– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup long-grain white rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Making Creamy Chicken and Rice is straightforward and fun. Follow these steps to ensure success:
1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Cook until they are no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Onion and Garlic: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Rice: Add the rice to the skillet, stirring for about 1 minute to toast it slightly.
5. Combine Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, mixing everything well.
6. Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
7. Reduce and Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
8. Add Vegetables: Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
9. Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, mixing until creamy and combined thoroughly.
10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your meal!
These steps will guide you in creating an extraordinary dish that is creamy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.