Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe: A Cozy One-Pan Wonder

Weeknight dinners find their perfect match in this creamy herb chicken & basmati rice that promises comfort and flavor in every single bite.

Fragrant basmati grains mingle with tender chicken pieces bathed in a luscious herb-infused sauce.

Herbs picked fresh from the garden add vibrant green notes and unexpected depth to the dish.

Home cooks can easily master this recipe with just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time.

Mediterranean influences shine through the delicate blend of herbs and smooth cream sauce.

Each forkful promises a harmonious balance between protein and rice, creating a satisfying meal you’ll want to savor slowly.

Let this recipe become your new go-to solution for a delicious dinner that impresses without demanding hours in the kitchen.

Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Highlights

• Spice Up Your Weeknight Dinner: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish packed with bold, aromatic spices that dance on your taste buds.
• Master a Gourmet Meal in Minutes: Create a sophisticated, creamy herb chicken recipe that looks and tastes like it took hours, but comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
• Customize Your Comfort Food: Easily adjust the heat and herbs to match your family's preferences, making this a versatile recipe that adapts to different palates and dietary needs.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this streamlined recipe that uses a single skillet to cook chicken and create a luxurious, herb-infused sauce.

Ingredients for Creamy Herb Chicken and Basmati Rice

• Chicken: A tender and versatile protein that absorbs the rich herb flavors perfectly.

• Paprika, Cumin, Oregano, Crushed Chilies, Salt, Pepper: A balanced blend of spices that adds warmth, depth, and complexity to the chicken.

• Thyme, Rosemary, Basil, Ground Fennel: Fresh herbs that provide aromatic and vibrant flavors to the creamy sauce.

• Butter, Cream Cheese, Milk or Buttermilk: Create a rich, smooth, and luxurious sauce that coats the chicken with a velvety texture.

• Basmati Rice, Water, Salt: A fragrant and fluffy base that complements the creamy herb chicken.

How to Prepare Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice

Step 1: Boil the Rice

Fill a medium pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Gently pour in the basmati rice and cook following the package directions. Once the rice is tender, use a fork to fluff it up, creating light and airy grains.

Keep the rice warm while preparing the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in the chicken pieces.

• Paprika
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Crushed chilies
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly to ensure every piece of chicken is evenly coated with the aromatic spice blend.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet and melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the pan. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely cooked through.

This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a separate plate.

Step 4: Prepare the Skillet

Check the skillet for excess fat. Carefully drain most of it, but keep those delicious browned bits – they’re packed with flavor and will enhance the sauce.

Step 5: Build the Herb Base

In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter. If you’re using garlic, quickly sauté it until it becomes fragrant.

• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Basil
• Ground fennel

Let the herbs cook for a minute to release their incredible aromas.

Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce

Drop in the cream cheese and stir until it starts to melt.

Slowly pour in the milk or buttermilk, stirring constantly to create a silky, smooth sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit more milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Combine and Simmer

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating each piece generously with the creamy herb sauce. Let everything simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance together.

Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8: Plate and Serve

Spread the fluffy basmati rice onto plates and top with the creamy herb chicken.

Serve immediately while it’s hot and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!

Pro Tips for Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice

• Marinate chicken in spices for 15-30 minutes before cooking to deepen the taste and ensure more intense seasoning throughout the meat.
• Stir cream cheese slowly and use low heat to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency without curdling or breaking.
• Crush dried herbs between your fingers before adding to release more aromatic oils and intensify the herbal flavors in the sauce.
• Rinse basmati rice before cooking to remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier, more separated grains that don't clump together.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add warm chicken broth or milk to restore the desired creamy consistency without losing flavor.

Variations on Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Swap: Replace basmati rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates while maintaining the dish's rich herbal flavors.
• Greek Yogurt Lightened Sauce: Substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt to create a tangier, protein-packed sauce with reduced fat content and a lighter texture.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Option: Use coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of dairy products for a creamy, vegan-friendly alternative that preserves the herb-infused profile.
• Herb-Crusted Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, coating with the same spice blend and following the cooking method for a plant-based protein meal that captures the original recipe's essence.

Perfect Pairings with Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice

• A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the creamy sauce, refreshing the palate with its bright, zesty notes and complementing the herb-infused chicken.
• Garlic-roasted asparagus or honey-glazed carrots add a subtle sweetness and crisp texture that balances the rich, creamy chicken dish, creating a well-rounded meal.
• A mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a tangy, fresh counterpoint to the heavy cream sauce, bringing a bright, cleansing element to each bite.

Storage Advice for Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chicken and rice separately to maintain texture. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place chicken and rice in microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle few drops of water or milk to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• What are the key spices used in this recipe?

The key spices are paprika, cumin, oregano, and crushed chilies. These spices create a robust and flavorful coating for the chicken, adding depth and warmth to the dish.

• Can I substitute the herbs if I don't have the exact ones?

Yes, you can substitute herbs based on availability. If you don’t have thyme, rosemary, or basil, try using dried or fresh alternatives like parsley, oregano, or sage that complement the creamy sauce.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cut into a piece to ensure there’s no pink in the center.

Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Savory herb chicken with basmati rice delivers a Mediterranean-inspired culinary journey through fresh ingredients and delicate flavor combinations. Fragrant herbs and tender chicken create a comforting meal that invites you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Rice:

• 1 cup basmati rice

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed chilies
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground fennel
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

Dairy and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons cream cheese
• 1 cup milk (or buttermilk)

Water for boiling

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Instructions

1. Prepare basmati rice in a medium pot with salted water, following package instructions. Once cooked, gently fluff with a fork and keep warm.
2. Create a robust spice blend by mixing paprika, cumin, oregano, crushed chilies, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in this aromatic seasoning mixture.
3. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium temperature. Sauté seasoned chicken for 6-8 minutes, ensuring golden brown exterior and complete internal cooking. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
4. Drain excess fat from the skillet, preserving the flavorful browned bits for enhancing sauce depth.
5. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. If using garlic, quickly sauté until fragrant. Add thyme, rosemary, basil, and ground fennel, allowing herbs to release their essential oils for approximately one minute.
6. Incorporate cream cheese, stirring until it begins to melt. Gradually introduce milk or buttermilk, whisking continuously to create a silky, uniform sauce. Adjust consistency by adding additional liquid as needed.
7. Reintroduce cooked chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the herbaceous cream sauce. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with salt and pepper.
8. Elegantly plate basmati rice as a foundation, then generously ladle the creamy herb chicken overtop. Serve immediately to preserve optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Spice Flexibility: Adjust the spice blend based on personal preference or dietary needs, swapping out chilies for milder options or using alternative herbs like parsley or dill.
• Protein Swap: Easily substitute chicken with tofu, turkey, or fish to create diverse meal variations while maintaining the creamy herb sauce’s delicious flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace cream cheese and milk with coconut cream or cashew-based alternatives to make the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
• Extra Flavor Boost: Toast whole spices briefly before grinding to intensify their aromatic qualities and add deeper complexity to the dish’s overall taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 511 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg