Cozy Creamy Herb Chicken & Rice (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Chicken

01 - Two chicken breasts, chopped into small, bite-sized bits
02 - A teaspoon of paprika
03 - Half a teaspoon of cumin powder
04 - A pinch of oregano
05 - Crushed red pepper flakes, about 1/4 teaspoon
06 - Salt and pepper, as much as you like

→ For the Sauce

07 - Two tablespoons butter, split into halves
08 - Thyme, half a teaspoon
09 - Half a teaspoon of rosemary
10 - Basil, half a teaspoon
11 - Ground fennel seeds, about 1/4 teaspoon
12 - Three heaping tablespoons of cream cheese
13 - One cup of regular milk or buttermilk
14 - One minced garlic clove (optional)

→ Base

15 - One cup of uncooked basmati rice

# Instructions:

01 - Cook the basmati rice as described on the package. Keep it warm and ready while making the other parts of the dish.
02 - Toss the chopped chicken with paprika, cumin, oregano, chili flakes, and some salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a big pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown. Take it out and set aside.
03 - Use the same pan, drop the remaining butter in, and add garlic if you're using it. Stir the thyme, rosemary, basil, and fennel through for a short time. Let cream cheese melt into the mix, then slowly whisk in the milk, creating a smooth and creamy mixture.
04 - Put the cooked chicken back into the pan and coat it with the sauce. Let it simmer gently for about 3 to 5 minutes, then pour everything over the warm rice to serve.

# Notes:

01 - Switch regular milk out for buttermilk if you want a tangy kick in the sauce
02 - Don’t crowd the pan while cooking the chicken—this helps it brown nicely
03 - Mix the rice straight into the sauce if that’s the way you like it