Name: Amazing Chicken Stew with Cream and Paprika
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Oh, this Chicken Stew with Cream and Paprika recipe is just pure magic! Seriously, on a chilly evening, there’s nothing better than a bowl of this. I remember one particularly frosty night last winter, I threw this together without even thinking, and the smell that filled my kitchen was just incredible. It’s one of those simple, soul-warming dishes that makes you feel all cozy inside. I’ve tinkered with a lot of recipes over the years, trying to find that perfect balance of easy-to-find ingredients that still pack a flavor punch, and this one? It’s a winner. It’s proof that you don’t need a ton of fancy stuff to make something truly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stew with Cream and Paprika

Honestly, this Chicken Stew with Cream and Paprika is a total game-changer for busy nights. It’s so comforting and satisfying, you’ll want to make it again and again. What really makes it special is how it hits all the right notes – warm, creamy, and super flavorful without being complicated at all.

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

Seriously, you can have this deliciousness on the table in under an hour! It’s perfect for those nights when you’re tired but still want something hearty and homemade. No one will guess how little time you spent!

Rich and Creamy Flavor Profile

The combination of tender chicken, savory paprika, and luscious heavy cream creates a taste that’s just divine. It’s so smooth and comforting, it feels like a hug in a bowl.

Simple Ingredients, Big Taste

You probably have most of what you need in your pantry already! This recipe proves that you don’t need a long list of exotic items to create a dish that tastes amazing. It’s all about simple ingredients working together perfectly.

Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken Stew with Cream and Paprika

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this amazing Chicken Stew with Cream and Paprika. It’s a pretty straightforward list, which is part of why I love it so much! First up, we need about a pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Chop those into nice, bite-sized pieces, about an inch big. Then, grab a tablespoon of olive oil to get things started in the pot. For our aromatics, you’ll want one large onion, chopped up nice and fine, and two cloves of garlic, minced so they spread their flavor everywhere. The star spice here is paprika – just one teaspoon will do the trick! Don’t forget the basics: half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper to season everything just right. For the liquid base, we’ll use two cups of chicken broth. And the magic ingredient for that creamy texture? One cup of heavy cream. Finally, a little something fresh to finish it off: two tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for garnish. Easy peasy!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Stew with Cream and Paprika

Alright, let’s get this delicious Chicken Stew with Cream and Paprika simmering on your stove! It’s really quite simple, and I’ll walk you through every bit of it. Trust me, the smell alone will make you so happy you decided to make it!

Browning the Chicken

First things first, grab your favorite large pot or Dutch oven and set it over medium heat. Add that tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s warm and shimmering a bit, toss in your chicken pieces. We want to get them nice and browned on all sides. This step isn’t just for looks; it adds a ton of flavor to the whole stew!

Sautéing Aromatics and Spices

Once the chicken is beautifully browned, take it out for a sec and set it aside. Now, in the same pot, add your chopped onion and let it soften up for about 5 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic, along with the paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and let it cook for just about a minute until you can really smell that amazing fragrance. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Simmering to Perfection

Now, pour in your chicken broth, scraping up any yummy browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot – that’s pure flavor gold! Bring it all to a gentle simmer. Then, nestle those browned chicken pieces back into the pot. Reduce the heat to low, pop a lid on, and let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. This is where the chicken gets super tender and all those flavors start to meld together beautifully.

Achieving Creamy Richness

Once the chicken is cooked through, it’s time for the magic ingredient: the heavy cream! Stir it in gently. You just want to heat it through until the stew is nice and creamy. The most important thing here is *not* to let it boil after you add the cream. Boiling can sometimes make it separate, and we want this stew to be silky smooth!

Finishing Touches

And that’s pretty much it! Just before you serve, give it a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Then, sprinkle that lovely chopped fresh parsley all over the top. It adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that just makes everything sing. Ladle it up into bowls and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Chicken Stew with Cream and Paprika

You want your Chicken Stew with Cream and Paprika to be absolutely perfect? I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve that really make a difference. These simple tips will help ensure your stew is not just good, but *amazing* every single time. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little, that’s part of the fun!

Thickening Your Stew

If you like your stew a little thicker, don’t worry! Just whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until it’s smooth. Stir this slurry into the simmering stew before you add the cream. It’ll thicken it up beautifully.

Adding Extra Vegetables

Want to load up on more veggies? Go for it! Carrots or potatoes are fantastic additions. Just chop them up and toss them in with the onion at the beginning. They’ll cook down nicely and add even more heartiness to your stew.

Choosing the Right Paprika

The type of paprika you use can really change the flavor! I usually use regular sweet paprika for a nice color and mild flavor. But if you’re feeling adventurous, try smoked paprika for a deeper, richer taste that’s just divine!

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Stew with Cream and Paprika

This rich and creamy Chicken Stew with Cream and Paprika is hearty enough on its own, but it’s even better with the right accompaniments! I love serving it with some crusty bread – maybe a baguette or some sourdough – for dipping up all that delicious sauce. It’s also fantastic over fluffy mashed potatoes or even some simple white rice if you want to make it a really substantial meal. For a lighter touch, a simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess beautifully. Honestly, whatever you choose, it’s going to be a winner!

Storing and Reheating Your Chicken Stew with Cream and Paprika

Got leftovers of this amazing Chicken Stew with Cream and Paprika? Lucky you! Let it cool down a bit first, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. Give it a good stir now and then, and be careful not to let it boil, especially after the cream has been added, to keep it nice and smooth. You can also reheat it in the microwave, just make sure to stir it halfway through for even heating. It’s almost as good the second time around!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Stew with Cream and Paprika

Got some burning questions about my favorite Chicken Stew with Cream and Paprika? I’ve got you covered! Let’s dive into some common queries to make sure your cooking experience is super smooth.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

You totally can! Chicken breast will work, but it cooks a bit faster and can sometimes get a little dry if you’re not careful. Thighs stay more tender and moist, which is why I love them for this creamy chicken stew!

How long does this chicken stew last in the refrigerator?

This lovely stew will keep well in an airtight container in your fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure it’s cooled down before you store it!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yep, this particular paprika chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free! All the ingredients listed are gluten-free, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden gluten sneaky things.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! This stew is actually even better the next day after the flavors have really had a chance to mingle. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, as your specific ingredients and brands can change things a bit! This delicious Chicken Stew with Cream and Paprika comes in at about 450 calories per serving. You’ll get around 30g of fat (about 18g of that is saturated), 35g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates, with only 5g of sugar. The sodium content is roughly 600mg. It’s a hearty meal that’s packed with flavor!