Description
Creamy Paprika Chicken with Tender Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken pieces simmered in a velvety sauce rich with smoked and sweet paprika. Served over fluffy white rice and garnished with fresh parsley, it offers a perfect balance of creamy texture, mild spice, and homey warmth in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for approximately 3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Paprika Spices: Stir in smoked paprika and sweet paprika, allowing the spices to toast in the pan for about 30 seconds to release their full flavor.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly for 2 to 3 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Combine Chicken and Cream: Reduce the heat to low, return the browned chicken to the skillet, and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine and let everything simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Season: Taste and season the dish with salt and black pepper to your preference.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy paprika chicken over a bed of cooked white rice and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat; breasts work well for a leaner dish.
- Adjust paprika quantities to suit your preferred spice level.
- Leftover sauce works well as a creamy base for pasta.
- Ensure rice is fully cooked and fluffy before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a suitable non-dairy alternative.
