Name: Creamy Chicken Paprikash with Vegetables Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients: 1 ¾ pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size chunks; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 onion, diced; 1 ¼ cups sliced baby carrots (or about 4 medium-small carrots); 3 ribs celery, diced; 4 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press; 2 large, dried bay leaves; 2 tablespoons paprika (sweet, not hot); Pinch white pepper; ¼ cup (level) flour; 2 ¼ cups chicken stock or broth; 2 Roma or campari tomatoes, seeded and diced; 3 tablespoons sour cream; Chopped parsley, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 11 reviews

If you’re searching for a heartwarming dish that wraps you in comforting flavors and vibrant colors, this Creamy Chicken Paprikash with Vegetables Recipe is your answer. Packed with tender chicken thighs, sweet carrots, aromatic paprika, and a silky, tangy cream sauce, it’s a timeless Eastern European classic that never fails to impress. This recipe brings together simple, fresh ingredients in a wonderfully rustic way, making it a beloved meal for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends. Once you try this Creamy Chicken Paprikash with Vegetables Recipe, it will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A silver pan filled with about 30 small, thick pieces of cooked chicken, each piece golden brown with a slight shine indicating cooked juices or light sauce. The chicken pieces are unevenly shaped but roughly similar in size, covering most of the pan's surface with some gaps showing the inside of the pan. The pan sits on a dark, textured surface, but the surrounding background is changed to a white marbled texture. The overall look is simple and appetizing, focusing on the cooked chicken details. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes this Creamy Chicken Paprikash with Vegetables Recipe shine are the thoughtfully chosen ingredients — each one adding depth, texture, and beautiful color that make every bite deliciously satisfying. From juicy chicken to earthy paprika and crisp vegetables, these essentials come together to create magic in your pot.

Skinless, boneless chicken thighs (1 ¾ pounds): Perfect for moist, tender meat that soaks up all the flavors during cooking.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate the natural taste of the chicken and veggies.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps to sear the chicken beautifully.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Gives a silky smooth mouthfeel and balances the spices.
Onion, diced (1): Provides a sweet and savory base to build the sauce.
Baby carrots, sliced (1 ¼ cups): Bring vibrant color and natural sweetness to the dish.
Celery, diced (3 ribs): Adds crunch and a subtle earthy flavor.
Garlic cloves (4), pressed: For an irresistible aromatic kick.
Bay leaves (2 large, dried): Infuse a warm, fragrant depth into the broth.
Sweet paprika (2 tablespoons): The star spice that gives classic color and smoky-sweet flavor.
Pinch of white pepper: A gentle heat that complements paprika without overpowering.
Flour (¼ cup, level): Helps to thicken the sauce just right.
Chicken stock or broth (2 ¼ cups): The flavorful base that brings everything together.
Roma or campari tomatoes (2), seeded and diced: Add bright acidity and freshness.
Sour cream (3 tablespoons): Creates the signature creamy, tangy finish that defines paprikash.
Chopped parsley, for garnish: A fresh herbaceous touch to brighten the final plating.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Paprikash with Vegetables Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and let it sear until it turns a lovely pale golden brown—this step locks in juices and starts building flavor. Once seared, remove the chicken and set it aside for now.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Spices

Next, melt the butter in the same pot and toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery with a pinch of salt and pepper to draw out their sweetness. Stir and cook everything until the veggies soften, about 4 to 5 minutes. Then, add the garlic, bay leaves, sweet paprika, and white pepper, stirring to release their fragrant aromas. This blend is truly where the soul of the Creamy Chicken Paprikash with Vegetables Recipe begins to develop.

Step 3: Thicken the Base

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and stir quickly to coat everything. Allow the flour to cook for about 30 seconds; this will get rid of the raw flour taste and start to thicken your sauce.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer

Slowly whisk in the chicken stock, breaking up any lumps to form a smooth sauce. Bring it to a vigorous simmer, then add the seared chicken pieces along with the diced Roma or campari tomatoes. Reduce the heat so the dish bubbles gently, cover partially with a lid, and let it cook for 30 to 35 minutes. This slow simmer tenderizes the chicken and infuses the vegetables and sauce with deep, melded flavors.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Parsley

When the chicken and vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the bay leaves and gently whisk in the sour cream to achieve that luscious creaminess. Finally, fold in the chopped parsley to brighten the dish and serve right away. The balance of creamy, tangy, and paprika-spiced flavors makes this Creamy Chicken Paprikash with Vegetables Recipe irresistible every time.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Paprikash with Vegetables Recipe

A close-up view of a shiny silver metal pan filled with thick, brown stew showing chunks of soft meat and small slices of orange carrots evenly mixed in the sauce. The stew has a rich, smooth texture with tiny green herb bits sprinkled on top, and a light wooden spoon rests inside the pan partly covered by the stew. The pan sits on a light gray cloth over a white marbled surface, with a couple of green leafy herbs placed around the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your serving extra special, sprinkle an additional handful of fresh chopped parsley right before serving. You might also add a small dollop of sour cream on top for a cool contrast that enhances the creamy texture and keeps the flavors vibrant.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with traditional buttered egg noodles, which soak up all the luscious sauce perfectly. If you want to switch it up, spaetzle or gnocchi also work wonderfully, as does classic mashed potatoes that provide the ultimate comforting base to your Creamy Chicken Paprikash with Vegetables Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a visually stunning presentation, serve the paprikash in shallow bowls with a swirl of sour cream and a sprinkle of parsley on top. Layer the chicken and vegetables over a neat pile of noodles or creamy mashed potatoes, and consider adding a side of roasted greens or a crisp cucumber salad to add freshness and crunch to the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors of your Creamy Chicken Paprikash with Vegetables Recipe will deepen after resting overnight, making the next day’s meal just as delightful.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. For best results, omit the sour cream before freezing; add it fresh when reheating to maintain that creamy texture and tang.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it up. Add sour cream only once warmed through for the best flavor and creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful during the long simmer, which makes the dish especially tender and rich.

Is paprika the only spice I need?

For authentic flavor, sweet paprika is essential, but a pinch of white pepper and the use of bay leaves bring added depth and complexity to this recipe.

What can I use if I don’t have sour cream?

Greek yogurt or crème fraîche can work as alternatives and still add that tangy creaminess, though sour cream provides the classic silky finish that defines paprikash.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

While traditional paprikash is centered around chicken, you can experiment with hearty mushrooms or tofu and vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version with similar flavors.

How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce should be creamy and coat the back of a spoon without running off quickly. The flour and sour cream help achieve this comforting consistency in the Creamy Chicken Paprikash with Vegetables Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the harmony of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and the rich, creamy paprika sauce in this Creamy Chicken Paprikash with Vegetables Recipe. It invites warmth, comfort, and a touch of Eastern European tradition right into your kitchen. I promise, once you make it, it won’t just be a meal — it’ll be a new favorite you’ll come back to time and time again. So get ready to cook, gather loved ones around the table, and savor every delicious spoonful.