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In today's fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a wholesome meal can be challenging. However, nothing beats the comfort and satisfaction of a delicious home-cooked dish. One such recipe that checks all the boxes for simplicity, flavor, and nourishment is the Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet Dinner. This one-pan meal not only brings together tender chicken, flavorful rice, and vibrant vegetables, but it also offers a creamy texture that will leave you craving more. In this article, we'll explore the step-by-step process of creating this comforting dinner, along with insights on its benefits and variations.

Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet Dinner

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Chicken and Rice Skillet Dinner recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan meal features tender chicken thighs, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. Simple to make and packed with flavor, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Follow our step-by-step guide to master this delicious dish, and enjoy a hearty meal that brings the warmth of home cooking to your table.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup long-grain white rice

4 cups chicken broth

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup shredded carrots

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is evenly golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

    Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the diced onion. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent and tender. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, ensuring the garlic becomes aromatic without burning.

      Add Rice and Broth: Pour the long-grain rice into the skillet, mixing it well with the sautéed onion and garlic for about 1 minute. After that, carefully pour in the chicken broth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.

        Combine Everything: Once the broth is boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the previously cooked chicken back into the skillet, followed by the frozen peas and shredded carrots. Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally.

          Creamy Finish: After the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream until it’s fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Allow it to heat through for an extra 2-3 minutes.

            Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Spoon the creamy chicken and rice into serving bowls, garnishing each bowl with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty and comforting dinner!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings