Creamy Chicken and Pepper Rice

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, or until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook the Rice: Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to combine with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth (or water), and bring it to a simmer. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Keep an eye on it to ensure the rice doesn’t burn at the bottom.
4. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: While the rice is cooking, prepare the creamy sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Stir the mixture until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Combine Everything: Once the rice is cooked, return the chicken to the skillet and stir everything to combine. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and rice mixture, and gently stir until everything is evenly coated. Allow the dish to simmer for a few more minutes to heat through and ensure the rice is infused with the creamy sauce.
6. Serve: Once everything is well mixed and the sauce is rich and creamy, serve the dish hot. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Why You’ll Love This Dish:

• Rich and Creamy: The creamy sauce made with heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese coats every bite of chicken and rice, making this dish incredibly rich and comforting.
• Flavor-packed: The combination of colorful bell peppers, sautéed onions, and garlic adds layers of flavor, while the chicken provides a hearty base. The slight tang from the Dijon mustard gives the sauce an extra depth.
• One-Pot Wonder: This recipe is made in one pan, which means fewer dishes to clean and more time enjoying your meal. It’s the perfect combination of convenience and flavor.
• Customizable: Feel free to add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to suit your preferences. You can also make it spicier by adding more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Pro Tips for Success:

• Rice Type: For a fluffier rice texture, use long-grain white rice or jasmine rice. These varieties cook up light and fluffy, perfect for absorbing the creamy sauce.
• Make it Spicy: If you enjoy spicy dishes, feel free to add more cayenne pepper, or even a chopped jalapeño to the vegetables as they cook. A few dashes of hot sauce can also kick things up a notch!
• Add More Cheese: If you’re a fan of cheesy dishes, you can add more grated Parmesan or even sprinkle some shredded mozzarella on top for a cheesy crust when serving.
• Chicken Substitution: This recipe isn’t limited to chicken—feel free to use shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a variation. If you use shrimp, sauté them with the vegetables and continue with the recipe as usual.

Why This Recipe is a Winner:

Creamy Chicken and Pepper Rice has all the elements that make it a favorite in any kitchen: it’s flavorful, comforting, and easy to make. Whether you’re feeding your family or looking for a delicious dish to impress guests, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. The creamy sauce combined with the sweet peppers and tender chicken makes it a balanced meal that satisfies both your hunger and your taste buds.

Perfect for weeknights or gatherings, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time. Enjoy the richness of the creamy sauce, the crunch of the peppers, and the warmth of the chicken in every bite. Try it today and see why it’s a meal that’s destined to become a staple in your home!