Why You’ll Love Creamy Paprika Chicken with Tender Rice in a Velvety Sauce Recipe
This recipe is a delicious balance of simplicity and indulgence. The paprika brings depth and a slight kick, while the cream sauce delivers a velvety texture that complements both the chicken and rice. It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to make, yet elegant enough to impress guests. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
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Paprika (smoked or sweet, depending on preference)
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Garlic cloves
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Onion
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Chicken broth
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Heavy cream
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Long grain white rice
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Olive oil or butter
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Salt and black pepper
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Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
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Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
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In a large skillet or deep pan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and mostly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pan, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant.
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Add rice to the pan and stir to coat with the remaining oil and spices. Toast for 1-2 minutes.
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Pour in chicken broth, stirring to combine. Place the seared chicken back on top of the rice.
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Cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
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Remove the lid, pour in the heavy cream, and stir gently to combine everything. Let simmer for another 3-5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped chili for extra heat.
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Mushroom Addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for a deeper umami flavor.
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Cheesy Version: Stir in grated Parmesan or a touch of cream cheese at the end for extra richness.
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Low-Carb Option: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice; reduce cooking time accordingly.
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Herbed Twist: Add thyme or rosemary during the simmering stage for a fragrant lift.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
FAQs
How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
Use long grain white rice and be sure to simmer with the lid on. Avoid overcooking once the rice is tender.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, both work well. Just be careful not to overcook the chicken breasts, as they can dry out more easily.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken first?
Yes, searing adds flavor and helps lock in moisture before simmering in the sauce.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Milk can be used, but it won’t give the same richness. For a lighter option, try half-and-half.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well. Prepare it in advance and store in the fridge, then gently reheat before serving.
What type of paprika should I use?
You can use sweet or smoked paprika. Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor, while sweet paprika is milder.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use a plant-based cream substitute and dairy-free butter or oil.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you ensure all ingredients (especially broth and cream) are certified gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely. Peas, spinach, or bell peppers can be stirred in during the final minutes of cooking.
What’s the best way to get a thick sauce?
Simmer the cream uncovered at the end, stirring gently. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water if needed.
Conclusion
Creamy Paprika Chicken with Tender Rice in a Velvety Sauce is a soul-warming, satisfying dish that brings comfort and flavor to the table with minimal effort. With its creamy richness, balanced spices, and tender textures, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing for a cozy night in, this dish is as reliable as it is delicious.
Creamy Paprika Chicken with Tender Rice in a Velvety Sauce
Creamy Paprika Chicken with Tender Rice in a Velvety Sauce is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring seasoned chicken simmered in a rich, smoky paprika cream sauce with tender long grain rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and mostly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant.
- Add rice to the pan and stir to coat in the oil and spices. Toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir well. Return the seared chicken to the pan, placing it on top of the rice.
- Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Uncover the pan and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine and let simmer for 3-5 more minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use long grain white rice to avoid mushiness.
- Smoked paprika adds a deeper flavor, but sweet paprika is a good mild alternative.
- Add vegetables like peas, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- To make dairy-free, use plant-based cream and oil.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of broth or cream if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
