Easy Chicken Goulash Recipe

Juicy chicken thighs simmered with mushrooms, sweet bell peppers, and onions in a rich tomato-paprika sauce. This Easy Chicken Goulash is cozy, comforting, and comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a warm, satisfying dinner without a lot of effort.

Traditional goulash is usually made with beef and takes time to slowly simmer. This chicken version keeps those classic flavors but turns them into an easy, weeknight-friendly meal. It’s lighter, faster, and just as comforting.

If you love easy dinners made in one pan, you’ll find more cozy favorites in my One-Pan Dinner Recipes collection.

Easy Chicken Goulash

This one-pot chicken goulash is the kind of dinner that feels both simple and special. Tender chicken thighs, earthy mushrooms, and sweet peppers cook together in a rich, savory sauce that’s full of flavor but easy enough for any night of the week.

If you’re craving something warm and comforting after a long day, this recipe delivers every time. It’s hearty without being heavy, and the sauce is perfect for spooning over your favorite sides.

If you enjoy rich, sauce-based meals, be sure to try my Creamy Chicken Thighs next.

Recipe Highlights

• It’s ready in about 30 minutes and made in just one pan.
• Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender in the rich tomato sauce.
• Warm paprika flavor without the long simmer time.
• Easy to serve with whatever you have on hand, from rice to crusty bread.

Ingredients

I usually reach for boneless chicken thighs in this recipe because they stay incredibly tender and flavorful. Chicken breast works too, just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook.

The seasoning is simple but comforting. Paprika does most of the heavy lifting here, while garlic, onion, and a touch of chili bring everything together.

Bell peppers add sweetness and color. I love using a mix, but any kind works.

Mushrooms give the sauce a deeper, savory flavor that makes it taste like it simmered much longer.

Passata creates a smooth, cozy sauce. Crushed tomatoes are a great option if you like a little more texture.

If you love cozy, saucey dinners like this, you might also enjoy my Creamy Mustard Chicken or Easy Beef Bourguignon next.

So, how can you make goulash in less time?

I wanted all the comfort of classic goulash, just without waiting hours for it to be ready. Swapping beef for chicken thighs was the easiest solution.

The chicken cooks quickly, stays tender, and soaks up all that paprika and tomato flavor. You still get a rich, cozy dish, just much faster.

What is Goulash?

Goulash is a traditional Hungarian stew made with onions, paprika, and tomatoes, usually simmered with beef until rich and deeply flavorful.

This chicken version keeps those classic flavors but turns them into an easy, weeknight-friendly meal. It’s lighter, faster, and just as comforting.

Easy Chicken Goulash Recipe

This recipe comes together in one pan with simple ingredients and very little prep. Once everything starts simmering, the sauce does all the work.

INSTRUCTIONS

Before you start, have all your ingredients chopped and ready to go. This makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.

Start by placing the chicken thighs in a bowl. Drizzle them with oil, then season with salt, black pepper, chili, coriander, and paprika. Gently toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.

While the chicken is searing, go ahead and chop the mushrooms, peppers, and onion.

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat with a bit of oil. Add the chicken and let it cook until lightly golden on the outside. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet, it will finish cooking later in the sauce.

Once the chicken has some color, add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan. Stir everything together and let it cook for a few minutes, just until the onion softens and the kitchen starts to smell really good.

Stir in the bell peppers and let them cook until they begin to soften. Add the mushrooms next and continue cooking until they release their moisture and turn tender.

Pour in the tomato passata and season with salt. Lower the heat and let everything simmer gently while the sauce thickens and the flavors come together.

Finish the goulash with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Give it a gentle stir, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. The chicken should be tender and the sauce rich and cozy.

Serve the goulash with buttered noodles, rice, or mashed or boiled potatoes, plus sour cream and parsley.

Tip: If the sauce thickens more than you like, just add a splash of water or broth and stir gently until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Don’t worry if things don’t look perfect right away. The flavors will come together as everything cooks.

Store: Leftover Chicken Thighs with Mushrooms and Peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days

Freeze: Allow to cool, then spoon into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating in the microwave.

More cozy chicken dinners: Creamy Mustard Chicken, Creamy Chicken & Potatoes, and Smoked Paprika Chicken.

This Chicken Goulash is the kind of meal you’ll come back to again and again. It’s hearty, flavorful, and so easy to make. Perfect for busy nights when you need something cozy and satisfying on the table fast.

FAQ

• Can I use chicken breast? Definitely! Just remember to shorten the sear time to keep it juicy.
• Thinking of making it a bit spicier? Just add some extra chili or a sprinkle of cayenne!
• What about sides? You can’t go wrong with rice, buttered noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or some crusty bread.

Serving & Storage

Serving:

This Chicken Goulash is best served warm, right out of the pan. Pair it with buttered noodles, fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up that delicious tomato-paprika sauce. For an extra special touch, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top and sprinkle with fresh parsley. It really elevates the dish, making it creamy and perfectly balanced.

Refrigerate: To keep your leftovers nice and fresh, store them in a sealed container, and they should last for about 3 days.
Freeze: If you want to save your goulash for later, let it cool down, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and stick it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat:When you’re ready to dig in again, just take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it up gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
If the sauce looks a little thick, don’t worry. Just add a splash of water or stock to get it back to the right consistency.

Tip:
Like many stews, this dish really shines the next day as the flavors blend together beautifully, making it an ideal choice for meal prep or those next-day lunches.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Goulash is one of those recipes that saves a weeknight. Everything cooks in one pan, the chicken stays juicy, and the paprika-tomato sauce tastes like it simmered way longer than it did. Serve it with rice, noodles, or crusty bread and call it dinner.

If you enjoyed this one-pan chicken recipe, don’t forget to give it a rating below ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and save it on Pinterest so you can recreate it whenever you’re craving something warm and comforting!