Basil Chicken And Rice
Basil Chicken and Rice combines tender chicken breasts with fragrant basil in a savory soy-based sauce. Perfect for a quick, flavorful meal, it pairs well with steamed rice and suits those seeking a comforting yet light dish with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove skin and fat from chicken breasts.
- Wash chicken and place in a large skillet on high heat.
- Cook chicken, turning on both sides until the meat is cooked through and white on the outside.
- Add soy sauce, basil, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet.
- Ensure all pieces of chicken are coated in the sauce.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook until the chicken is tender, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Serve the chicken with its juices as a gravy over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the soy sauce, basil, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can substitute fresh basil with dried basil, but reduce the amount to about 1 teaspoon. If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. This dish pairs nicely with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the basil chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, allowing the savory juices to soak in. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad to balance the flavors. For a twist, try it with fried rice or as a filling in wraps for a quick lunch. Explore more chicken recipes for additional variations.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover basil chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, covering it to steam slightly. Alternatively, you can microwave it, covered, in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basil Chicken And Rice contains roughly 202 calories, with 23g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2170mg per serving (94% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, bone-in chicken can be used, but the cooking time will need to be adjusted. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which may take longer than boneless breasts. Ensure the sauce still coats the chicken well as it cooks.
What type of rice is best for this dish?
White rice is commonly used, but you can also use jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant twist. Brown rice is a healthier option, but it will require longer cooking time. Make sure to cook the rice separately according to package instructions.
Can I freeze the basil chicken for later?
Yes, this dish can be frozen. Make sure it cools completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).