Cheesy Chicken & Rice Dish (Print-Friendly Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
02 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
03 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
05 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
06 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
07 - 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
08 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1 teaspoon salt
11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 - 1/2 cup frozen peas

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Pour two tablespoons of olive oil into a big skillet and start heating it over medium-high heat.
02 - Sprinkle both sides of the chicken pieces with salt, thyme, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
03 - Put the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet and cook it for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until it’s cooked through and golden.
04 - Take the chicken out of the skillet, lay it on a plate, and loosely cover it with foil to keep it warm.
05 - Toss the rice into the skillet and stir it around for about 2 minutes until it’s lightly toasted.
06 - Mix the chicken broth into the skillet, giving everything a stir so the rice blends with the liquid.
07 - Cover the skillet with a tight lid. Turn the heat to low, and let the rice slowly cook for 15 to 18 minutes until it’s tender and the liquid is gone.
08 - As the rice cooks, slice or chop the cooked chicken into smaller pieces.
09 - Once the rice is ready, mix in the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream until it’s creamy and smooth.
10 - Toss the frozen peas into the rice, stirring to expand them through the mixture.
11 - Place the chopped-up chicken back into the skillet, putting it right on top of the creamy rice.
12 - Cover the skillet again and let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes over low heat so the chicken warms up and the peas soften.
13 - Take the skillet off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Bone-in chicken can add more flavor but needs extra cooking time.
02 - Swap heavy cream with milk or half-and-half for a lighter touch.
03 - Frozen peas can be replaced with broccoli or spinach for a twist.
04 - Give the rice a stir now and then during simmering to avoid it sticking.
05 - Try using homemade broth instead of a store-bought one for a tastier dish.