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Creamy Paprika Chicken with Rice

Creamy Paprika Chicken with Rice
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Creamy Paprika Chicken with Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a smoky paprika-infused cream sauce, served atop fluffy white rice. This easy, one-pan recipe combines simple ingredients to create a rich, satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you crave cozy homemade food.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless

Spices and Aromatics

  • 2 teaspoons paprika powder (smoked or sweet)
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream

Liquids

  • 1 cup chicken broth

Carbohydrates

  • 1 cup white rice (long-grain or basmati)

Fats

  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil

Optional Garnishes & Add-ins

  • Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
  • Chili flakes or cayenne pepper for spice (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan or feta cheese (optional)
  • Rosemary or smoked paprika for added flavor (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep and Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and paprika powder to form a flavorful dry rub that seals in juices and adds a smoky crust.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.
  3. Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the finely chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Sprinkle additional paprika over the aromatics, stirring well to toast the spices. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits for added flavor.
  4. Create the Creamy Base: Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream or sour cream, mixing constantly until the sauce is smooth. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors concentrate.
  5. Combine Chicken and Simmer: Return the browned chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Cover the pan and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through completely and soak up the creamy paprika sauce.
  6. Cook the Rice: While the chicken simmers, prepare the white rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork as a perfect base for the chicken and sauce.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the fluffy rice and spoon the creamy paprika chicken on top. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and warmth.

Notes

  • Choose smoked paprika for deeper flavor or sweet paprika for a milder taste.
  • Sear chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure a golden crust.
  • Add cream gradually to the sauce to prevent curdling and control thickness.
  • Use good quality chicken broth to enhance the savoriness of the dish.
  • Letting cooked chicken rest before serving keeps it juicy and tender.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy paprika chicken, chicken with rice, one-pan chicken, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner, creamy chicken recipe, paprika chicken

Find it online: https://withnora.com/creamy-paprika-chicken-with-rice/