Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ¼ – 1 ½ lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Herbs
- 3 cups lower sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup white rice
- Juice of ½ a lemon
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme, stems removed
- ½ cup cream
Finishing Touches
- Few sprigs parsley, chopped (optional)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and chopped shallot. Cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-6 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth, Rice, and Herbs: Pour in 3 cups of lower sodium chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Stir in 1 cup of white rice, the juice of half a lemon, and 4 sprigs of fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook Chicken and Rice Together: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the broth and rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Remove the thyme sprigs from the pan. Stir in ½ cup of cream to create a rich, creamy sauce. If desired, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for freshness.
- Serve: Plate the chicken and rice, and generously sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over each serving. Serve warm and enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use lower sodium chicken broth to keep the dish from becoming too salty and to control sodium levels.
- For a lighter option, you can substitute cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative, though it will be less rich.
- Make sure the rice is fully cooked and tender before serving. If liquid is absorbed too quickly, add a little more broth or water as needed.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color and fresh herbal note but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American