Spicy & Savory Chicken Paprika Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Creamy, comforting chicken paprika whispers stories of hungarian culinary traditions that dance across dinner plates.

Warm spices swirl through tender meat, creating a symphony of flavor that feels like a culinary embrace.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish, passing down secrets from kitchen to kitchen.

Paprika’s rich, smoky essence transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Sour cream adds a luxurious depth that makes each bite memorable.

Your taste buds will celebrate this hearty meal that brings comfort and excitement to the table.

Come explore how a few simple ingredients can create magic on your plate.

Delia Smith Chicken Paprika FAQs

• What is paprika, and why is it important in this recipe?

Paprika is a ground spice made from dried red peppers, adding a sweet, mild flavor and vibrant red color to dishes. In this chicken paprika recipe, it provides depth and traditional Hungarian flavor.

• Can I use different types of paprika?

Yes, you can use sweet, smoked, or hot paprika depending on your taste preference. Sweet paprika is most traditional, but smoked paprika can add an interesting depth to the dish.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe is typically mild with a hint of warmth from cayenne and paprika. You can adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper.

What Makes Delia Smith Chicken Paprika A Hit

• Savor Hearty Comfort: This chicken paprika delivers soul-warming flavors that wrap you in a cozy culinary hug, perfect for satisfying deep hunger and craving rich, traditional tastes.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, home cooks can easily create a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive but requires basic kitchen skills.
• Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the mild, creamy sauce and tender chicken, making it an ideal meal for gathering everyone around the dinner table without complicated preparation.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing this entire meal in a single ovenproof pan, reducing washing up and streamlining the cooking process for busy households.

Everything You Need For Delia Smith Chicken Paprika

• Chicken: A classic choice for this hearty Hungarian-style dish that provides rich, tender meat.

• Onions: Adds a sweet and savory base that builds the foundational flavor of the sauce.
• Paprika, Cayenne: Classic Hungarian spices that give the dish its signature warm, slightly spicy profile.

• Tomatoes: Provides acidity and depth to the sauce.
• Stock: Creates a rich, flavorful braising liquid for the chicken.
• Flour: Helps to thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Soured Cream: Adds a tangy, creamy finish that balances the spices and enriches the sauce.
• Peppers: Introduces additional color, sweetness, and vegetable texture to the dish.

How To Prepare Delia Smith Chicken Paprika At Home

Step 1: Sizzle and Seal Chicken

Heat oil in a spacious ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place chicken pieces and brown them until golden and crispy on all sides. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Caramelize Onions

Add chopped onions to the same pan and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft, translucent, and slightly golden.

Step 3: Create Spice Base

• All-purpose flour
• Cayenne pepper
• Sweet paprika

Stir and cook the spices for 1-2 minutes to release their aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Build Flavorful Liquid

• Crushed tomatoes
• Chicken stock

Stir the mixture and let it simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken and Sauce

Return the browned chicken pieces back into the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the skillet and transfer to a preheated oven at 170°C (325°F). Bake for 45 minutes.

Step 6: Add Colorful Peppers

Remove the pan from the oven and scatter sliced bell peppers across the top. Return to the oven and continue cooking for another 30 minutes until chicken is tender and peppers are soft.

Step 7: Final Touch of Richness

Just before serving, swirl in soured cream, creating a luxurious, creamy texture. Sprinkle an extra dash of paprika on top for a beautiful garnish and additional flavor.

Cooking Tips For Delia Smith Chicken Paprika

• Pick Fresh Paprika: Choose high-quality, vibrant red paprika for the most authentic and rich flavor in your dish.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to match your heat tolerance without overwhelming the delicate chicken taste.
• Perfect Chicken Browning: Ensure chicken pieces are dry before browning to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
• Cream Technique: Add soured cream off the heat to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky sauce texture.
• Smart Baking Tip: Use an ovenproof pan that can transition seamlessly from stovetop to oven for minimal cleanup and consistent cooking.

Ways To Change Up Delia Smith Chicken Paprika

• Vegetarian Paprika Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinated in paprika and soy sauce for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use cornstarch instead of flour and ensure all stock is gluten-free certified.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap tomatoes with roasted bell peppers and use bone broth for richer taste.
• Mediterranean Spin: Add kalamata olives, swap soured cream with Greek yogurt, and include fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired profile.

Best Sides With Delia Smith Chicken Paprika

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: A light, buttery chardonnay complements the creamy paprika sauce, balancing the dish's rich flavors and cutting through its hearty texture.
• Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Rustic sourdough provides the perfect vehicle for soaking up the luxurious sauce, adding a tangy contrast to the chicken's savory profile.
• Match with Hungarian Cucumber Salad: A traditional side of thinly sliced cucumbers dressed in vinegar and dill offers a refreshing, cool counterpoint to the warm, spicy chicken dish.
• Recommend Crushed Herbed Potatoes: Boiled potatoes lightly smashed and seasoned with fresh herbs create a classic Eastern European accompaniment that absorbs the sauce beautifully.

How To Store Delia Smith Chicken Paprika After Cooking

• Store leftover chicken paprika in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken paprika to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze up to 3 months. Avoid freezing portions with soured cream.
• Place individual servings in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour chicken paprika into a saucepan. Add a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Chicken Paprika Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 85 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting Hungarian chicken paprika delivers a rich, creamy symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Simmered with sweet paprika and sour cream, this classic dish promises a hearty meal that connects you to traditional Central European cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 chicken breasts (part-boned) or 8 chicken thighs

Vegetables

• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 1 medium red or green pepper, sliced
• 450 grams (16 ounces) fresh tomatoes (or 400 grams/14 ounces canned)

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 heaped tablespoon hot paprika
• 2 pinches cayenne pepper
• 1 dessertspoon plain flour
• Salt
• Black pepper

Liquids and Fats

• 23 tablespoons (345 milliliters) neutral oil
• 150 milliliters (5 fluid ounces) chicken stock
• 150 milliliters (5 fluid ounces) soured cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 170°C (325°F) while preparing a large ovenproof skillet with oil at medium-high heat.
2. Sear chicken pieces until golden brown on all sides, creating a rich caramelized exterior. Transfer to a separate plate.
3. Reduce heat and gently sauté onions until translucent and softened, releasing their sweet aromatic qualities.
4. Dust the onions with flour, cayenne, and paprika, stirring quickly to prevent burning and create a fragrant spice base.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes and stock, whisking to combine and create a smooth, rich sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Carefully return browned chicken pieces to the sauce, ensuring each piece is nestled within the liquid.
7. Cover the skillet and transfer to preheated oven, allowing the chicken to braise and tenderize for 45 minutes.
8. Remove from oven, add sliced peppers, and return to the oven for an additional 30 minutes until chicken is completely cooked and vegetables are tender.
9. Just before serving, gently fold in soured cream to create a creamy, luxurious texture.
10. Finish with a light dusting of paprika for color and an extra layer of flavor.

Notes

• Opt for sweet paprika to balance the heat and add rich, warm flavor depth without overwhelming spiciness.
• Pat chicken dry before browning to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and develops deeper taste.
• Use Hungarian paprika for authentic flavor, which brings a more complex and nuanced profile compared to standard varieties.
• Consider substituting soured cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that maintains creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 75 mins
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 710 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 37 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg