Creamy Chicken and Potatoes with Smoked Paprika Sauce
Looking for an easy one-pan chicken dinner that feels cozy and comforting? This Creamy Chicken and Potatoes with Smoked Paprika Sauce is rich, buttery, and full of warm, smoky flavor.
It’s one of those simple, no-fuss meals that feels a little special without extra effort. If you enjoy cozy skillet dinners like this, you can browse more creamy chicken recipes for easy weeknight meal ideas. Everything cooks in one pan, and the creamy sauce is perfect for spooning over rice, mashed potatoes, or soaking up with crusty bread.
If creamy chicken dinners are your thing, you might also enjoy my Creamy Paprika Chicken, Creamy Parmesan Chicken, and Creamy Mushroom Chicken Skillet. These are some of my favorite easy skillet meals for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich, creamy sauce with deep smoky flavor from smoked paprika.
- Everything cooks in one pan for easy cleanup.
- Comforting, family-friendly, and made with simple ingredients.
Quick Look at the Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs gives this dish a hearty and satisfying base.
- Potatoes make it extra cozy and help turn it into a full one-pan meal.
- Smoked paprika adds the deep, warm flavor that makes this sauce so special.
- Heavy cream makes the sauce rich, smooth, and comforting.
- Tarragon adds a subtle herby note that works beautifully with the smoky sauce.
- Parsley adds freshness and a little color right before serving.
Tips for the Best Flavor
- Use smoked paprika, not regular paprika, for that deep, smoky flavor.
- Sear the chicken just until golden to keep it juicy.
- Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich texture. Low-fat substitutes will change the result.
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds freshness and color before serving.
If you enjoy simple meals like this one, you can also browse more chicken recipes and comforting skillet dinners for easy family meals.
How to Make It
Heat the oil and butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly golden on both sides, about 4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Next add the chopped potatoes to the pan and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
Season with salt, black pepper, tarragon, smoked paprika, and flour. Stir everything together and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to toast the spices and thicken the base.
Pour in the heavy cream and water, stir well, and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and let everything cook together for about 10 minutes, until the sauce is creamy and the potatoes are tender.
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, then serve while warm.
Bon appetit!
What to Serve with Creamy Smoked Paprika Chicken
This creamy chicken pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, plain rice, buttered noodles, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Known as Creamy Smoked Paprika Chicken, this dish that never fails to make those around my table very, very happy.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the dairy-based sauce.
Creamy Chicken and Potatoes with Smoked Paprika Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. / 700g. Chicken thighs
- 2 lb. / 900g. Potatoes
- 2 tbsp. / 40g Butter
- 1 tsp. Salt
- 1/3 tsp. Black pepper
- 1 tsp. Tarragon
- 2 tsp. Paprika
- 2 tbsp. Flour
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 cups Water
- 1.5 oz. / 40g Parsley
Instructions
- Heat oil and butter a large pan over high heat and cook chicken (about 4 minutes each side, depending on thickness)
- Chop potatoes and add to chicken and cook for 8 minutes, stirring over medium heat.
- Add salt, black pepper, tarragon, smoked paprika, and flour. Cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and water, mix through and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook 10 min.
- Sprinkle with parsley and the Creamy Smoked Paprika Chicken is ready!
Video
Thank you!