Place one chicken breast at a time into a large bag or between two sheets of plastic wrap, then use a mallet to pound the thickest side until it’s about as thick as the thinnest side.
Stir the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and thyme together in a small bowl then add it and the flour to a large plate and whisk to combine.
Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour and pack the flour onto both sides until completely coated but save the remaining flour mixture for later. Shake off any excess flour.
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the chicken, and fry 2-3 pieces at a time in the pan for 3-4 minutes on both sides or until golden brown, adding more oil as needed.
Remove the browned chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate, then cover it with foil to keep it warm.
Heat another tablespoon of oil in the skillet then add the onion and stir and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the onions become translucent and browned up.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds then whisk in 3 tablespoons of the leftover flour mixture until it starts to brown.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth and continue whisking the entire time to scrape up any browned bits and prevent the gravy from burning.
After about 3 minutes, or when the gravy has thickened to your liking, whisk in the heavy cream and let it thicken for another 30 seconds.
Place the chicken on top, then serve with cooked rice, mashed potatoes or green beans, and add freshly minced parsley or thyme as garnish, if desired.