Creamy Paprika Chicken (Rich & Flavorful Chicken Recipe)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Paprika Chicken is a rich, comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a smooth, flavorful paprika-infused cream sauce. The paprika adds a smoky, slightly sweet depth to the sauce, balancing perfectly with the creamy texture. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or even impressing guests at a dinner party.

The sauce is simple to make yet incredibly satisfying. It coats the chicken beautifully, creating a dish that feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen. You can serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of veggies for a complete meal. The recipe is adaptable, and you can easily adjust the level of spice or make it your own by adding other herbs and seasonings.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect for this dish, as they cook quickly and stay juicy when paired with the creamy sauce.

Paprika is the star spice, bringing both color and flavor. Sweet paprika is common, but smoked paprika adds a wonderful depth and subtle smokiness.

Heavy cream forms the base of the sauce, providing richness and creating the perfect creamy consistency.

Butter adds richness and helps to sauté the chicken and aromatics to build flavor.

Garlic provides aromatic depth that complements the paprika.

Onions bring a touch of sweetness and savory undertones.

Chicken broth helps to deglaze the pan, lifting any flavorful bits left behind from cooking the chicken.

Salt and black pepper enhance the flavors, making the paprika stand out.

Chopped fresh parsley adds freshness and a pop of color to finish the dish.

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken
   Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce
   In the same skillet, add more butter if needed, and sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in a little more paprika (and smoked paprika if you prefer), then pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the broth simmer for a couple of minutes.
3. Add the Cream
   Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let the sauce simmer gently, thickening for about 3-4 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Finish the Dish
   Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for a few more minutes, until the chicken is coated in the creamy sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Equipment needed:

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 15-20 minutes. Total time from start to finish is roughly 30 minutes.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is very flexible. You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result, or even try it with bone-in chicken for added flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat option like coconut cream (which also adds a unique flavor).

For extra flavor, you can stir in some Dijon mustard or white wine into the sauce, giving it a tangy kick. You could also add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the sauce for added texture and flavor. Serve the dish with your favorite sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or even cauliflower mash to keep it low-carb.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	35 g
Carbohydrates	6 g
Fat	34 g
Saturated Fat	16 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	600 mg

Expert Tips & Customizations

Season the Chicken Well
Don’t skip the seasoning on the chicken before cooking—paprika and salt bring out the flavors beautifully.

Adjust the Cream
For a richer sauce, use more cream, or for a lighter version, use half-and-half.

Add a Smokier Flavor
Smoked paprika adds depth, but regular paprika works great too. Consider adjusting the paprika level based on your taste preference.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. Make sure to monitor the cooking time, and remove the chicken from the pan as soon as it’s cooked through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great substitute and will keep the dish extra juicy.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative.

What can I serve with this dish?

Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers work beautifully in this dish.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not overly spicy, but the paprika adds a mild warmth. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

Conclusion

Creamy Paprika Chicken is an easy yet elegant dish, perfect for any night of the week. The rich, creamy sauce with the smoky paprika elevates this simple chicken recipe into something special. It’s a delicious, comforting meal that comes together quickly—making it perfect for busy evenings when you crave something satisfying yet easy to prepare.

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