Creating Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is simple if you follow these straightforward steps:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and place them within reach to ensure a smooth cooking process.
2. Heat Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and heat until shimmering.
3. Cook Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
4. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add diced onion and garlic; sauté until onion is translucent (about 3 minutes).
5. Add Rice: Stir in the rice and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing it to become lightly toasted.
6. Combine Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, paprika, and dried thyme. Stir to combine everything well.
7. Return Chicken: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the mixture.
8. Cover and Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
9. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as desired.
10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.