Herbed Butter Rice with Creamy Chicken is a deliciously balanced meal featuring fluffy basmati rice infused with garlic butter and fresh herbs, paired with tender chicken in a lightly spiced cream sauce. Served with cool cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, and lime wedges, it’s a comforting yet refreshing plate — perfect for an easy, satisfying dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish delivers rich, creamy comfort without feeling heavy. The garlic butter rice is aromatic and savory, while the creamy chicken brings gentle heat from chili flakes and smooth richness from cream. Balanced with crisp, fresh vegetables and zesty lime, it offers both indulgence and freshness on the same plate. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and comes together in just 30 minutes — great for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the rice:
- basmati rice, rinsed
- butter
- garlic cloves, sliced
- water or broth
- salt and pepper to taste
- chopped cilantro or parsley
For the creamy chicken:
- chicken breasts, sliced
- oil
- cream
- garlic clove, minced
- chili flakes
- salt and pepper
- chopped herbs for garnish
For the sides:
- cherry tomatoes, halved
- cucumber slices
- lime wedges
Directions
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant.
- Stir in the rinsed basmati rice and coat it in the garlic butter.
- Add water or broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is fluffy and liquid is absorbed (about 12–15 minutes). Stir in chopped herbs before serving.
- While the rice cooks, heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the sliced chicken until browned on both sides.
- Add cream, minced garlic, chili flakes, salt, and pepper to the pan. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and chicken is cooked through.
- To serve, plate the butter rice and creamy chicken. Add fresh cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices on the side. Garnish with chopped herbs and serve with lime wedges.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 520 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add Greens: Mix spinach or kale into the rice before serving for extra nutrients.
- Spicy Upgrade: Increase the chili flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the chicken sauce.
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add lemon zest and juice to the cream sauce for a bright citrus note.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in a handful of grated parmesan to the cream sauce for extra richness.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with mushrooms or tofu, using the same creamy base.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to refresh the sauce and rice. The fresh veggies and lime should be added just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use another type of rice?
Yes, jasmine or long grain rice also work well, but basmati offers a light and fluffy texture ideal for this dish.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and a plant-based cream alternative like oat or cashew cream.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Keep the heat low once cream is added, and avoid boiling vigorously.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild heat from chili flakes. You can reduce or omit them to make it completely mild.
What protein can I use instead of chicken?
Turkey strips, shrimp, or tofu are excellent substitutes.
Can I prepare any part ahead?
Yes, the rice and cream sauce can be made ahead and reheated. Add fresh vegetables right before serving.
What kind of cream is best?
Use heavy cream for richness, or half-and-half for a lighter version.
Can I roast the tomatoes and cucumbers instead of serving fresh?
Yes, lightly roasting the vegetables adds a sweet, caramelized flavor.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
The rice and chicken can be frozen, but the fresh sides should be added after thawing.
What herbs work best in this recipe?
Parsley, cilantro, or a mix of fresh basil and chives complement the flavors well.
Conclusion
Herbed Butter Rice with Creamy Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that combines comforting textures with bright, fresh contrasts. With fragrant garlic rice, a velvety cream sauce, and crisp veggies, it offers everything you want in a balanced dinner — and it comes together in just half an hour.
Herbed Butter Rice with Creamy Chicken
Fluffy garlic butter rice with fresh herbs served alongside tender chicken in a creamy sauce — balanced with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and lime.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups water or broth
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro or parsley
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Chopped herbs for garnish
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber slices
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- In a pot, melt butter and sauté sliced garlic until golden and fragrant.
- Add rinsed basmati rice and stir to coat in the garlic butter.
- Pour in water or broth, season with salt and pepper, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Cook for 12–15 minutes until rice is fluffy and liquid is absorbed.
- Once cooked, fluff rice with a fork and stir in chopped herbs.
- In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat and sear the sliced chicken breasts until browned and cooked through.
- Add cream, minced garlic, chili flakes, salt, and pepper to the pan. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until sauce is thickened and creamy.
- Plate the herbed butter rice with creamy chicken on the side. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and lime wedges.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs and serve warm.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of cream.
- Adjust chili flakes based on your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg