Crockpot Chicken Paprikash
Crockpot Chicken Paprikash is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This delicious Hungarian classic is known for its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly tender chicken, making it an absolute dream for weeknight dinners. Imagine coming home to the enticing aroma of chicken simmering in a delightful blend of spices and tomatoes, just waiting to be ladled over a fluffy bed of rice or egg noodles. It’s simple yet delightful, proving that hearty flavors don’t have to come from complex preparations.
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I remember when I first tried making this dish; I was a bit nervous about the paprika and its ability to bring everything together. One bite in, and I instantly knew I’d stumbled upon a new favorite. This Crockpot Chicken Paprikash is not just easy to make, but it also packs a punch with minimal effort. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving family or friends. I can’t wait for you to try this earthy, luscious meal that can effortlessly fit right into your dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Just 10 minutes of prep makes this meal a breeze!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet paprika and creamy sour cream creates a depth of flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: A vibrant dish that brightens up any dinner table with its inviting colors.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for both cozy family dinners and entertaining guests.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjustable for gluten-free diets or make it a bit lighter by using yogurt instead of sour cream.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks: Tender chicken breast is the star here; it soaks up the spices beautifully. Feel free to use thighs for more flavor!
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped: Onions add a sweet base flavor that makes the sauce richer.
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice: This adds both acidity and moisture for a well-balanced sauce.
- 2 tbsp sweet paprika: This is where the magic happens! Sweet paprika is key for that signature flavor; it also gives the dish its lovely color.
- 2 tsp garlic powder: Garlic enhances the overall taste without being overpowering.
- 1 cup sour cream: This brings a creamy richness to the sauce, making it smooth and decadent.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to preference.
- Fresh parsley for serving: A sprinkle of green on top adds a touch of freshness and color.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Paprikash
Add Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into chunks, 1 large yellow onion chopped, and 1 can diced tomatoes with juice. Then, sprinkle over 2 tablespoons of sweet paprika, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
Cover & Cook: Once everything is combined, cover the slow cooker. If you choose to cook on LOW, let it simmer for 5–6 hours, or if you’re short on time, go for HIGH for about 3–4 hours. The goal is for the chicken to be tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Add Sour Cream: Once the cooking time is up, carefully stir in 1 cup of sour cream until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. This step is crucial as it transforms the dish from a simple tomato stew to a velvety delight.
Taste & Adjust: Don’t forget to taste! This is the moment to add a little more salt or pepper if needed. Adjusting the seasoning now ensures that every bite is just right for your taste buds.
Serve & Garnish: Ladle the delicious chicken paprikash over your favorite side—rice or egg noodles work beautifully. Top with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Storing & Reheating
Storing your leftover Crockpot Chicken Paprikash is super easy! Let it cool at room temperature for about an hour before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating for up to 4 days. If you want to save it for later, feel free to freeze it in a freezer-safe container or zipper bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it in the microwave or on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Be aware that the sauce might thicken, so adding a splash of chicken broth can help refresh it back to its creamy consistency.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking.
- Utilize a good quality paprika; it makes a difference in flavor! Avoid using outdated spices for the best result.
- If you’re making this dish in advance, add the sour cream just before serving to keep it from curdling.
- Consider serving the dish with a dollop of additional sour cream on top for extra richness!
- If you love a hint of heat, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño.
- Experiment with different herbs like thyme or bay leaves while it cooks for further depth of flavor.
This recipe offers a fantastic combination of convenience and flavor, ensuring your family will be coming back for more. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it approachable, and the end result is impressive enough to rival any restaurant dish. If you’re looking for an easy yet satisfying meal that warms both the heart and the belly, you’ve got to give this one a go!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts; however, you should cook them on HIGH for about 4-5 hours instead of the standard time to ensure they’re fully cooked through.
What can I serve with Chicken Paprikash?
Traditionally, Chicken Paprikash is served over egg noodles or rice. You can also pair it with crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce, or serve it alongside a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the 1 cup of sour cream with coconut yogurt or cashew cream, which will provide similar creaminess and a slight tang.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of the crockpot?
Yes! To make this on the stovetop, sauté the onions in a bit of oil until softened, then add the chicken and spices, stirring to combine. Add the diced tomatoes and simmer covered for 30-40 minutes, adding sour cream at the end as directed.
This Crockpot Chicken Paprikash has all the qualities of comfort food with its warm, hearty flavors and tender chicken. It’s the perfect recipe for any occasion—whether it’s a simple family dinner or a gathering with friends. I hope you enjoy making this delicious meal as much as I do!
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📖 Recipe Card
Crockpot Chicken Paprikash
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 250 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Description
Crockpot Chicken Paprikash combines tender chicken breast, zesty tomatoes, and flavorful spices for a comforting meal. This easy recipe results in a creamy sauce that’s perfect for quick dinners or cozy family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into chunks
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 tbsp sweet paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup sour cream
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley for serving
Instructions
- Add the chicken, onion, diced tomatoes, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Gently stir to combine the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, then serve topped with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, you can reduce the cooking liquid by removing the lid for the last hour of cooking.
Serve with rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
