Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice (Print Version)

Tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich cream sauce with aromatic herbs and spices, served over flavorful broth-infused rice.

# Ingredients:

01 - 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
02 - 1 cup rice, uncooked
03 - 2 cups chicken broth
04 - 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with half-and-half or a non-dairy product)
05 - 1 medium onion, diced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 - 1 teaspoon paprika
10 - 1 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - Parsley (fresh or dried, for garnish)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to package instructions using the chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor. Set aside when done.
02 - While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
03 - Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Season the chicken breasts with paprika, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Place them in the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
05 - Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the remaining ingredients. Bring to a gentle simmer.
06 - If desired, add frozen peas to the cream sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
07 - Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it in the creamy sauce. Allow to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the chicken and blend the flavors.
08 - Serve the creamy smothered chicken over the cooked rice, garnished with parsley if desired.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For added flavor, you can include mushrooms or bell peppers when sautéing the onions.
02 - This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a great option for meal prep.
03 - Feel free to substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy product for a lighter option.

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