Creamy Paprika Chicken: A Bold and Comforting One-Pan Dinner

When you’re craving a cozy, flavorful meal that’s equal parts hearty and elegant, look no further than Creamy Paprika Chicken. This dish is a perfect marriage of seared, tender chicken smothered in a smoky, paprika-infused cream sauce. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet special enough to serve for guests or a quiet evening in with a glass of wine.

Rooted in Central and Eastern European cooking traditions—where paprika reigns as a pantry staple—this recipe is inspired by Hungarian-style comfort food, elevated with a creamy, modern twist. The result is a satisfying one-pan meal that feels both rustic and luxurious, with layers of flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Paprika Chicken Recipe

• Smoky and Savory: Paprika brings a warm depth to the dish, balanced by a velvety cream sauce.

• One-Pan Wonder: Easy to make, easy to clean up.

• Rich, Yet Balanced: Cream and spices make a comforting combo without overwhelming.

• Customizable: Works with chicken breasts or thighs, and pairs with many side dishes.

• Ready in 40 Minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

This is the kind of dish that turns simple ingredients into something magical.

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Ingredients for Creamy Paprika Chicken

This recipe serves 4. It can easily be doubled if you’re cooking for a crowd or want leftovers.

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1½ teaspoons smoked or sweet paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ teaspoon paprika (additional)

• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)

• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy note)

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to brighten the sauce)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish

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How to Make Creamy Paprika Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and mostly cooked through (internal temp around 160°F). Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

1. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.

2. Add the extra ½ teaspoon paprika and stir briefly to toast it.

3. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

4. Stir in cream, Dijon mustard (if using), thyme, Parmesan, and lemon juice.

5. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 3: Finish the Dish

1. Return the chicken to the pan and nestle it into the sauce.

2. Cover and simmer on low heat for another 5–10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F) and tender.

3. Spoon sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.

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Tips for the Best Creamy Paprika Chicken

• Use smoked paprika for deep, smoky flavor. Sweet paprika works too for a milder version.

• Don’t skip the sear: Browning the chicken builds flavor for the sauce.

• Control the creaminess: Use heavy cream for a richer sauce, or half-and-half for a lighter version.

• Deglaze with broth: This step lifts all the flavor from the pan and builds a better sauce base.

• Add lemon juice last: A little acidity at the end brightens the cream and balances richness.

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What to Serve with Creamy Paprika Chicken

This dish shines with a variety of sides that soak up the delicious sauce:

• Buttered noodles or fettuccine: A classic pairing that never fails.

• Mashed potatoes: Perfect for spooning up extra sauce.

• Steamed rice or wild rice: Light and fluffy to balance the richness.

• Roasted vegetables: Try carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts.

• Crusty bread or garlic toast: For the ultimate sauce-scooping tool.

If you want to keep it light, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works beautifully to contrast the creamy sauce.

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Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips

Make-Ahead: You can sear the chicken and prepare the sauce a day in advance. Reheat everything together just before serving.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

Freezing: This dish freezes well. Let cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

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Recipe Variations

Feel like mixing it up? Try these tasty twists:

• Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for added depth.

• Toss in spinach: Stir in baby spinach at the end until wilted.

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for heat.

• Try chicken thighs: They’re extra juicy and perfect for simmered dishes.

• Add white wine: Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup dry white wine before adding broth for a gourmet twist.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and possibly finish it in the oven to ensure it’s fully cooked through.

Can I use sour cream instead of heavy cream?

Sour cream can work, but add it off heat to prevent curdling. It also gives the sauce a tangier flavor.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as written. Just make sure your broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of dairy cream and cheese, but the flavor will differ.

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A Comfort Dish with European Flair

Creamy Paprika Chicken is one of those rare meals that feels both indulgent and familiar. The smoky, spiced flavor of paprika infused into a velvety cream sauce is pure comfort food magic. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell amazing and gets everyone excited to sit down at the table.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or an impressive but easy dish for company, this recipe has you covered.

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