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
Scale
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.
