Paprika Chicken - recette canadienne de poulet
Easy

Paprika Chicken

(202)
40 min4400 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|April 1, 2024

Le poulet au paprika est un classique hongrois qui a trouvé sa place dans les cuisines canadiennes. Du paprika fumé espagnol, de la crème sure et des oignons caramélisés créent une sauce rose-orangée riche et fumée. Le paprika doit être de bonne qualité — le paprika fumé de la Pimentonera ou celui de l'allée internationale du Loblaws changent complètement le plat par rapport au paprika ordinaire.

international-chickenquébécois

Ingredients

Servings:
4

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Mise en Place Saves Time

Even for quick recipes, spend 3 minutes measuring and prepping everything before you turn on the heat. It sounds counterintuitive, but it actually speeds up cooking because you're never scrambling mid-recipe.

Bring to Room Temperature

Take chicken out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking. Cold chicken straight from the fridge cooks unevenly — the outside overcooks while the centre stays underdone.

About This Recipe

Paprika Chicken is a delightful dish that beautifully marries the rich, smoky flavors of Hungarian cuisine with the comforting touch of Canadian home cooking. This dish shines with the vibrant color and depth of flavor that comes from high-quality smoked paprika, transforming everyday chicken into a culinary masterpiece. It's perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or special gatherings, where the creamy sauce hugs each piece of chicken, creating a dish that’s both hearty and indulgent. Home cooks across Canada have embraced this recipe for its ease and the way it fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma, making it a go-to when comfort food is on the menu.

Tips for the Best Paprika Chicken

To achieve the best results with Paprika Chicken, ensure you sear the chicken thighs or breasts well to develop a rich crust before adding the onions and paprika. Monitor the internal temperature, aiming for 74°C (165°F) to ensure doneness without sacrificing moisture. Stir in the sour cream just before serving to maintain its creamy texture—overheating can cause it to curdle, which you want to avoid for that smooth, luscious sauce.

What to Serve With It

For a truly Canadian experience, serve your Paprika Chicken alongside buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up that sumptuous sauce. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast, while steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli or carrots can round out the plate beautifully. Don't forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color!

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Paprika Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the sauce creamy and prevent drying out. If you wish to freeze, portion the chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers, and it will keep for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition Per Serving

400
Calories
37g
Protein
17g
Fat
23g
Carbs
Fiber2g
Sugar9g
Sodium659mg

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of paprika should I use for this dish?+

Always opt for a high-quality smoked paprika, like Pimentonera or one from the international aisle at Loblaws. It makes a significant difference in flavor compared to regular paprika.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?+

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but be mindful of cooking times to prevent them from drying out. They may cook quicker than thighs.

Is it necessary to caramelize the onions?+

Yes, caramelizing the onions brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to the sauce. Don’t rush this step; it’s worth the wait.

What can I substitute for sour cream?+

If you prefer, you can use plain yogurt or crème fraîche as a substitute. Both will provide a similar creamy texture and tang.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?+

Certainly! Adding bell peppers or mushrooms during the cooking process can enhance the dish's flavor and nutrition, making it even heartier.

Reviews

4.9 / 5 (202 reviews)
Rachel W.
Oct 3, 2025

My family loved this recipe. Will definitely make again!

Brandon I.
Feb 18, 2025

Simple ingredients, amazing results. Highly recommend.

Rachel U.
Aug 10, 2025

This is comfort food at its finest. Pure perfection.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:
10 min
Cook:
30 min
Total:
40 min
Servings:
4
Difficulty:
Easy

Pro Tips

  • 1Ne brusquez pas l'étape de saisie — les morceaux dorés au fond de la poêle sont de la saveur concentrée pure.
  • 2Utilisez un chaudron à fond épais qui distribue la chaleur uniformément. Une cocotte du Bay ou un poêlon en fonte du Canadian Tire font parfaitement le travail.
  • 3Assaisonnez généreusement — le poulet absorbe les saveurs comme une éponge, et un poulet sous-assaisonné c'est l'erreur de cuisine la plus courante.

Variations

  • Remplacez les poitrines par des hauts de cuisse si la recette le permet — les hauts de cuisse sont plus tolérants et plus difficiles à trop cuire.
  • Ajoutez un trait de vin blanc ou de vinaigre de cidre lors du déglacement pour plus de profondeur.
  • Version sans lactose: utilisez l'huile d'olive au lieu du beurre et le lait de coco au lieu de la crème.

International Chicken Recipes

Paprika Chicken

This is THE Paprika Chicken recipe you have been looking for.

by ChickenRecipes.ca

Paprika Chicken - recette canadienne de poulet
Chef Marco Deluca

Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

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