Creating Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice can be a fun and rewarding experience if you follow these steps:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear them in the skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add Rice: Stir in the rice, allowing it to soak up some of the flavors from the skillet for about 1-2 minutes.
5. Mix in Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add thyme, paprika, and black pepper, stirring until combined.
6. Return Chicken: Place the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet on top of the rice mixture.
7. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet, reducing heat to low, and cook for about 25-30 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
8. Add Vegetables: If using peas and carrots, add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking, stirring gently.
9. Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
10. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving for an extra pop of color and flavor.

These straightforward steps make the process of cooking Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice a breeze.