Description
Rustic Paprika Chicken in Cream Sauce with Basil-Scented Buttered Rice is a cozy, flavorful dish featuring smoky seared chicken in a creamy garlic and herb sauce served over fragrant basil-infused buttered rice. Comforting yet elegant, it’s perfect for weeknights or special dinners.
Ingredients
- For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- For the sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the basil-scented buttered rice:
- 1 cup rice (long grain or jasmine)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Make the basil-scented buttered rice: Bring 2 cups of water or broth to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in rice, butter, and a pinch of salt. Cover and simmer 15–18 minutes until fluffy. Stir in chopped basil before serving.
- Cook the chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F). Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and paprika for 30 seconds. Add broth, scraping up browned bits, then stir in cream. Simmer gently, then add spinach and basil. Cook until spinach wilts and sauce thickens, 3–5 minutes.
- Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over it, and warm through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve chicken and sauce over basil-scented buttered rice.
Notes
- Swap spinach for kale or arugula for a different flavor.
- Add lemon juice or zest for brightness.
- Turn it into a pasta dish by serving over fettuccine or penne instead of rice.
- Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (chicken + rice)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
