Description
This Creamy Paprika Chicken with Tender Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring succulent chicken pieces cooked in a rich, velvety paprika-infused cream sauce. Served over fluffy white rice and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Serving
- 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add paprika: Stir in smoked paprika and sweet paprika to the skillet, allowing the spices to toast for about 30 seconds to release their flavors.
- Add chicken broth: Pour in chicken broth, bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it reduce slightly for 2–3 minutes to concentrate the flavor.
- Combine chicken and cream: Lower the heat, return the cooked chicken to the pan, and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine all ingredients and let simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce thickens to a velvety consistency.
- Season: Taste the sauce and season with salt and black pepper according to your preference.
- Serve: Serve the creamy paprika chicken hot over a bed of fluffy cooked white rice and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat, or breasts if you prefer leaner chicken.
- If you want a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the paprika.
- To make the sauce thicker, simmer a little longer or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Pair with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
