Creamy Chicken Rice with Bell Peppers

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This one-pan creamy chicken rice dish with colorful bell peppers is rich, flavorful, and comforting. It’s perfect for a hearty dinner the whole family will love!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • Chicken breasts or thighs: 1 pound (450g), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
  • Paprika: 1 teaspoon
  • Olive oil or butter: 2 tablespoons

For the Rice:

  • Rice: 1 cup (long-grain or basmati)
  • Chicken broth: 2 cups
  • Heavy cream or half-and-half: ½ cup
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
  • Bell peppers: 2 (any colors), diced
  • Shredded cheese: ½ cup (optional, for added creaminess)
  • Parmesan cheese: 2 tablespoons (optional, for garnish)

Seasonings:

  • Paprika: 1 teaspoon
  • Italian seasoning or thyme: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt and pepper: To taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
  2. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add to the skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides (about 5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

  1. In the same skillet, add the onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
  2. Add the diced bell peppers and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until slightly softened.

3. Cook the Rice

  1. Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it in the flavors of the vegetables.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.

4. Simmer

  1. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the rice cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

5. Combine and Finish

  1. Once the rice is cooked, stir in the cooked chicken and shredded cheese (if using) for extra creaminess. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to heat through.
  2. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.

6. Serve

  1. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme for added flavor.
  2. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips:

  • For Extra Veggies: Add peas, corn, or spinach for a nutritional boost.
  • Make It Spicy: Add red chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the rice for a spicy kick.
  • For a Lighter Version: Substitute heavy cream with milk or unsweetened almond milk.

This creamy chicken rice with bell peppers is a flavorful, one-pan wonder that’s easy to make and absolutely delic

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