Creating Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious meal:

1. Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Set them aside to enhance the flavor.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Brown Chicken: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pot and brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Combine Ingredients: In the same pot, stir in the rice, chicken broth, heavy cream, dried thyme, and frozen vegetables. Bring to a simmer, mixing well.
5. Simmer and Cook: Return the browned chicken to the pot, nestling it into the rice mixture. Cover and cook on low heat for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through. The sauce will thicken as it cooks.