If you’re in the mood for a quick, cozy dinner that looks impressive but takes almost no effort, the Paprika Chicken Skillet will absolutely delight you. This recipe centers around perfectly seasoned chicken nestled in a luscious, paprika-infused cream sauce that clings beautifully to every morsel. The pop of color from red bell peppers and onions, along with the smoky richness of paprika, creates a dish that is comforting, velvety, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight hero or something to wow your family and friends, the Paprika Chicken Skillet never fails to hit the spot.

Paprika Chicken Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great dishes come from humble beginnings, and this Paprika Chicken Skillet is a shining example. Each ingredient has a specific role, lending bold color, deep flavor, or a dreamy texture that brings everything together. You’ll only need a handful of simple items, but trust me, every one counts!

Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose your favorite—thighs for juicy richness or breasts for lean tenderness—both options soak up the sauce beautifully.
Olive oil: This starts the magic, ensuring a golden, flavorful sear and adding a subtle richness.
Smoked paprika: The soul of this dish! It brings deep, smoky warmth and gorgeous red color.
Garlic powder: For a gentle, savory foundation that amplifies the other flavors.
Onion powder: Adds sweet, aromatic undertones that mellow out the spices.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life—don’t skimp here!
Black pepper: Brings a gentle kick and ties everything together.
Onion (sliced): Sautéed until deliciously soft, they add mild sweetness and depth.
Red bell pepper (sliced): Not just for color—they add a fresh crunch and slight sweetness that brighten the whole dish.
Chicken broth: Deglazes the skillet, pulling up all that golden flavor and making the sauce irresistible.
Heavy cream: This is your ticket to creamy decadence—it finishes the sauce with a silken touch.
Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle delivers freshness and a vibrant pop right before serving.

How to Make Paprika Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Mix and Rub the Seasoning

Start by combining your smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Give it a quick stir to blend the spices evenly—this simple mixture is the secret to building big flavor. Rub the blend generously all over the chicken thighs or breasts, making sure every inch is coated. The spices will create a beautiful crust and infuse every bite with smoky, aromatic goodness.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, lay in the seasoned chicken. Sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side, letting them develop a deep, golden color. Don’t rush this step—the color means flavor. Once the chicken is cooked through and irresistibly browned, remove it from the skillet and set aside for a moment.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add your sliced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are softened and fragrant. They’ll soak up those flavorful pan drippings left behind from the chicken, turning beautifully tender and sweet while deglazing the pan at the same time.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and give it a good stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom—that’s where the Paprika Chicken Skillet gets its deep, delicious taste! Lower the heat and swirl in the heavy cream, letting the sauce gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll see it turn creamy and blush with the paprika’s signature color.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the saucy veggies. Spoon some sauce over the top and let everything simmer together for another 2 minutes, just to reheat the chicken and marry the flavors. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you’d like, then serve your Paprika Chicken Skillet straight from the pan.

How to Serve Paprika Chicken Skillet

Garnishes

A garnish might seem small, but it’s the final flourish that makes a Paprika Chicken Skillet look irresistible. Scatter fresh chopped parsley for brightness and a pop of green. For even more brightness, add thin lemon slices on the side or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving. These little touches lift the whole dish, making it dinner-party ready with zero extra fuss.

Side Dishes

The beauty of the Paprika Chicken Skillet is its versatility—you can build the plate around whatever you’re craving. Spoon it over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes so you can soak up every bit of sauce. For a low-carb twist, try cauliflower mash or a tangle of sautéed greens. Crusty bread on the side never disappoints either—perfect for wiping up the last of that smoky, creamy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Paprika Chicken Skillet straight from the sizzling pan for a rustic family-style meal, or plate each portion on warm individual plates with a flourish of sauce and veggies. If you want to go the extra mile, top each piece of chicken with a dollop of crème fraîche or a sprinkle of smoky paprika. For date night, pair with a glass of chilled white wine and a side salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon. However you serve, this dish shines.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Paprika Chicken Skillet store really well and make for tasty lunches the next day. Just let the chicken and sauce cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Tucked away in the fridge, it keeps beautifully for up to three days, making it a great choice for meal prep too.

Freezing

If you want to save this comfort meal for later, simply freeze any cooled portions in a freezer-safe container. The creamy sauce freezes nicely, though it may separate slightly upon thawing—just give it a good stir when reheating and it comes right back together. Frozen Paprika Chicken Skillet is best enjoyed within two months.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce looks too thick. Gently warm through until steaming hot. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—cover and warm in bursts, stirring the sauce and turning the chicken for even reheating. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers extra delicious!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Paprika Chicken Skillet works with either chicken thighs or breasts. Thighs offer more juiciness and flavor, but breasts give a leaner result—just keep an eye on cooking time so they don’t dry out.

What can I use if I don’t have smoked paprika?

If you can’t find smoked paprika, regular sweet paprika will still work, but you’ll miss a little of that deep, smoky note. For extra flavor, add a pinch of chipotle powder or a dash of liquid smoke to mimic that essence.

Is Paprika Chicken Skillet gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! All the ingredients are safe for gluten-free diets, but always double-check your chicken broth and spices if you have sensitivities.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! This dish is fantastic with extra veggies. Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini make delicious additions. Just sauté them along with the onions and peppers for a heartier meal.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Of course! The Paprika Chicken Skillet scales up with ease. Just make sure not to overcrowd your skillet—cook the chicken in batches if needed, then combine everything at the end to simmer in the sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful meal that never disappoints, the Paprika Chicken Skillet is waiting for you to give it a try. It’s comforting, packed with big flavor, and comes together all in one pan—a win for any night of the week! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do, and can’t wait for it to find its place in your kitchen.

Paprika Chicken Skillet Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Paprika Chicken Skillet recipe is a one-pan wonder that delivers on flavor and simplicity. Tender chicken cooked in a smoky paprika seasoning, paired with a creamy sauce featuring onions and bell peppers, makes for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Skillet:

1 small onion (sliced)
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning on the chicken.
Cook the Chicken: Sear chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté onion and bell pepper until softened.
Create Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, stir, add heavy cream, and simmer.
Finish Dish: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer to reheat.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.