Description
This Paprika Chicken Skillet is a flavorful and creamy dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs seasoned with smoked and sweet paprika, garlic, and onion powder. The chicken is seared to a golden brown and then simmered in a luscious sauce made from chicken broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. This quick and easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the rich sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with smoked paprika, sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to infuse them with vibrant flavors.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits for added flavor. Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard until the sauce is well combined and starts to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for an additional minute until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Finish Cooking the Chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 5 to 6 minutes, ensuring it is cooked through and the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot, ideally over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to enjoy the creamy sauce.
Notes
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Make sure to dry the chicken thoroughly before seasoning to ensure a good sear.
- Adjust the amount of paprika to suit your taste preferences.
