If there’s one comforting, soul-warming dish you need to add to your weekly rotation, it’s this Crockpot Chicken Paprikash Recipe. Imagine tender chunks of chicken slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, creamy sauce bursting with sweet paprika and tangy tomatoes. This dish comes together effortlessly, filling your kitchen with the most inviting aromas while promising a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re new to paprikash or a longtime fan, this recipe turns the traditional Hungarian delight into an easy slow cooker favorite you’ll cherish time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential for capturing the authentic flavors and perfect texture of the Crockpot Chicken Paprikash Recipe. Each one plays an important role, from the gentle sweetness of paprika to the creamy tang of sour cream, delivering a beautifully balanced dish.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into chunks): Ideal for absorbing the paprika sauce and staying tender during slow cooking.
- 1 large yellow onion (chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth that forms the backbone of the sauce.
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice: Provides vibrant color and a slight acidity that brightens the dish.
- 2 tbsp sweet paprika: The star spice of this recipe, giving it that signature smoky and sweet flavor.
- 2 tsp garlic powder: A gentle garlic flavor that layers nicely without overpowering.
- 1 cup sour cream: Added at the end to make the sauce luxuriously creamy and tangy.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (for serving): Adds a fresh, herby brightness and beautiful color contrast.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Paprikash Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by adding the chicken chunks, chopped onion, diced tomatoes with their juice, sweet paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper right into your slow cooker. This is where the magic begins as the flavors start mingling in the pot, promising a rich and flavorful base.
Step 2: Stir to Blend Flavors
Give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients evenly. This ensures the paprika and spices coat the chicken and onions, setting the stage for that signature taste.
Step 3: Set and Slow Cook
Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW for 5 to 6 hours, or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the chicken becomes incredibly tender as it soaks up all the delicious paprika and tomato-infused juices.
Step 4: Stir in the Sour Cream
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This step transforms the dish into a luscious, comforting meal that’s rich but never heavy.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Give your Crockpot Chicken Paprikash Recipe a taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Then, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor right before serving.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Paprikash Recipe
Garnishes
For that finishing touch, fresh parsley is a must—it brings a bit of herbaceous brightness to balance the creamy sauce and adds a lovely pop of color that makes each serving irresistible.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with classic Hungarian nokedli (egg noodles) or simple buttered egg noodles, though fluffy mashed potatoes or even creamy polenta make wonderful bases that catch the delicious sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fresh twist, try serving your Crockpot Chicken Paprikash Recipe over steamed rice with a sprinkle of toasted paprika or chopped scallions on top. You can also dollop extra sour cream at the center for a rich creamy contrast that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Chicken Paprikash Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it an easy option for next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your paprikash, hold back on adding sour cream before freezing—it’s best stirred in fresh. Freeze the chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight before reheating and adding sour cream.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftover paprikash gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add the sour cream during reheating if it wasn’t mixed before storing. This keeps the sauce creamy without curdling.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor to the Crockpot Chicken Paprikash Recipe. They’re perfect for slow cooking and become wonderfully tender.
Is sweet paprika essential, or can I substitute another kind?
Sweet paprika provides the mild, smoky sweetness key to this dish. While you can experiment with smoked or hot paprika, they’ll change the flavor profile, so start with sweet for the classic taste.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for an Instant Pot by sautéing the onions first, then pressure cooking the chicken and sauce together for about 15 minutes. Finish by stirring in the sour cream once done.
Why is the sour cream added at the end?
Adding sour cream at the end prevents it from curdling during cooking and keeps the sauce creamy and smooth, giving the dish its signature luscious texture.
What should I serve with Crockpot Chicken Paprikash Recipe?
Noodles, mashed potatoes, or polenta are classic choices that soak up the scrumptious sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad work beautifully too.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken Paprikash Recipe is truly a gift to your taste buds and your busy schedule. It’s the kind of dish that makes you look forward to dinnertime, bursting with flavor while effortless to prepare. Whether you’re feeding your family or friends, this creamy, paprika-infused chicken will become a beloved classic on your table. I can’t wait for you to try it and feel the cozy magic firsthand!
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Crockpot Chicken Paprikash Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on LOW) or 3 hours (on HIGH)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Description
This comforting Crockpot Chicken Paprikash is a creamy and flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered with sweet paprika, garlic, and diced tomatoes, finished with a smooth sour cream sauce and garnished with fresh parsley. Perfect for an easy and hearty meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice (approx. 14.5 oz)
Spices and Seasoning
- 2 tbsp sweet paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Final Touch
- 1 cup sour cream
- Fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken chunks, chopped onion, diced tomatoes with their juice, sweet paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker.
- Mix Gently: Stir the ingredients gently to mix them evenly without breaking up the chicken pieces.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Add Sour Cream: Once cooked, stir in the sour cream thoroughly until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve the chicken paprikash topped with freshly chopped parsley for a bright finish.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the slow cooker about 30 minutes before cooking ends.
- Serve with egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Use full-fat sour cream for the best texture and flavor.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for more juiciness.
