Crockpot Chicken Paprikash
Crockpot Chicken Paprikash is a dish that brings a world of comfort and flavor right to your dinner table. With its tender chunks of chicken enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce, this Hungarian-inspired meal proves that you don’t need elaborate techniques to create something extraordinary. The moment the sweet paprika and garlic powder meet the chicken and onion in your slow cooker, the aroma is simply irresistible, hinting at the deliciousness that’s to come.
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I first stumbled upon this recipe on a chilly evening, yearning for something warm and hearty. The thought of returning home to a simmering pot of flavors had me excited all day. The best part? This dish is perfect for busy nights, allowing you to set it and forget it until dinner rolls around. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, Crockpot Chicken Paprikash is a dish that leaves everyone wanting more. So, gather your ingredients and let’s make something delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Just 10 minutes of prep and then the slow cooker does the rest for up to 6 hours.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet paprika and creamy sour cream ensures every bite bursts with flavor.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors and creamy sauce make this dish visually stunning for any occasion.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easy to tweak for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free products.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into chunks): This lean meat is perfect for soaking up the rich flavors while remaining tender. You can use thighs for a juicier option or even substitute with turkey if you prefer.
- 1 large yellow onion (chopped): Onions add depth and sweetness, balancing the spices beautifully. Shallots can be a lovely alternative for a milder flavor.
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice (15 oz): These tomatoes provide acidity and moisture. If you want a fresher taste, you can use 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes instead.
- 2 tbsp sweet paprika: It’s the star of the show here, offering a mild sweetness and vibrant color. Be sure to use sweet Hungarian paprika for the best flavor.
- 2 tsp garlic powder: A must-have for that comforting garlicky aroma! Fresh minced garlic can be used instead; just adjust to your taste.
- 1 cup sour cream: This adds a creamy texture and tanginess that rounds out the dish. Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you’re looking to cut calories.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in your dish. Don’t be shy—season it well!
- Fresh parsley for serving: Adds a pop of color and a fresh finish to your meal.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Paprikash
Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken chunks, chopped onion, canned diced tomatoes (with juice), sweet paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. This is the foundation of your dish, and it’s important to stir everything gently to ensure all the flavors marry together beautifully.
Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours. You know it’s ready when the chicken is tender enough to shred easily with a fork. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will definitely be a warm invitation!
Incorporate Sour Cream: Once the cooking time is up, stir in the cup of sour cream until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. This step is vital as it transforms the dish from a simple chicken stew into a decadent meal.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste your creation and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary. This is your dish, so make it just how you like it!
Serve with Fresh Parsley: Ladle the Crockpot Chicken Paprikash into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. It adds a lovely color contrast and a hint of freshness that brightens every bite.
Storing & Reheating
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely, but happens!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, transfer the cooled chicken paprikash to a freezer-safe container or bag and seal tightly, allowing for up to 3 months of storage. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. The texture may vary slightly, but a splash of chicken broth can help refresh the sauce to its creamy glory.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the chicken; tenderness is key, but cooking it too long can lead to dry meat.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste when you mix the ingredients together.
- If you have time, let the dish sit for an hour after cooking before adding the sour cream; this allows flavors to deepen.
- Don’t forget to taste as you go! Adjust seasoning to fit your individual palate.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.
- Consider making a double batch on busy weeks; it reheats perfectly!
Crockpot Chicken Paprikash is an exquisite balance of simplicity and indulgence. Each serving presents an invitation to explore comforting flavors and warm textures. It’s a recipe that welcomes experimentation, so don’t hesitate to add your choice of vegetables or spices. After all, cooking is as much about creativity as it is about following a recipe. Enjoy every bite, and most importantly, have fun in the kitchen!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
Absolutely! However, if you’re using frozen chicken, it’s best to cook on HIGH for about 4–5 hours to ensure they cook thoroughly. Just ensure not to add any frozen ingredients directly to the slow cooker if your crockpot doesn’t accommodate it.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the sour cream with dairy-free sour cream or even cashew cream for a nutty, creamy texture. It may subtly change the flavor, but it will still be delicious!
What do I serve with Chicken Paprikash?
This dish pairs beautifully with egg noodles, rice, or even potatoes. A fresh salad on the side brings some vibrant crunch and balances the rich flavors.
How can I adjust the spiciness of this recipe?
Sweet paprika is mild, but if you’d like to add a kick, consider incorporating a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or using smoked paprika for a different flavor profile. Just remember, a little goes a long way!
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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: Main Dishes
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Description
Crockpot Chicken Paprikash offers an irresistible blend of tender chicken, rich tomatoes, and vibrant paprika. This simple, comforting dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal that requires minimal effort. Perfect for families or anyone looking for a homemade recipe that’s packed with flavor!
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
- Place the chicken, onion, diced tomatoes, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
- Stir gently to mix all the ingredients together.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Once cooked, mix in the sour cream until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in spices before cooking.
Serve with rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
