This chicken with basmati rice recipe is a delicious and hearty meal that combines tender, flavorful chicken with perfectly seasoned rice. The combination of spices, herbs, and sauces creates a dish that is both satisfying and full of rich flavors. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a special meal to impress guests.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken fillets
- 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika powder
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 chili peppers, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup cheese, grated (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
For the Basmati Rice:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon of sriracha sauce (optional, for a spicy touch)
- 3-4 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, tomato paste, mustard, Italian herbs, and paprika powder.
- Add the chicken fillets to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Let them marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped chili peppers, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the marinated chicken fillets to the skillet, cooking for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese over the chicken and mushrooms, allowing it to melt.
- Rest the Chicken:
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Prepare the Basmati Rice:
- Cook the Rice:
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This process removes extra starch and keeps the rice from becoming too sticky.
- In a pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and grated carrot, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Season the Rice:
- Stir in the paprika and turmeric, cooking for another minute to release the flavors.
- Add the basmati rice to the pot, stirring to coat the rice with the spices and vegetables.
- Add enough water to cover the rice by about 1 inch, then bring the pot to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
- Finish the Rice:
- Once the rice is cooked, stir in the sriracha sauce (if using) and soy sauce.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve:
- Serve the chicken fillets over a bed of basmati rice, spooning the melted cheese and mushroom mixture on top.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and enjoy this delicious, flavorful meal!
Conclusion:
This chicken with basmati rice recipe is a delightful combination of savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors that come together in a satisfying dish. The tender chicken, rich with cheese and mushrooms, pairs beautifully with the fragrant, spiced basmati rice. It’s a perfect meal for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner with friends. Enjoy this flavorful and hearty dish!