Chicken and Rice Skillet

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
• Salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a fresh flavor boost)