Description
Creamy Paprika Chicken with Rice is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts cooked in a luscious smoky paprika-infused cream sauce, served over fluffy rice. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it combines rich, creamy textures with warm, smoky spices for a simple yet spectacular meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts, skinless and boneless
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons paprika (smoked or sweet)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Dairy & Sauces
- 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 1 cup chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
Starch
- 1 ½ cups uncooked rice
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. This step locks in moisture and builds flavor.
- Sauté aromatics: Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant to create a flavorful base for your sauce.
- Create the creamy paprika sauce: Sprinkle in additional paprika and stir briefly to toast the spice. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to add richness. Then, stir in the cream or sour cream and bring it to a gentle simmer until it thickens slightly.
- Combine and cook through: Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the creamy sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat until the chicken is completely cooked and tender. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prepare the rice: While the chicken finishes cooking, prepare your rice separately following package instructions until fluffy and tender. The rice will closely absorb the sauce when served together.
- Serve and enjoy: Plate the rice first, then spoon the rich creamy paprika chicken over the top. Garnish as desired and dive into a comforting meal that feels like a celebration of home cooking.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juiciness as they stay tender and flavorful compared to breasts.
- Don’t skip toasting the paprika briefly to intensify its smoky flavor.
- Control sauce thickness by simmering gently and adjusting with broth or cream.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy before serving.
- Add fresh parsley or thyme right before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Seared and Simmered
- Cuisine: Comfort Food, European-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Creamy Paprika Chicken, Paprika Chicken with Rice, One-Pan Chicken Recipe, Comfort Food, Weeknight Dinner, Gluten-Free Chicken
