Creamy Chicken Paprikash
Creamy Chicken Paprikash is a flavorful, comfort-food dish featuring tender chicken in a rich, paprika-infused sauce. Combined with vibrant vegetables and a creamy yogurt finish, it offers a balanced taste that suits those seeking hearty yet light meals, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 whole boneless skinless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 large yellow onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Hungarian paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chicken stock ⓘ
- 1 cup low-fat yogurt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour ⓘ
- chopped parsley ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and cook until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and chopped green pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Add Hungarian paprika and cayenne pepper, stirring well.
- Place chicken breasts in the skillet and brown on both sides, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in chicken stock, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix low-fat yogurt with all-purpose flour.
- Stir the yogurt mixture into the skillet, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return chicken to the skillet, heat through, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve hot over cooked noodles, garnished with chopped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked paprika instead of regular Hungarian paprika. If you prefer a spicier kick, adjust the cayenne pepper to taste. You can substitute the low-fat yogurt with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamier texture. To lighten the dish, use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for added moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy chicken paprikash over the cooked noodles as suggested, or try it over rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. Pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced plate. This dish also pairs beautifully with French Peas for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Chicken Paprikash contains roughly 543 calories, with 40g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (219% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (125% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (122% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2124mg per serving (92% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. If you're short on time, you can cook the chicken directly from frozen, but increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes.
What can I substitute for chicken stock?
You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor, or use water with a bouillon cube if you're in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor may be less rich than using homemade or store-bought chicken stock.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini or use chickpeas for protein. Replace the chicken stock with vegetable broth and follow the same cooking instructions to create a delicious vegetarian version of this creamy dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).