Name: One-Skillet Creamy Chicken Paprika with Caramelized Onions
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided); 1 tablespoon butter; 2 large onions (thinly sliced); 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, pounded to even thickness); 1 teaspoon salt (divided, to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground); 2 teaspoons sweet paprika (Hungarian paprika preferred); ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor); 3 cloves garlic (minced); ½ cup chicken broth; ¾ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for tang); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish); 1 lemon wedge (optional, for serving)

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Let’s be honest, the weeknight dinner struggle is real. You want something delicious, something that feels a little special, but the thought of a mountain of dishes is enough to make you reach for the takeout menu. What if I told you that you could have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in about 30 minutes, using just one skillet? Skeptical? I get it. But stick with me, because this One-Skillet Creamy Chicken Paprika with Caramelized Onions is about to change your life. Or, at the very least, your Tuesday night dinner routine.

I stumbled upon the magic of chicken paprikash, a classic Hungarian dish, a while back and was instantly hooked. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. My version amps up the flavor with deeply sweet caramelized onions, creating a rich, savory sauce that you’ll want to sop up with every last bit of bread. This isn’t just another boring chicken recipe; this is a main course that commands attention.

What’s the Big Deal About Chicken Paprika?

Ever wondered what gives this dish its signature vibrant color and sweet, peppery flavor? You guessed it: paprika. This isn’t your dusty, forgotten-in-the-back-of-the-cabinet paprika. We’re talking about good quality, sweet Hungarian paprika if you can find it. It’s the star of the show, made from dried and ground red bell peppers, and it brings a subtle sweetness without any real heat.

This recipe is a simplified take on the traditional Chicken Paprikash. We’re keeping all the cozy, satisfying flavors but making it a quick and easy one-skillet meal perfect for any night of the week.

Let’s Talk Ingredients

You don’t need a pantry full of obscure items to make this masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

Chicken: I’m a fan of boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this, but thighs work beautifully too. The key is to get a nice sear on the outside to lock in the juices.
Onions: We’re going for sweet or yellow onions. Their natural sugars are perfect for caramelizing, creating that deep, rich flavor base.
Paprika: Sweet paprika is the go-to, but if you like a little smokiness, smoked paprika is a great substitute.
For the Creamy Sauce: A combination of chicken broth and heavy cream creates a luscious, velvety sauce. Some traditional recipes use sour cream, which adds a lovely tang.
The Dredge: A simple mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch gives the chicken a light, crispy coating.
Aromatics & Seasoning: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper are the essential supporting cast. A pinch of red pepper flakes is optional if you like a tiny bit of heat.

The Art of Caramelizing Onions (It’s Easier Than You Think)

Don’t let the term “caramelized onions” intimidate you. It’s not some fancy chef technique. It’s just cooking onions low and slow until their natural sugars break down and they become sweet, jammy, and incredibly delicious. The key is patience. Don’t rush it. Let them do their thing, stirring occasionally, until they’re a beautiful golden brown. This step alone will elevate your dish from good to “OMG, what is in this?”

Step-by-Step to Your One-Skillet Wonder

Ready to make some magic happen? Here’s how we do it:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

First things first, let’s get that chicken ready. I like to slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets; they cook faster and more evenly this way. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside a few tablespoons of this mixture for thickening the sauce later. Dredge your chicken pieces in the remaining flour mixture, making sure they’re nicely coated.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat some olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if you need to. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Caramelize those Onions

Now, for the flavor foundation. In the same skillet, melt some butter and add your sliced onions. Cook them over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes, until they are soft and have that beautiful golden-brown color. This is where the magic really starts to happen.

Step 4: Build that Creamy, Dreamy Sauce

Sprinkle the reserved flour mixture over the caramelized onions and cook for about a minute. This is going to help thicken our sauce. Whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (that’s pure flavor, my friends!). Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for a couple of minutes until it starts to thicken. Now, reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into that creamy sauce. Let it simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up all that deliciousness. Garnish with some fresh parsley, and voilà! Dinner is served.

Let’s Get Creative: Variations and Add-ins

One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to make it your own!

Veggie Power: Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers would be fantastic additions. You could even wilt in some spinach at the end. For a heartier meal, why not try adding some cabbage or zucchini? A Chicken and Cabbage or Chicken Zucchini version would be a great way to use up produce.
Spice It Up: If you like things a little spicier, add a pinch more red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
Different Creaminess: Not a fan of heavy cream? You can substitute with sour cream for a more traditional, tangy flavor. Just be sure to add it off the heat to prevent curdling.

What to Serve on the Side?

This creamy chicken paprika is pretty amazing on its own, but it’s even better with something to soak up that incredible sauce. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:

Egg Noodles: This is the classic pairing for a reason. The chewy noodles are the perfect vehicle for the creamy sauce.
Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy mashed potatoes are another fantastic option for soaking up every last drop of goodness.
Rice: Simple steamed jasmine rice is a great, neutral base that lets the flavors of the chicken paprika shine.
Crusty Bread: Never underestimate the power of a good piece of crusty bread for dipping.

And what about the humble potato? Let’s not forget its nutritional value. Potatoes are a good source of potassium and Vitamin C. A simple baked potato or some roasted potato wedges would also be a fantastic side. Speaking of Baked Onions, if you’re an onion lover, you could even serve this with a side of sweet, tender baked onions.

Why This Recipe Just Works

Honestly, what’s not to love? It’s a one-skillet meal, which means minimal cleanup. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. And most importantly, it’s packed with flavor. The combination of the sweet caramelized onions, the savory chicken, and the rich, creamy paprika sauce is just plain irresistible.

This is one of those Hungry Happens Recipes that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s a reliable, delicious, and impressive Chicken Main Course that’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. So, next time you’re in a dinner rut, give this One-Skillet Creamy Chicken Paprika with Caramelized Onions a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed. FYI, you might want to make extra; the leftovers are pretty amazing too