Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Thighs over Rice

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season them with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs on both sides until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes per side). Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
   • Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt.
   • Sauté the minced garlic in the butter until fragrant (about 1 minute).
   • Add the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits for flavor.
   • Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard (if using), thyme, parsley, and oregano. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   • Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
4. Prepare the Rice:
   • While the chicken and sauce cook, prepare your white rice according to the package instructions.
5. Serve:
   • Place a serving of rice on a plate or bowl. Top with the creamy chicken thighs and spoon additional sauce over the top.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.

This dish is rich, comforting, and perfect for a hearty meal. Let me know if you’d like to customize it further!