Creamy Chicken Paprikash – Ultimate Comfort Food

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy chicken paprikash is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings bold flavors in a rich sauce. The combination of smoked paprika and sour cream creates a creamy, velvety sauce that perfectly complements the juicy, tender chicken. It’s a one-pot wonder, easy to make, and full of flavor. Whether served with rice, egg noodles, or bread, it’s a meal everyone will enjoy!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons paprika (preferably Hungarian)

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

3. Stir in the paprika (both regular and smoked) and cook for 1 minute to release the spices’ aroma.

4. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken to the pan, skin-side up, and reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

5. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set aside again. Stir the sour cream into the sauce, and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to thicken slightly.

6. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon some of the creamy sauce over the top, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to reheat the chicken.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Total time to prepare is around 45 minutes, including cooking time.

Variations

• Chicken Breast: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner version.

• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with mushrooms or a mix of hearty vegetables like potatoes and carrots for a vegetarian-friendly take.

• Spicy Paprikash: If you love heat, add a chopped chili pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free sour cream alternative to make the dish suitable for dairy-free diets.

• Different Protein: This dish also works great with pork or even beef as a substitute for chicken.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be sure to adjust the cooking time since they cook faster than thighs.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

3. What should I serve with chicken paprikash?

This dish is traditionally served with egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, but it also pairs well with crusty bread.

4. Can I freeze chicken paprikash?

Yes, you can freeze the dish. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.

5. What is the difference between regular paprika and smoked paprika?

Regular paprika adds a sweet, mild flavor, while smoked paprika has a smoky, deeper flavor that enhances the richness of the sauce.

6. Can I use low-fat sour cream?

Yes, you can use low-fat sour cream, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.

7. Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! You can add chili peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some extra heat.

8. How can I thicken the sauce if it's too thin?

If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for longer to reduce it or stir in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.

9. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can transfer the seared chicken and sauce ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender.

10. Can I substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth?

Yes, vegetable broth works as a great substitute if you prefer a vegetarian version of the dish.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Paprikash is a timeless comfort food that combines simple ingredients with bold flavors. The creamy, paprika-infused sauce complements the tender chicken beautifully, making it a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy every time. Enjoy!

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