Creamy Paprika Chicken is a quick, flavorful 20-minute recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs are seasoned with paprika, oregano, thyme, and chili flakes, then seared until golden. The dish is finished in a silky sauce made with onion, garlic, white wine, chicken stock, and sour cream, creating a rich yet tangy flavor. Serve it with crusty bread, rice, or pasta to soak up every drop.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• Chicken:

  • 500 g (1 lb) chicken thighs, cubed

  • 1 tsp olive oil

  • 2 tsp red wine vinegar

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp oregano

  • ½ tsp dried thyme

  • Pinch of chili flakes

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp pepper

• Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed

  • 1 tbsp paprika

  • ½ tsp oregano

  • ½ tsp thyme

  • ½ tsp chili flakes

  • ½ cup white wine

  • 1 cup chicken stock

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Pinch of sugar

Directions

1. Season Chicken

   • Toss chicken cubes with olive oil, red wine vinegar, paprika, half the oregano, thyme, and chili flakes.

2. Cook Chicken

   • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in batches until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.

3. Make Sauce

   • In the same pan, heat olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic 2–3 minutes. Add remaining paprika, oregano, thyme, and chili flakes.

   • Deglaze with white wine, then add chicken stock. Simmer to reduce slightly.

   • Stir in sour cream, salt, pepper, and sugar.

4. Combine & Serve

   • Return chicken and juices to pan. Simmer 5–7 minutes until cooked through and sauce thickens.

   • Garnish with parsley and serve with bread, rice, or pasta.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 325 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 9 g

• Protein: 30 g

• Fat: 16 g

• Saturated Fat: 4 g

• Cholesterol: 99 mg

• Sodium: 792 mg

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 3 g

Why Paprika Is the Star of the Show

Paprika brings more to this recipe than just a pop of color—it’s the foundation of the flavor profile. Sweet and smoky paprika provides depth, while the gentle warmth pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. When used in both the chicken seasoning and the sauce, paprika infuses every bite with a rich, earthy aroma. Combined with oregano, thyme, and a pinch of chili flakes, it creates a spice blend that’s warming but not overpowering, making it appealing to a wide range of palates.

The Choice of Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are the perfect protein for this dish. They’re naturally juicy, have a richer flavor than chicken breast, and remain tender even when cooked quickly. Cubing them before cooking ensures they cook evenly and absorb more of the seasoning. The result is bite-sized pieces that are flavorful on the outside and succulent on the inside, blending seamlessly into the creamy sauce.

A Sauce That Balances Richness and Tang

The sauce in this dish is a luxurious combination of savory aromatics, spices, and tangy sour cream. Onion and garlic form the aromatic base, creating depth and sweetness once softened in olive oil. The white wine adds acidity and complexity, lifting the sauce so it doesn’t feel heavy. Chicken stock deepens the savory notes, and the sour cream ties everything together with a creamy tang that keeps each bite fresh rather than cloying. A pinch of sugar subtly balances the acidity, creating a harmonious flavor.

Layering Flavor from the Pan Up

One of the reasons this dish tastes so rich in just 20 minutes is because of the way the flavors are layered. Browning the chicken first leaves behind flavorful bits in the pan, which are then lifted and incorporated into the sauce when you deglaze with wine. Cooking the aromatics in the same skillet ensures that none of those savory, caramelized flavors are lost. The result is a sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering for much longer than it actually has.

Why It Works for Busy Weeknights

Fast, flexible, and satisfying—Creamy Paprika Chicken ticks all the boxes for a weeknight dinner. It requires minimal chopping, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and comes together in a single skillet. The short cooking time doesn’t compromise on flavor, making it ideal for nights when you want a homemade meal without the hassle. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, leaving you more time to relax after dinner.

Versatile Pairing Options

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it pairs with a variety of sides. The creamy, paprika-rich sauce begs to be soaked up, making crusty bread an excellent choice. For something heartier, serve it over buttered pasta, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes. If you’re looking for a lighter option, a simple green salad or roasted vegetables balances the richness beautifully. It’s a recipe that adapts to whatever you have on hand.

Tips for Getting the Perfect Texture

To ensure the chicken stays juicy, avoid overcrowding the skillet when searing. Cooking in batches allows the pieces to brown properly rather than steam. When making the sauce, keep the heat moderate after adding the sour cream—high heat can cause it to split. If you want a slightly thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes at the end. For an even silkier texture, whisk the sour cream with a bit of the hot stock before adding it to the pan.

Customizing the Spice Level

The beauty of paprika is its versatility—it can be sweet, smoky, or hot, depending on what you use. This recipe leans toward a mild warmth, but you can easily increase the chili flakes for more heat or use hot paprika for a bolder kick. Smoked paprika adds a deeper, woodsy flavor, while sweet paprika keeps things mellow and crowd-friendly. Adjusting the spice blend allows you to tailor the dish to your preferences without losing its signature creamy texture.

Why Sour Cream Works So Well

Sour cream is the secret ingredient that makes this sauce stand out. Unlike heavy cream, which adds richness but little tang, sour cream brightens the dish while still delivering a velvety texture. Its slight acidity complements the paprika and herbs, balancing the flavors so the sauce stays lively rather than overly rich. It’s also less likely to feel heavy, making the dish satisfying without being overly indulgent.

A Dish That Feels Both Casual and Special

While Creamy Paprika Chicken is easy enough for a weeknight, it’s also elegant enough to serve to guests. Its warm color, fragrant aroma, and rich sauce give it a bistro-style quality, especially when plated with fresh herbs and a side of artisan bread or buttered noodles. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, it’s the kind of meal that earns compliments without requiring hours of effort.

Meal Prep and Leftover Potential

This dish reheats beautifully, making it a great choice for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of stock to loosen the sauce. Leftovers can be transformed into a pasta dish or spooned over baked potatoes for a quick lunch or dinner.

Nutritional Highlights

With around 30 grams of protein per serving and a moderate calorie count, this recipe offers a satisfying balance of macronutrients. The use of chicken thighs provides healthy fats and a more robust flavor, while the paprika and herbs contribute antioxidants and subtle anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s a meal that delivers comfort without straying into overly heavy territory.

Why It’s a Keeper

Creamy Paprika Chicken hits that sweet spot of being simple, flavorful, and versatile. It’s a dish that can be made with pantry staples yet tastes like something from a cozy neighborhood restaurant. The combination of juicy chicken, fragrant spices, and a tangy, creamy sauce makes it an instant favorite for anyone who tries it. Once you make it, you’ll see how effortlessly it earns its spot in your regular dinner rotation.

Conclusion

In just 20 minutes, Creamy Paprika Chicken delivers a warm, satisfying meal that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare. The paprika-infused chicken, silky sour cream sauce, and aromatic herbs come together in a dish that’s comforting yet fresh. Whether you serve it with bread to mop up the sauce, over pasta for a heartier dinner, or alongside a crisp salad for balance, it’s a recipe that proves weeknight cooking doesn’t have to be boring. With its short ingredient list, quick prep, and crowd-pleasing taste, it’s bound to become one of your go-to favorites.