Description
A cozy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken in a creamy, herb-infused sauce served over fluffy basmati rice. It’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for easy weeknight dinners or family meals.
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons butter, divided
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon ground fennel (optional)
3 tablespoons cream cheese
1 cup milk (or buttermilk for a tangier flavor)
1 cup uncooked basmati rice
Optional: 1 small clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Cook basmati rice according to package instructions and keep warm.
- In a mixing bowl, toss chicken pieces with paprika, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Drain excess fat from skillet, leaving browned bits.
- Add remaining butter to skillet. If using garlic, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in thyme, rosemary, basil, and fennel. Toast for 1 minute.
- Add cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Slowly pour in milk, stirring continuously to create a creamy sauce. Add more milk if sauce becomes too thick.
- Return chicken to pan and stir to coat with sauce. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Spoon creamy herb chicken over warm basmati rice and serve with extra sauce.
Notes
Swap chicken breasts for thighs for extra juiciness.
Use dairy-free milk and cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
Add spinach or peas during the final simmer for more veggies.
Jasmine rice can be used as an alternative to basmati.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk.
Not recommended for freezing due to dairy separation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
