Follow these simple steps to create your Oven Baked Chicken Rice dish:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper on both sides.
3. Sear Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and sear for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add diced bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Add Rice: Add the rice to the skillet and stir for about 1 minute, toasting it slightly.
6. Add Broth: Carefully pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Combine Chicken: Place the seared chicken on top of the rice mixture, skin-side up. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil.
8. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
9. Add Peas: If using, sprinkle the frozen peas over the chicken and rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
10. Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.