothered in a luxurious garlic-herb cream sauce. Ready in under 40 minutes and naturally gluten-free, it’s the perfect cozy meal for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
— The Basmati Rice —
1 cup white Basmati rice
1 ½ cups water (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
1 teaspoon butter or oil
Pinch of salt
— The Chicken —
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced horizontally into 4 thin cutlets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
— The Creamy Herb Sauce —
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup gluten-free chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream (or full-fat canned coconut milk for dairy-free)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Rinse & Cook Rice: Rinse the Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear (this removes excess starch for fluffy rice). Combine rice, water, butter, and salt in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, cover tightly, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let steam covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
2. Season Chicken: While the rice cooks, season the chicken cutlets generously with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Sear Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F). Remove chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
4. Make Sauce Base: In the same skillet (don’t clean it!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Deglaze & Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Add the thyme and basil. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Add Cream & Thicken: Lower the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the cornstarch slurry. Simmer gently for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
7. Combine: Return the cooked chicken (and any resting juices) to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken to warm it through.
8. Serve: Scoop a bed of fluffy Basmati rice onto plates, top with the chicken, and drizzle generously with the extra sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Rice Tip: Rinsing the Basmati rice is non-negotiable if you want separate, fluffy grains rather than sticky clumps.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk or a dairy-free cooking cream. The herbs and garlic will mask any coconut flavor.
Vegetable Addition: This dish pairs perfectly with steamed green beans or roasted asparagus on the side.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge; add a splash of water when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Continental
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 95
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I use a different type of rice?
- While basmati rice is recommended for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, you can substitute it with jasmine rice or long-grain white rice if needed.
- How can I make this dish spicier?
- Adjust the amount of crushed chilies to your preference. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that all your ingredients, especially spices, are certified gluten-free.
Dig In & Enjoy!
Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice is a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly spiced chicken, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is a winner.
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