Description
Succulent herb-infused “Creamy Herb Chicken & Basmati Rice” brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate. Delicate chicken nestles alongside fragrant basmati, promising comfort and elegance you’ll savor with every delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Cooking Base and Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed & drained
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Infuse the chicken with a robust blend of aromatic seasonings, massaging salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika into the meat for maximum flavor penetration.
- Unleash a sizzling symphony in a large skillet, drizzling olive oil and heating to medium-high temperature. Carefully place the seasoned chicken, allowing each side to transform into a golden-brown masterpiece through a precise 4-5 minute sear. Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and introduce finely chopped onions, coaxing them to a translucent softness over 2-3 minutes. Introduce minced garlic, letting its fragrance bloom for a brief 30 seconds.
- Incorporate rinsed basmati rice, gently toasting the grains for a minute to enhance their nutty essence. Pour chicken broth, seasoning with a whisper of salt and pepper, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer.
- Nestle the previously seared chicken atop the rice, creating a harmonious one-pan symphony. Seal with a lid and allow the ingredients to meld together, cooking on low heat for 15 minutes until the rice reaches perfect tenderness.
- Elevate the dish with a luxurious cream sauce, streaming heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes, creating a velvety blanket of flavor.
- Awaken the sauce with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, thyme, parsley, and a bright splash of lemon juice. Gently fold the herbs into the creamy landscape.
- Present the dish adorned with a cascade of fresh herbs and a delicate dusting of Parmesan cheese, transforming the meal into a visual and gustatory celebration of comfort and elegance.
Notes
- Perfectly Seasoned Chicken: Use a mix of dried herbs and spices to create a deep, layered flavor profile that penetrates the meat thoroughly.
- Rice Toasting Technique: Gently toast the basmati rice before adding liquid to enhance its nutty aroma and prevent clumping, ensuring each grain stays separate and fluffy.
- Cream Sauce Rescue: If the sauce breaks or looks too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or warm water to restore its smooth, silky consistency.
- Dietary Modifications: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use cauliflower rice instead of basmati for a low-carb alternative that keeps the dish’s delicious essence intact.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg