Description
This creamy chicken and rice dish is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for family dinners. Tender, seasoned chicken thighs are browned to perfection, then simmered with garlic, onions, and a luscious blend of chicken broth and heavy cream, resulting in a rich, flavorful rice base infused with subtle paprika notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Rice & Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Generously season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on all sides to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Brown Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and brown them on both sides until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the browned chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the butter and let it melt. Then sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir the rice into the onion and garlic mixture to coat the grains. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and sprinkle in the paprika. Stir everything to combine evenly.
- Simmer with Chicken: Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the creamy rice mixture. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Avoid stirring too often to prevent rice from breaking down.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid and simmer uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes.
- For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
