If you are craving a dish that is bursting with flavor yet wonderfully simple to make, the Paprika Chicken Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. This vibrant, creamy chicken dish brings together smoky and sweet paprika with tender chicken thighs simmered in a luscious sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s an effortlessly elegant skillet meal perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Each bite delivers a delightful balance of spices, creaminess, and a touch of savory depth that will have you coming back for seconds without hesitation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Paprika Chicken Skillet Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list, where every element plays a pivotal role in creating a harmonious blend of taste, texture, and color. These simple pantry staples come together to build layers of flavor and a rich, satisfying sauce.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts): Choose thighs for juicier, more flavorful chicken; breasts work too if you prefer leaner meat.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides the perfect medium for searing chicken and developing golden crusts.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds deep smoky notes that elevate the dish to another level.
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika: Balances the smoke with a mild, sweet pepper flavor and vibrant color.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a subtle garlicky undertone without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savory depth and aroma.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning to bring all flavors together.
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced: Softens and adds natural sweetness as it cooks down.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives an aromatic punch right in the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Provides moisture and a savory base for the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Adds an earthy richness and slight tang that rounds out the sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional): Brightens the presentation and adds a fresh herbal note.
How to Make Paprika Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mix and Season the Chicken
Start by combining smoked paprika, sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This spice blend is the heart of the dish. Rub it evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well-coated to infuse flavor from the very start.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear it for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You want a gorgeous golden-brown crust that locks in juices. The chicken will not be fully cooked yet, but it will finish cooking in the sauce later.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
Remove the chicken temporarily and add sliced onions to the same skillet. Let them soften for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until just fragrant. These aromatics are what give the sauce its deep, rich flavor base.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and stir in the tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly in about 3 to 4 minutes. This luscious sauce will become the comforting coat enveloping the chicken.
Step 5: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling each piece back into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top and let everything simmer together for 5 to 7 minutes. This final cooking step ensures the chicken is juicy and fully cooked, while soaking up all those creamy paprika flavors.
How to Serve Paprika Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten this rich dish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top just before serving. The green flecks add a pop of color and a fresh herbal contrast that complements the smoky depth wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes or fluffy rice are ideal to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce. Crusty bread is another winner, perfect for mopping up that flavorful paprika-infused goodness. For a vegetable side, steamed green beans or a crisp salad add balance and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or buttered noodles instead of the usual starches for a twist. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the skillet during the sauce-making step to elevate it into a one-pan meal with extra veggies and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Paprika Chicken Skillet in an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually meld and deepen as it rests.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Just cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the chicken’s tenderness and sauce creaminess.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating is convenient but can risk drying the chicken out, so keep it short and covered to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well in this Paprika Chicken Skillet Recipe, but be mindful that they cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. Watch the timing closely and consider slightly reducing simmer time.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version, or even Greek yogurt if you prefer tanginess and extra protein. Just add yogurt at the end of cooking over low heat to prevent curdling.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream or a creamy dairy-free alternative in place of heavy cream. The sauce will still be rich and delicious with that lovely paprika flavor.
How spicy is the Paprika Chicken Skillet Recipe?
The recipe offers a mild to medium smoky spice rather than heat. If you’d like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when seasoning the chicken.
Can additional vegetables be added?
Definitely! Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers are great additions. Add them after the onions soften so they cook just right in the sauce along with the chicken.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Paprika Chicken Skillet Recipe because it is a beautiful balance of simplicity and indulgence. The flavors are approachable yet bold enough to make dinner feel special. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this skillet meal brings warmth, comfort, and smiles all around. Give it a go and enjoy every creamy, smoky bite!
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Paprika Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Paprika Chicken Skillet is a flavorful and creamy one-pan dish featuring tender chicken thighs seasoned with smoked and sweet paprika, simmered in a rich sauce made from garlic, onion, chicken broth, heavy cream, and tomato paste. This easy stovetop recipe delivers a comforting Eastern European-inspired main course that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the spice rub: In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly all over the chicken thighs to ensure they are well-coated with flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the sliced yellow onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Create the sauce: Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and tomato paste into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Bring this mixture to a simmer, letting it cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened and blended.
- Finish cooking the chicken: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy sauce over them. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer together for 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the paprika chicken hot, accompanied by your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to enjoy the creamy paprika sauce.
- For a lighter alternative, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- Adding spinach or mushrooms into the sauce can boost the dish with extra vegetables and nutrients.
