The Best Everyday Paprika Chicken Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Paprika adds a vibrant burst of flavor to this everyday chicken recipe that will make your taste buds dance.

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated this spice’s magical properties.

Warm, smoky notes transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Tender chicken pieces gleam with a rich, reddish-orange coating that promises depth and complexity.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade that feels like a culinary adventure.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this comforting, spice-infused meal.

What Makes Everyday Paprika Chicken Stand Out

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Paprika chicken delivers a rich, layered taste profile with smoky spices and creamy texture that elevates classic chicken dishes.
• Master Quick Cooking: This recipe transforms ordinary chicken legs into a gourmet meal with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for home cooks seeking delicious results without advanced techniques.
• Create Comforting Meal: Hearty and satisfying, this one-pan chicken dish provides a warm, homestyle dinner that brings families together around the table with its inviting aroma and robust flavors.
• Adaptable Dinner Solution: Versatile recipe works great for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or when you want a no-fuss meal that doesn't compromise on taste and presentation.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Everyday Paprika Chicken

• Chicken Legs: Protein-rich cuts of chicken that become tender and flavorful when slowly simmered in gravy.
• Ripe Tomatoes: Fresh vegetables that add natural sweetness and help create a rich, vibrant sauce.
• Broth: Liquid base that provides depth of flavor and helps tenderize the chicken during cooking.

• Vegetable Oil, Butter, Olive Oil: Combination of oils that creates a perfect browning surface for the chicken and adds rich flavor to the dish.

• Red Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that provide a savory and aromatic base for the gravy.
• Paprika: Signature spice that adds warm, slightly sweet, and distinctive red color to the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor of the chicken and gravy.

• Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a smooth and rich gravy consistency.
• Sour Cream: Creamy ingredient that adds a tangy richness and silky texture to the final sauce.

Cooking Instructions for Everyday Paprika Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Pieces

Generously sprinkle salt and black pepper all over the chicken legs, ensuring every surface gets seasoned well. Let the chicken sit at room temperature while preparing other ingredients.

Step 2: Create Golden Chicken Crust

• Vegetable oil
• Butter
• Olive oil

Carefully place chicken legs into the hot pan. Sizzle each side for approximately 5 minutes until achieving a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

• Chopped red onion
• Minced garlic

Cook until ingredients become soft and fragrant.

Sprinkle paprika and flour, stirring continuously to prevent burning.

Step 4: Create Luscious Gravy

Add chopped ripe tomatoes and allow them to break down.

Pour in broth, creating a rich sauce. Simmer and stir, tasting and adjusting seasonings as desired.

Step 5: Merge Chicken with Sauce

Gently nestle chicken legs back into the gravy. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes until chicken becomes supremely tender.

Step 6: Finish with Creamy Touch

Swirl sour cream into the gravy, bringing the mixture to a quick boil. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate chicken legs generously covered with the luxurious paprika gravy. Enjoy this comforting meal with crusty bread or over rice.

Tips to Make Everyday Paprika Chicken Shine

• Opt for bone-in chicken legs for maximum flavor and juiciness, as they tend to be more tender and succulent compared to boneless cuts.
• Select ripe, fresh tomatoes to enhance the sauce's natural sweetness and depth of flavor, ensuring a more vibrant and rich gravy.
• Control the heat carefully when frying chicken to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior without burning the meat or causing uneven cooking.
• Consider using Hungarian paprika for an authentic and more intense flavor profile that elevates the entire dish's taste experience.
• Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or dairy-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture of the sauce.

Flavor Options for Everyday Paprika Chicken

• Spicy Paprika Chicken: Add red chili flakes or cayenne pepper to intensify heat and create a fiery version of the original recipe.
• Hungarian-Style Paprika Chicken: Include additional Hungarian paprika, caraway seeds, and bell peppers to enhance traditional Eastern European flavors.
• Mediterranean Herb Paprika Chicken: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano into the sauce, replacing some broth with white wine for a Mediterranean touch.
• Creamy Mushroom Paprika Chicken: Sauté sliced mushrooms with onions, then blend them into the gravy for an extra earthy and rich dimension to the dish.

What Pairs Well with Everyday Paprika Chicken

• Pair Perfectly with Hungarian Merlot: Rich, smooth red wine complements the paprika's warmth and cuts through the creamy sauce with balanced acidity.
• Serve Alongside Crispy Potato Wedges: Roasted with rosemary and garlic, these golden wedges soak up the delicious gravy and provide a crunchy textural contrast.
• Match with Fresh Cucumber Salad: Light, tangy salad with dill and sour cream dressing balances the hearty chicken and refreshes the palate between bites.
• Enhance with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Rustic bread helps soak up the flavorful paprika sauce, adding another layer of texture and allowing diners to enjoy every last drop of gravy.

Proper Storage for Everyday Paprika Chicken

• Refrigeration: Store leftover paprika chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains covered with gravy to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
• Freezing: Transfer cooled chicken and gravy to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
• Reheating Stovetop: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth to prevent sticking and restore sauce consistency. Stir gently and heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 8-10 minutes.

FAQs About Everyday Paprika Chicken

• What is paprika's role in this chicken dish?

Paprika adds a rich, warm, slightly sweet flavor and deep red color to the gravy, creating a traditional Eastern European taste profile that enhances the overall chicken dish.

• How does sautéing onions and garlic improve the recipe?

Sautéing onions and garlic releases their natural oils and sweetness, building a foundational flavor base that adds depth and complexity to the gravy before adding other ingredients.

• Why fry the chicken first before simmering in sauce?

Frying the chicken first creates a golden brown exterior that locks in moisture, develops a richer flavor through caramelization, and helps the meat stay tender during the simmering process.

• Can I use different types of paprika for this recipe?

Yes, you can use sweet, smoked, or hot paprika depending on your flavor preference.

Everyday Paprika Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent paprika chicken brings comfort and warmth to your dinner table, infusing Hungarian culinary tradition with simple, hearty flavors. Pepper-kissed and golden-brown, this dish offers a delightful balance of spice and richness you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 chicken legs

Seasonings and Spices:

• 3 teaspoons paprika
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons flour

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large red onion, chopped
• 3–4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3–4 ripe tomatoes, chopped

Liquids and Fats:

• 30 grams (1 ounce) butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Some vegetable oil
• 200–300 milliliters (6.8–10.1 fluid ounces) broth (chicken or vegetable)
• 3–4 tablespoons sour cream

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Salt and pepper the chicken legs thoroughly, ensuring even seasoning on all surfaces.
2. Preheat a large skillet with a blend of vegetable oil, butter, and olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Sear chicken legs for approximately 5 minutes per side, developing a deep golden-brown crust that locks in moisture.
4. Transfer browned chicken to a plate, reserving the flavorful pan drippings.
5. In the same skillet, sauté finely chopped red onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Sprinkle paprika and flour into the onion mixture, stirring continuously to create a roux and prevent burning.
7. Add chopped ripe tomatoes, cooking until they begin to break down and release their juices.
8. Pour in broth, scraping the pan’s bottom to incorporate all browned bits, and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
10. Carefully nestle seared chicken legs back into the simmering sauce, ensuring they are partially submerged.
11. Cover and reduce heat, allowing the chicken to gently simmer for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
12. Stir in sour cream, creating a rich and creamy sauce, and briefly bring to a boil.
13. Serve immediately, spooning the aromatic paprika gravy over the chicken legs.

Notes

• Meat Selection Matters: Choose bone-in chicken legs for maximum flavor and juiciness, as they stay more tender during slow cooking compared to boneless cuts.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust paprika quantity based on preference, using sweet paprika for mild flavor or smoked paprika for deeper, more intense taste.
• Perfect Browning Technique: Ensure chicken legs are completely dry before frying to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust without steaming the meat.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising the gravy’s thickness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg