Creamy Herb Chicken & Rice (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Chicken

01 - 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 teaspoon paprika
03 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
04 - 1/2 teaspoon oregano
05 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed chilies
06 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ For the Creamy Herb Sauce

07 - 2 tablespoons butter, divided
08 - 1/2 teaspoon thyme
09 - 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
10 - 1/2 teaspoon basil
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground fennel
12 - 3 tablespoons cream cheese
13 - 1 cup milk or buttermilk
14 - 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

→ For the Rice

15 - 1 cup basmati rice, uncooked

# Instructions:

01 - Start by cooking the basmati rice according to the package instructions. Once done, set it aside to keep warm.
02 - Mix the chicken pieces with paprika, cumin, oregano, chilies, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large pan over medium heat and cook the seasoned chicken for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
03 - In the same pan, add remaining butter and optional garlic. Add thyme, rosemary, basil, and fennel, cooking for about 1 minute to release their flavors.
04 - Add cream cheese to the pan and stir until it melts. Gradually pour in the milk or buttermilk, stirring constantly for a smooth sauce. Return chicken to the pan and simmer for 3-5 minutes to blend flavors.
05 - Spoon the creamy herb chicken over the warm basmati rice and enjoy!

# Notes:

01 - For a tangier flavor, use buttermilk instead of regular milk
02 - Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking chicken for even browning
03 - You can adjust the crushed chilies amount to control spiciness
04 - For extra flavor, you can add the cooked rice directly to the sauce