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/stock; 1/2 cup full-fat creamy yogurt or sour cream; Freshly chopped parsley, to garnish, optional

There's something irresistibly cozy about this dish—the rich aroma of paprika filling the kitchen, the tender chicken coated in a luscious sauce. My Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe is pure comfort food that’s surprisingly easy to make, and it always impresses any dinner guest or just your family around the table.

A close-up image of a skillet filled with creamy orange sauce covered with many light brown pieces of chicken, sprinkled with small green herb bits on top, with a silver spoon partially dipped in the sauce on the right side; the skillet is white inside and has a blue outer rim, sitting on a white marbled surface. 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 can’t tell you how many times this Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe has saved my dinner plans. It’s cozy and creamy with just the right hint of smoky paprika that makes each bite sing. Plus, it’s a one-pot recipe that feels fancy but comes together in under an hour.

Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples and fresh chicken thighs for maximum flavor without a complicated shopping list.
Rich, Creamy Sauce: The combination of yogurt and paprika creates a silky sauce that’s comforting yet tangy.
Flexible & Customizable: You can easily swap chicken thighs with breasts or add mushrooms for extra depth.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, this dish hits the spot every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe packs so much warmth because of the paprika’s smoky sweetness and the yogurt’s creamy tang, balancing the flavors perfectly. Each ingredient plays a role in building a sauce that clings beautifully to tender chicken pieces.

Flat lay of a pile of large bite-sized raw boneless skinless chicken thighs, a small mound of bright red sweet paprika powder, a small mound of fine white cornstarch, a whole large white onion diced, three to four peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with deep red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl with smoked paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of light golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy white full-fat yogurt, a few sprigs of fresh green parsley, and two whole uncracked brown eggs placed symmetrically 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: I prefer thighs for their juicy, forgiving texture, but chicken breast works if you marinate it well.
Sweet paprika: The star of the show—choose the freshest paprika for that intense, fragrant flavor.
Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle depth and smokiness that elevates the overall taste.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce without weighing it down.
Onion: Builds a sweet, savory base for the sauce.
Garlic: Because, well, garlic makes everything better.
Tomato paste: Adds richness and a slight tang that balances the creaminess.
Chicken broth: Keeps the sauce flavorful and moist while cooking the chicken through.
Full-fat creamy yogurt or sour cream: This is what makes the sauce luscious and velvety without being too heavy.
Olive oil: For perfectly crisping the chicken and sautéing veggies.
Fresh parsley (optional): Brightens the plate with a touch of color and fresh flavor.

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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

One of the things I love about making this Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I've played around with adding mushrooms, switching up the sides, or even adding a pinch of cayenne for heat. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Mushroom Addition: I sauté sliced cremini mushrooms with the onions for a richer sauce — it adds an earthiness I adore.
Making It Leaner: Switching to chicken breasts works well if you want less fat; just marinate longer and watch the cooking time carefully.
Spice it Up: Add a little smoked chile powder or cayenne for a touch of heat that wakes the dish up without overpowering it.
Herbs: Sometimes, I'll toss in fresh thyme or rosemary for an herbal hug in every bite.

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

A white plate holds two dark brown, crispy pieces of cooked meat covered in a thick, shiny orange-brown sauce with visible small chunks. The sauce pools around the meat and spreads to the right side of the plate, soaking into a textured layer of white mashed food beneath and beside the meat. Two bright green parsley leaves sit on top of the left meat piece, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season & Coat the Chicken

I like to start by tossing my chopped chicken thighs with sweet paprika, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and a splash of olive oil. This coating locks in flavor and helps develop a beautiful crust later. Make sure every piece is evenly coated – it really makes a difference in flavor and texture.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken in Batches

Heat up a tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy pan over medium heat, then cook the chicken in a single layer without crowding the pan. Let it sit undisturbed to form that gorgeous golden crust for about 5-6 minutes, then stir and finish cooking the pieces for 3-4 more. Doing this in batches ensures your chicken browns instead of steams — trust me, it makes the sauce taste better too.

Step 3: Sauté Onions & Build the Sauce

In the same pan, add a little more olive oil and sauté onions until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then toss in garlic, tomato paste, and smoked paprika, stirring constantly for about a minute. The tomato paste caramelizes just enough to add a deep, rich flavor that’s vital for this dish.

Step 4: Deglaze, Simmer & Finish Cooking

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up those tasty browned bits at the bottom—they’re packed with flavor! Bring it all to a boil, then add the chicken back in and reduce to a gentle simmer for about 15 minutes. This step makes sure the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens to that perfect creamy consistency.

Step 5: Stir in Yogurt After Resting

Removing the pan from heat and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes is essential before adding yogurt or sour cream. This little pause prevents curdling and keeps the sauce smooth and velvety. Then, gently fold in the creamy yogurt for that signature tang and richness.

Top Tip

From lots of trial and error, I've learned these small details really boost your Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe success — they keep the sauce silky and the flavors popping.

Fresh Paprika is Key: Old paprika can taste dull, so buy fresh or store it in an airtight container away from light and heat.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Let the dish cool off before adding yogurt to avoid curdling — it’s a game-changer.
Browning the Chicken: Taking the time to brown chicken in batches adds depth and texture you can’t get otherwise.
Deglaze the Pan: Pouring broth over those golden browned bits unlocks intense flavor that makes this dish stand out.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe

Creamy Chicken Paprikash - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish mine with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. It’s not just pretty; the fresh herb adds a lovely brightness that balances the richness perfectly. Sometimes I add a few lemon wedges on the side for a quick zing.

Side Dishes

This dish shines alongside buttery mashed potatoes or classic egg noodles—the kind that soak up every bit of that creamy sauce beautifully. Spaetzle is another traditional pairing I’ve come to love for a more authentic touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I like serving individual portions in small cast iron skillets or pretty bowls garnished with extra herbs and a dash of paprika. It makes a cozy, rustic presentation that always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers can be even better than the first serving!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe multiple times with good results. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. The sauce might separate slightly, but a gentle stir usually brings back the creaminess.

Reheating

I prefer reheating on the stove over low heat, stirring gently to keep the sauce smooth. Microwaving works too, but the yogurt-based sauce can separate a bit due to the heat intensity—so take your time!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes! While chicken thighs stay juicier, you can swap in breast meat if you marinate it longer with the spices and oil to tenderize it before cooking.

How do I prevent the yogurt from curdling?

The key is to remove the dish from heat and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before stirring in room temperature yogurt. Using full-fat plain yogurt or sour cream helps prevent curdling too.

Can I add mushrooms to this recipe?

Absolutely. I often sauté cremini mushrooms with the onions before adding garlic and tomato paste—it adds an earthy richness that complements the creamy paprika sauce perfectly.

What should I serve with Creamy Chicken Paprikash?

Traditional sides like buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, and spaetzle soak up the creamy sauce beautifully. Fresh parsley on top adds a pop of color and brightness.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe has a special place in my kitchen—it’s my go-to comfort meal that never fails to bring everyone to the table with smiles. It’s forgiving, flavorful, and feels genuinely homemade. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy how the smoky, creamy sauce and tender chicken come together in a way that’s both simple and extraordinary.