Chicken Paprika Recipe
Chicken Paprika, a timeless Hungarian dish, has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts around the world. This vibrant, flavor-packed recipe combines tender chicken with a luscious, creamy paprika sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Originating from the rich culinary traditions of Hungary, Chicken Paprika has long been praised for its bold, robust flavors and its ability to transport you to the heart of Eastern Europe with every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is an absolute must-try, delivering restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own home.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What makes Chicken Paprika so special? For starters, the combination of succulent chicken, fragrant paprika, and a velvety sour cream-based sauce creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and utterly addictive. The textures also shine, with the tender chicken contrasting beautifully with the creamy sauce and the occasional burst of crunch from the sautéed onions.
But the real beauty of this recipe lies in its accessibility and versatility. Chicken Paprika is a one-pot wonder, making it a breeze to prepare, and the ingredients are largely pantry or freezer staples, ensuring that you can whip up this dish at a moment’s notice. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs, from gluten-free to low-carb, without sacrificing the signature flavors.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Chicken Paprika ❓
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
The beauty of this Chicken Paprika is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of sweet and smoked paprika creates the Hungarian-inspired flavor profile that has made this dish a perennially popular classic.
📝 How to Make Chicken Paprika Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
• Step 3: Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
• Step 4: Sprinkle the sweet and smoked paprika over the chicken and onion mixture, and stir to coat evenly.
• Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Step 6: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Step 7: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Step 8: Serve the Chicken Paprika warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
Compared to traditional Hungarian goulash, which can take up to 2 hours to prepare, this Chicken Paprika saves you over 50% of your cooking time while delivering similar rich, comforting flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 29g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 447mg
These Chicken Paprika provide approximately 65% of your daily protein requirements and 25% of your daily vitamin A needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Serve the Chicken Paprika over riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta or rice.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew cream or coconut yogurt.
• Added protein: Serve the Chicken Paprika over a bed of quinoa or add extra chicken to the dish for an even more protein-packed meal.
• Boost vegetables: Sauté additional vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, along with the onions for extra nutrient-density.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Chicken Paprika.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh green salad or a simple steamed vegetable medley for a well-balanced meal.
• Complement the Chicken Paprika with a creamy mushroom soup or a tangy cucumber salad for a complete Hungarian-inspired feast.
• For a weeknight dinner, serve the Chicken Paprika alongside crusty bread or a side of roasted Brussels sprouts.
• Create an elegant appetizer platter by serving the Chicken Paprika in small portions, garnished with chopped parsley and served with crackers or sliced baguette.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Using the wrong type of paprika: For the best flavor, be sure to use both sweet and smoked paprika. The combination of the two provides the authentic Hungarian taste.
• Not tempering the sour cream: Adding the sour cream directly to the hot sauce can cause it to curdle. Instead, temper the sour cream by whisking in a few tablespoons of the hot sauce before incorporating it into the dish.
• Letting the sauce boil: Once the sour cream is added, be sure to keep the heat low and avoid letting the sauce come to a boil, as this can cause the sour cream to separate.
• Skipping the browning step: Taking the time to brown the chicken and onions before simmering adds a depth of flavor that shouldn’t be overlooked.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Chicken Paprika retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the recipe up to the point of adding the sour cream, then let it cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and adding the sour cream.
• Freezing baked: Allow the Chicken Paprika to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven until warmed through.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the Chicken Paprika gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until piping hot.
❓ FAQs
Can I make Chicken Paprika ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chicken Paprika is an excellent make-ahead dish. You can prepare the recipe up to the point of adding the sour cream, then let it cool completely. Transfer the dish to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, reheat the Chicken Paprika gently on the stovetop, then stir in the sour cream and serve.
Can I substitute the chicken?
While the traditional Chicken Paprika recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you can easily substitute chicken breasts if that’s your preference. Keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to be leaner, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to prevent the meat from drying out. You can also use a combination of chicken thighs and breasts for a mix of textures.
Is there a dairy-free version of Chicken Paprika?
Yes, you can easily make a dairy-free version of Chicken Paprika. Instead of using regular sour cream, substitute a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew cream or coconut yogurt. These ingredients will provide a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor to the dish without the dairy.
Why is my Chicken Paprika sauce curdling?
If your Chicken Paprika sauce is curdling, it’s likely due to adding the sour cream directly to the hot sauce. To prevent this, be sure to temper the sour cream by whisking in a few tablespoons of the hot sauce before incorporating it into the dish. This gradual introduction of the sour cream helps prevent it from separating or curdling.
Can I add any extra ingredients to Chicken Paprika?
Absolutely! Chicken Paprika is a versatile dish that lends itself well to additions and variations. You can try adding sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even some cooked bacon for extra flavor and texture. Just be mindful of the overall cooking time and adjust as needed to ensure the chicken remains tender and the sauce maintains its creamy consistency.
Conclusion
These Chicken Paprika represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or as the centerpiece of a special occasion, they’re sure to impress with their rich, comforting flavors and stunning appearance. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Chicken Paprika demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the kitchen.
So why not give this Hungarian classic a try and experience the joy of a meal that’s both delicious and deeply satisfying?
Print
Chicken Paprika Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
• Step 1: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and lightly browned.
• Step 2: Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
• Step 3: Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
• Step 4: Sprinkle the sweet and smoked paprika over the chicken and onion mixture, and stir to coat evenly.
• Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Step 6: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Step 7: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Step 8: Serve the Chicken Paprika warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 449
- Sodium: 447mg
- Fat: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
Keywords: Chicken Paprika Recipe
