This Creamy Paprika Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines juicy chicken thighs with a creamy, spicy paprika sauce. The rich sauce is made with garlic, white wine, and sour cream, making it perfect for serving over rice, crusty bread, or mashed potatoes. It’s quick, easy, and bound to become a family favorite!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:

  • 500g (1lb) chicken thighs, cubed

  • 1 tsp olive oil

  • 2 tsp red wine vinegar

  • 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)

  • ½ tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp dried thyme

  • Pinch of chili flakes

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

• For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed

  • 1 tbsp paprika (smoked or sweet)

  • ½ tsp oregano

  • ½ tsp thyme

  • ½ tsp chili flakes

  • ½ cup white wine

  • 1 cup chicken stock

  • ½ cup sour cream (or heavy cream)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Pinch of sugar (optional)

  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and place in a medium bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, red wine vinegar, paprika, oregano, thyme, and chili flakes. Mix well to coat the chicken. Marinate for a few minutes or overnight in the fridge.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken in batches until browned on both sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.

   • Add the paprika, oregano, thyme, and chili flakes. Stir to combine, then pour in the white wine and chicken stock. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce the sauce.

   • Stir in the sour cream, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar (if desired).

4. Combine and Serve:

   • Return the chicken to the pan, along with any resting juices. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce and cook for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.

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

Nutrients (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 325

• Carbohydrates: 9g

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 16g

  • Saturated Fat: 4g

• Cholesterol: 99mg

• Sodium: 792mg

• Potassium: 508mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 3g

• Vitamin A: 374 IU

• Vitamin C: 11mg

• Calcium: 86mg

• Iron: 2mg

The Richness of Paprika

Paprika is the star of this dish, bringing both depth and warmth to the sauce. The choice of paprika—whether smoked or sweet—adds a distinct flavor that elevates the overall taste of the chicken. Smoked paprika imparts a subtle smokiness to the sauce, while sweet paprika contributes a mild sweetness. The combination of both adds layers of flavor that perfectly complement the creaminess of the sauce. Paprika is also packed with antioxidants, including Vitamin A, which contributes to skin health and supports the immune system.

Chicken Thighs: Tender and Flavorful

Chicken thighs are the perfect cut for this dish, offering more flavor and juiciness compared to chicken breasts. The higher fat content of the thighs allows them to stay tender and juicy throughout the cooking process. The marination step, with ingredients like olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a variety of spices, helps infuse the chicken with bold flavors before it even hits the skillet. Searing the chicken in batches ensures that each piece gets a nice golden-brown crust, which adds both texture and flavor to the dish. The chicken is then combined with the rich, creamy paprika sauce, making it irresistible.

The Creamy Sauce: Rich and Savory

The sauce for this dish is rich and creamy, made with a base of sour cream (or heavy cream for an extra indulgent option), garlic, onions, white wine, and chicken stock. The addition of paprika, thyme, oregano, and chili flakes creates a complex sauce with a slight tang, herby freshness, and just the right amount of heat. White wine adds a subtle acidity, which helps balance out the richness of the sour cream. The chicken stock brings the sauce together with its savory depth, and a pinch of sugar can be added to round out the flavors, depending on your preference. This velvety sauce coats the chicken beautifully, making it a perfect accompaniment to rice, potatoes, or bread.

How to Make Creamy Paprika Chicken

This dish comes together quickly, making it an ideal weeknight meal. Here’s how to make it:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and marinate it in olive oil, red wine vinegar, paprika, oregano, thyme, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. You can marinate the chicken for a few minutes or leave it in the fridge overnight for even more flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken in batches, ensuring each piece gets golden and crispy on all sides. Once browned and cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside.

3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, cook the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened. Stir in the paprika, oregano, thyme, and chili flakes, and let them cook for a minute or so. Then, add the white wine and chicken stock, allowing the sauce to simmer and reduce for a few minutes.

4. Add the Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar (if desired). Let the sauce come together, creating a rich and creamy texture.

5. Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet, along with any resting juices. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully coated.

6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with rice, crusty bread, or mashed potatoes.

Nutritional Benefits of Creamy Paprika Chicken

Each serving of Creamy Paprika Chicken contains approximately 325 calories, making it a moderate yet satisfying meal. The dish is packed with 30 grams of protein, helping to build and repair muscles. The 16 grams of fat come from the olive oil, chicken thighs, and sour cream, providing essential fatty acids, including unsaturated fats that support heart health. With only 9 grams of carbohydrates, this dish is lower in carbs, making it suitable for those following a low-carb or keto diet. It also provides 1 gram of fiber and 3 grams of sugar, contributing to a balanced meal. The dish offers key vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, and iron, helping to support immune function, bone health, and overall well-being.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Paprika Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that help balance the richness of the sauce. Consider serving it over steamed rice, which will soak up the flavorful sauce. For a heartier option, mashed potatoes make the perfect base, providing a creamy foundation that complements the dish’s savory flavors. Crusty bread or warm baguette slices are also excellent choices, perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce. For added freshness, serve the dish with a light salad, such as mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette, to contrast the richness of the chicken and sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Paprika Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a rich, creamy paprika sauce. The combination of garlic, white wine, sour cream, and a touch of spice creates a luxurious sauce that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken. Whether served over rice, potatoes, or crusty bread, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. It’s quick, easy to prepare, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and savory spices, this dish is a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.