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Creamy, smoky and perfectly flavored, this Chicken with Creamy Paprika Sauce is wonderful served over pasta or rice and be sure to pour plenty of the delicious sauce over the top.
Why This Recipe Works
I first encountered Smoked Paprika a few years ago, when I hastily grabbed a bottle of what I thought was plain paprika off the shelf at our local store. The recipe I was working on needed paprika and it wasn’t a spice I had in my pantry at the time. I returned home from my quick trip to the store only to discover that I had purchased the “wrong” type of paprika. Since my recipe was waiting to be made and I didn’t have any additional time to spare, I used the smoked paprika in place of the “regular” kind. And what a pleasant surprise it was. Smoked paprika has quickly become one of my favorite spices and I love using it in all kinds of recipes.
Paprika is one of those spices that I never really thought much of. I’ve come to learn that paprika by itself, sprinkled raw on a food has in fact, no flavor. The flavor comes out when the paprika is heated in a moist environment, like in oil. That’s why I love using paprika, or more specifically, smoked paprika in chicken dishes such as this sweet Chicken with Creamy Paprika Sauce. I find when I use this delightful spice, it gives the dishes a lovely sweet, woodsy flavor.
Ingredient Notes
See recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Chicken: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
- Seasonings: Smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Butter: I use salted butter in this recipe.
- Onion and garlic: For fabulous flavor!
- Diced tomatoes: Use one 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes along with the juices from the can.
- Chicken broth: I like to use low sodium chicken broth because it helps me to control the amount of sodium in the dish. You can always add a pinch more salt if necessary.
- Heavy cream: Cream is a key ingredient found in the sauce. It is an excellent thickener that makes the sauce extra rich and creamy. You may use heavy whipping cream instead. I do not recommend using milk or half and half because the sauce will not thicken as well or be as rich.
How To Make This Recipe
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Cut the chicken into 1-inch strips. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, salt and pepper and set aside.
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Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Sauté the chicken for 4 minutes or until cooked through. Remove to a plate with a slotted spoon. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Add the onion and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for a minute longer.
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Add 2 tablespoons of the smoked paprika and stir for 10 seconds.
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Add the can of diced tomatoes and sauté for 1 minute.
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Add the broth and increase the heat to medium-high. Boil for 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens enough to lightly coat a spoon.
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Add the chicken and any collected juices. Reduce the heat to low and add the cream. Stir until heated through but do not boil.
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Serve over pasta.
Expert Tips
- Read through the entire recipe before starting.
- I buy the big bags of frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts from my grocery store and take out the amount I need when I’m ready to make a chicken dinner. It saves me from running to the store often and the chicken is always there when I need it. Just remember to defrost the chicken before you make this recipe – you can do this by taking out a piece of chicken and thawing it overnight in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Serve With Chicken With Creamy Paprika Sauce?
You might like to enjoy any one of these side dish recipes with your chicken dinner:
How Do I Store Chicken With Creamy Paprika Sauce?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days.
Best Chicken Recipes
This Chicken with Creamy Paprika Sauce is one of my favorite ways to eat chicken. Here are a few of our other favorite single serving chicken recipes:
- Chicken Spaghetti
- Chicken Fajitas
- Butter Chicken
- Chicken Margherita
- Cashew Chicken
- Chicken Fricassee
Enjoy!
Chicken with Creamy Paprika Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts , boneless and skinless
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick)
- 1 cup onion , chopped (about 1 medium)
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 28- ounce can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch strips. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, salt and pepper and set aside.
- Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Saute' the chicken for 4 minutes or until cooked through. Remove to a plate with a slotted spoon. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Add the onion and saute' for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for a minute longer.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the smoked paprika and stir for 10 seconds.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes and saute' for 1 minute.
- Add the broth and increase the heat to medium-high. Boil for 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens enough to lightly coat a spoon.
- Add the chicken and any collected juices. Reduce the heat to low and add the cream. Stir until heated through but do not boil.
- Serve over pasta.