Chicken Paprikash Recipe

There’s nothing quite like settling into a comforting meal that warms you from the inside out. Among the myriad of comfort foods, Chicken Paprikash stands out as a dish that brings a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions to your dinner table. This classic Hungarian recipe, known for its vibrant color and creamy texture, is a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly magical.

We’re diving into a Chicken Paprikash recipe that promises not just to nourish but to transport you straight to the heart of Eastern European cuisine. With just a handful of ingredients—olive oil, tender chicken breast, aromatic onions, garlic, flavorful paprika, rich tomatoes and creamy Greek yogurt—this dish is a perfect blend of nutrition and flavor.

Ideal for anyone looking to explore international dishes or simply in search of a comforting meal to share with loved ones, this Chicken Paprikash recipe is both accessible and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious beginner, this guide will walk you through each step, ensuring that your Chicken Paprikash turns out perfectly.

So, let’s gather our ingredients and embark on a culinary journey that promises warmth, comfort and a deliciously creamy paprikash to remember.

Classic Chicken Paprikash Recipe: A Comfort Food Delight

Let’s dive into the heart of making this comforting Chicken Paprikash, a process that is as simple as it is satisfying. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, a crucial step that sets the foundation for the dish.

Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces, browning them until they’re beautifully golden on all sides. This not only seals in the juices but also adds a depth of flavor that is essential to the dish.

How to Cook Chicken Paprikash: Sautéing Onions and Garlic

Next, introduce the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing them for a few minutes. This brief cooking time is enough to soften the onions and allow the garlic to release its aromatic qualities, creating a fragrant base that will permeate the entire dish.

Then, it’s time for the paprika—the star of the show—to make its entrance. Stir it in well, ensuring each piece of chicken is coated in its rich, smoky essence.

Adding Flavor: Paprika, Broth and Tomatoes

Following the paprika, pour in the low sodium chicken broth along with the crushed tomatoes and a dash of black pepper to taste. This combination of liquids deglazes the pan, picking up all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. It also begins to form the creamy sauce characteristic of Chicken Paprikash.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, allowing it to cook gently for 25 minutes. This slow simmering process melds the flavors together beautifully and tenderizes the chicken further.

The Final Touch: Stirring in Greek Yogurt for Creaminess

As the cooking comes to an end and you’re almost ready to serve, there’s one final step that transforms the dish into the creamy delight Chicken Paprikash is known for.

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the nonfat plain Greek yogurt. This adds a tangy creaminess to the sauce and thickens it, enveloping the chicken in a velvety, rich sauce that’s hard to resist. This final touch ensures your Chicken Paprikash is both comforting and luxuriously creamy, ready to be served and savored.

A Perfect Fit for Your Healthy Eating Plan

This Chicken Paprikash recipe is not only a delightful journey into the heart of comforting cuisine but also aligns beautifully with mindful eating practices, serving up to four people. Each serving clocks in at a modest 285 calories, making it a guilt-free pleasure for those keeping an eye on their caloric intake.

For those incorporating this dish into a Nutrisystem plan, it fits into your daily meal plan as two PowerFuels, one Extra and two Vegetables. This makes the Chicken Paprikash recipe a perfect blend of indulgence and nutritional balance, ensuring you can savor the rich flavors without straying from your health and wellness goals. Be sure to log it in your NuMi app to stay on track!

Complementing Your Chicken Paprikash: Ideal Side Dishes

When it comes to rounding out your Chicken Paprikash meal, selecting the perfect side dishes can elevate this comforting classic to new heights. The rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken call for accompaniments that can absorb the flavors or offer a refreshing contrast. Here are some top picks to create a well-balanced meal:

• Egg Noodles – A traditional pairing, egg noodles offer a soft, slightly chewy texture that’s ideal for soaking up the paprika-infused sauce, making every bite a delightful experience.
• Cucumber Salad – For a lighter, refreshing side, a cucumber salad dressed with vinegar and herbs can cleanse the palate and balance the richness of the paprikash.
• Dumplings or Spaetzle – These dense, doughy delights are another classic choice, serving as the perfect vehicle for the sauce while adding a satisfying heft to the meal.
• Roasted Vegetables – A medley of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips and Brussels sprouts, can introduce a sweet and earthy element, adding color and nutritional value to your dinner plate.
• Rice or Mashed Potatoes – For those seeking a comforting base, rice or creamy mashed potatoes can act as a subtle backdrop, allowing the bold flavors of the Chicken Paprikash to shine.
• Green Beans Almondine – Elegant yet simple, green beans tossed with slivered almonds offer a crunchy, nutty complement to the creamy paprikash, adding both texture and flavor.

Selecting one or a combination of these side dishes can transform your Chicken Paprikash into a feast, offering a variety of textures and flavors that complement the main dish beautifully. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional meal or looking to add a modern twist, these sides will ensure your Chicken Paprikash dinner is both balanced and delicious. Refer to the Nutrisystem Grocery Guide for more information on counting add-ins on your plan!

If you enjoyed this delicious dinner, you’ll love our recipe for Korean BBQ Chicken!