Description
Creamy Paprika Chicken with Tender Rice is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish featuring bite-sized chicken pieces cooked to golden perfection and simmered in a rich, velvety sauce made from smoked and sweet paprika, garlic, and heavy cream. Served over fluffy white rice and garnished with fresh parsley, this meal offers a delicious balance of smoky, creamy, and savory flavors perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the 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)
For Serving
- 2 cups cooked white rice
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown on all sides, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for approximately 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing their aromas.
- Add Paprika Spices: Stir in the smoked paprika and sweet paprika, allowing the spices to toast gently in the skillet for about 30 seconds to develop their flavor.
- Deglaze and Reduce: Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and let it reduce slightly for 2 to 3 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Simmer Chicken in Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat, return the browned chicken to the skillet, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine thoroughly and let the mixture simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened to a velvety consistency.
- Season and Garnish: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve the creamy paprika chicken over a bed of fluffy cooked white rice and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the paprika.
- Use low-fat cream or milk for a lighter version, keeping in mind the sauce consistency may vary.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.