Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will love? This Creamy Paprika Chicken is the perfect solution! With its rich, flavorful sauce and tender, juicy chicken, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for a cozy weeknight meal. Whether you’re cooking for two or preparing a hearty family dinner, this skillet chicken recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Paprika Chicken

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
Rich and Creamy Sauce: The perfect blend of paprika, garlic, chicken stock, and heavy cream creates an indulgent yet balanced dish.
One-Pan Meal: Cook everything in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Customizable: Pair with your favorite vegetables, rice, or pasta to make it a complete meal.
Comforting and Satisfying: A perfectly seasoned, tender chicken dish that feels like home-cooked perfection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Creamy Paprika Chicken, you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts (sliced into 3-4 pieces)
1 tablespoon paprika (regular or sweet paprika*)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely sliced
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken stock
⅓ cup flour (regular or spelt flour)
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Pinch salt
Pinch black pepper
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Optional Garnishes & Sides:

Fresh parsley for a bright, fresh contrast
Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for a complete meal
Add steamed or roasted vegetables for a nutritious boost

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts into 3-4 smaller pieces, depending on their size.
Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme for seasoning.
Dredge each piece in flour, coating evenly. You may not use all of the flour, and that’s okay.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly golden and almost cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce

If the skillet seems dry, add a touch more oil.
Reduce heat and sauté the garlic for a couple of minutes, being careful not to burn it.
Pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a light simmer.
Stir well, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan.
Sprinkle in the paprika, ensuring it dissolves into the stock.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to create a smooth and rich sauce.

4. Simmer and Finish the Dish

Return the chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
Let it cook for 4-5 more minutes over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for the Best Creamy Paprika Chicken

1. Use the Right Paprika

Sweet paprika gives a mild, rich flavor, while regular paprika has a bit more spice.
For a smoky twist, use smoked paprika.

2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Slice the chicken into smaller pieces to cook faster and more evenly.
Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to avoid drying out the meat.

3. Make it Extra Creamy

If you love extra creamy sauces, add an additional ¼ cup of heavy cream.
For a slightly tangier taste, stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.

4. Pair it with the Perfect Sides

Mashed potatoes soak up the rich sauce beautifully.
Steamed rice or buttered noodles make an excellent pairing.
Roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or spinach add freshness and balance.

Variations and Substitutions

1. Swap the Protein

Try boneless chicken thighs for an even juicier result.
Substitute with pork chops or even shrimp for a twist.

2. Make it Dairy-Free

Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Swap butter or olive oil for richness.

3. Add More Spice

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Stir in chili flakes for extra heat.

How to Store and Reheat

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken stock or cream.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 665 kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 60g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 215mg
Sodium: 233mg
Vitamin A: 2646 IU
Calcium: 85mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Use Bone-In Chicken?

Yes! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Sauce?

Let the sauce simmer a few extra minutes until it naturally thickens, or add a cornstarch slurry.

3. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dish ahead, refrigerate, and reheat when needed.

🍗 Creamy Paprika Chicken – A 30-Minute Comfort Meal! 🧄

Author: therecipemingle

Print Recipe

Description

If you love rich, creamy sauces and tender, flavorful chicken, this Creamy Paprika Chicken is about to become your new favorite! With just a few simple ingredients, this one-pan meal comes together in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights. The smoky-sweet paprika blends beautifully with the creamy sauce, creating a dish that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to make. Pair it with rice, mashed potatoes, or veggies for a meal the whole family will love! ❤️

Ingredients

✅ 2 chicken breasts, sliced into 3-4 pieces
✅ 1 tbsp paprika (regular or sweet)
✅ 1 tbsp olive oil
✅ 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced
✅ ½ cup heavy cream
✅ ½ cup chicken stock
✅ ⅓ cup flour (regular or spelt)
✅ ½ tsp dried thyme
✅ Pinch of salt & black pepper
✅ Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1️⃣ Slice chicken into smaller pieces and season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2️⃣ Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off the excess.
3️⃣ Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway. Remove and set aside.
4️⃣ If needed, add a little more oil, then sauté garlic for a minute (don’t let it burn!).
5️⃣ Pour in chicken stock, scraping up any bits from the pan.
6️⃣ Stir in paprika, letting it dissolve into the stock.
7️⃣ Add heavy cream, stir well, and return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp).
8️⃣ Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides!

Notes

🔥 Sweet vs. Regular Paprika? Use sweet paprika for a milder, smoky flavor or regular paprika for a slight kick!
🥣 Make it extra creamy by adding a touch of butter at the end.
🌿 Pairing ideas: Serve over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice for a complete meal.
🥩 Want more protein? Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for an even juicier result!

This easy, comforting, and oh-so-creamy dish is a must-try! Who’s adding this to their dinner rotation? 😍👇

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Paprika Chicken is a rich, flavorful, and easy dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its velvety sauce, juicy chicken, and simple preparation, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal in just 30 minutes!

Give this recipe a try and let us know how you like it! 🍽️🔥

Creamy Paprika Chicken: A Rich and Flavorful Comfort Food Dish