Craving a flavorful and satisfying dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This easy chicken paprika recipe is a fantastic choice for busy weeknights. It's a simple, healthy meal bursting with rich, smoky paprika flavors that the whole family will adore. Forget complicated recipes and takeout menus – this homemade dish is quick, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Season and Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season generously with salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection: Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. This easy chicken paprika is delicious served with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Paprika:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a lot of chicken, cook it in batches to ensure it browns properly. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of browning it.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, omit it altogether.
- Use good quality paprika: The paprika is the star of this dish, so using high-quality paprika will make a big difference in the flavor.
- Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the dish uncovered for the last few minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Use different protein: This recipe can also be made with turkey or pork.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche at the end of cooking for a creamier sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This easy chicken paprika recipe is a fantastic example of how delicious and healthy food recipes can be simple and quick to prepare. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or even a comforting lunch the next day. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying dish!