Description
Herb-infused creamy chicken with basmati rice delivers Mediterranean comfort on a plate. Simple ingredients combine for a rich, satisfying meal that brings Mediterranean warmth to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed & drained
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tbsps butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
Instructions
- Seasoning Fusion: Massage chicken with a vibrant blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika, ensuring comprehensive flavor infusion.
- Searing Perfection: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Execute a precise golden-brown sear on chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, then transfer to a waiting plate.
- Aromatic Base: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic, allowing its essence to bloom briefly.
- Rice Preparation: Incorporate basmati rice, toasting gently to enhance its nutty profile. Pour chicken broth, season lightly, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- One-Pan Symphony: Nestle seared chicken atop the rice, cover, and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes until rice reaches optimal tenderness.
- Creamy Transformation: Stream heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the skillet, creating a velvety sauce that simmers for 2 minutes.
- Herbal Elevation: Awaken the dish with Italian seasoning, thyme, parsley, and a bright lemon juice splash, gently folding herbs into the creamy landscape.
- Culinary Presentation: Garnish with fresh herbs and a delicate Parmesan cheese dusting, elevating the meal to a celebration of comfort and elegance.
Notes
- Enhance Chicken Seasoning: Massage spices thoroughly into the meat for at least 10-15 minutes before cooking to allow deeper flavor absorption and tenderization.
- Control Skillet Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect golden-brown sear without burning the chicken, using a cast-iron skillet for optimal heat distribution.
- Balance Rice Moisture: Rinse basmati rice before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains that don’t become sticky or clumpy.
- Adjust Cream Sauce Consistency: Add cream gradually and simmer gently to prevent separation, using room temperature cream for smoother integration and preventing potential curdling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg