Name: Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Hungarian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, chopped into large bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons sweet paprika; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; 1 large onion, diced; 3-4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 3/4 cup chicken broth or stock; 1/2 cup full-fat creamy yogurt or sour cream; Freshly chopped parsley, to garnish (optional)

There's something irresistibly comforting about the rich, smoky flavors and creamy texture in a Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe. Every time I make this dish, the warm aroma of paprika fills the kitchen, instantly inviting everyone to the table before the first bite is even served.

A close-up view of a large white pot filled with rich orange creamy sauce with many golden-brown chicken pieces immersed in the sauce, scattered finely chopped green herbs on top, and a silver spoon resting inside the pot on the right side. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth nearby, showing the thick texture of the sauce and tender chicken pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I got hooked on this Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe because it’s one of those meals that manages to be both elegantly simple and incredibly flavorful. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate — perfect for cozy nights at home or impressing friends with something special but totally doable.

Bold, smoky paprika taste: The star of the show here is the paprika, which gives it its vibrant color and mouthwatering depth.
Velvety creamy sauce: Using yogurt or sour cream keeps things rich without being heavy or overwhelming.
Easy one-pan cooking: Minimal cleanup and straightforward steps make this weeknight-friendly.
Versatile and customizable: You can switch up the sides or add mushrooms to suit your mood perfectly.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you look at the ingredient list for this Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe, you’ll notice it’s all about balancing smoky, savory, and creamy flavors. Each ingredient plays its part perfectly, making the final dish so harmonious and comforting. Here are a few things I want you to know about the key players.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into large pieces, a small mound of bright red sweet paprika powder, a small mound of smoked paprika powder, a small bowl of golden olive oil, a small bowl of light yellow cornstarch, a large white onion diced, four peeled garlic cloves whole, a small bowl of deep red tomato paste, a small white bowl filled with golden chicken broth, a small white bowl of creamy full-fat yogurt, a few sprigs of fresh green parsley, all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic dishes and bowls placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken thighs: My go-to for tenderness and flavor; they stay juicy and withstand the simmering beautifully.
Sweet and smoked paprika: Both are essential—sweet paprika brings warmth and color, while smoked paprika adds that lovely deep complexity.
Cornstarch: This little helper thickens the sauce just right without making it gluey.
Onion and garlic: Classic aromatics that lay the foundation for the sauce’s rich base.
Tomato paste: Adds a subtle tang and sweetness, boosting the depth of flavor.
Chicken broth: The liquid that brings everything together; homemade if you can, but store-bought works perfectly too.
Full-fat yogurt or sour cream: My personal favorite for creaminess—make sure it’s full-fat and room temperature to avoid curdling.
Olive oil: For sautéing and coating the chicken, a smooth olive oil with a mild flavor works best.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous touch on top, which brightens the dish right before serving.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking my Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe depending on the season or who’s coming to dinner. It’s really forgiving, so feel free to experiment with flavors and textures until you find your perfect version.

Mushroom upgrade: Adding sautéed cremini mushrooms along with the onions elevates the sauce with earthiness—I always sneak those in when I want something a little heartier.
Chicken breast option: If you prefer chicken breast, marinate it with the seasoning and oil for a few hours to keep it tender and juicy.
Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne or hot paprika can kick the heat up a notch without drowning the smoky flavor.
Dairy-free swap: Use a coconut cream or cashew cream substitute, but add it off the heat to keep the creaminess smooth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe

A white plate holds two browned chicken thighs covered in thick, orange-brown sauce with visible small bits of onion or garlic, pooling around the pieces. Behind the chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, topped with more of the same sauce, create a soft, uneven layer. Two green parsley leaves garnish the chicken, adding a fresh pop of color near the center. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Seasoning the Chicken to Perfection

I start by tossing the chicken thighs with sweet paprika, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. This combo not only flavors every bite but also helps create that gorgeous golden crust during cooking. Make sure every piece gets coated well—it sets the stage for everything that comes next.

Step 2: Searing Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Heat olive oil in a deep pan, then work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes until it’s beautifully golden on one side. Flip and cook another few minutes. Don't worry about fully cooking the chicken now—that's what the simmer is for. If the pan looks like it’s getting too sticky, splash a bit of broth to deglaze and scrape up those caramelized bits—they’re flavor gold!

Step 3: Building the Rich Sauce

Next, I sauté onions in the remaining oil until soft and translucent, add the garlic, tomato paste, and smoked paprika, stirring constantly to wake up those flavors. Pour in the chicken broth and be sure to deglaze the pan well. The sauce starts to come alive here.

Step 4: Simmer Chicken and Sauce

Pop the seared chicken back into the pan and bring everything to a boil. Then, reduce to a gentle simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. This slow simmer lets the meat soak up that smoky, creamy goodness.

Step 5: Add the Creamy Finish

Once off the heat, I let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes—this step is key! It cools slightly so when you stir in the yogurt or sour cream, you avoid that dreaded curdling. Stir gently till the sauce turns luxuriously creamy, then sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that truly make a difference with this Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe — these helped me move past early blunders and get a perfectly rich, balanced dish every time.

Use fresh paprika: I once used paprika that was months old and ended up with a dull sauce. Fresh paprika gives a bright, vibrant flavor you can’t fake.
Rest before adding yogurt: Letting the dish cool slightly before stirring in yogurt stops it from curdling—this step makes the sauce silky and smooth.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Searing in batches builds that delicious crust and avoids steaming the chicken.
Deglaze wisely: Adding broth to scrape up browned bits after searing adds deep flavor and prevents burning.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe

creamy chicken paprikash - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I swear by freshly chopped parsley as a simple finishing touch — it cuts through the richness and adds a fresh pop. Sometimes, I also add a small dollop of extra yogurt on top when plating, which looks lovely and adds that cool creaminess bite by bite.

Side Dishes

I’m a sucker for classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes or egg noodles—they soak up the luscious sauce perfectly. And when I’m feeling adventurous, I make spaetzle for that authentic European touch. A simple green salad or roasted veggies keep things balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the paprikash in shallow bowls and garnish with a swirl of sour cream and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for drama. You could even plate it over a bed of herbed rice or inside stuffed bell peppers for a festive look that’s sure to wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and pop it into the fridge. It keeps beautifully for about 3 days, which makes it great for quick lunches or second dinners.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish with great success. Just cool it completely before freezing in portions. It lasts for up to 3 months without losing much flavor or texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring now and then to keep the sauce smooth. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts to avoid overheating and curdling the yogurt.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, but I recommend marinating them in the seasoning and oil for several hours or overnight to keep them tender and juicy during cooking.

How do I prevent the yogurt from curdling in the sauce?

The trick is to add the yogurt off the heat and let the dish cool for 5-10 minutes before stirring it in. Also, be sure to use full-fat plain yogurt or sour cream at room temperature to reduce the chance of curdling.

Can I make Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors actually deepen if you make it a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently when ready to serve.

What sides pair well with Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe?

Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, and spaetzle are classic choices. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad also complement the rich, creamy sauce beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe has a cozy, soulful feel that keeps me coming back, especially when I want something simple yet unforgettable. I hope you give it a try and enjoy the magic of that smoky paprika paired with silky yogurt—it’s a dish that feels like homemade love on a plate. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing and the whole family will be asking for seconds.