Easy Paprika Chicken (Low Carb)

This creamy Smoked Paprika Chicken is packed with flavor, and ready in under 30 minutes. The whole family will go crazy for this rich and creamy low carb chicken recipe!

Don’t you just love one skillet dishes that are easy to make? This chicken in paprika sauce is perfect even on the busiest of weeknights. 

REASONS TO TRY THIS SMOKED PAPRIKA CHICKEN

• It is ridiculously easy to make and is ready in 25 minutes!
• It’s warm and hearty enough to warm you up on a winter evening, but since you don’t have to heat up the oven, it is also a perfect summer dinner recipe.
• Garlic, onion, and smoked paprika give it amazing flavor!
• The creamy sauce is so delicious that you will want to lick your plate clean.
• On its own, it is a delightful low carb meal. But you can also pair it with noodles or rice if you aren’t trying to cut carbs.

What does paprika do for chicken?

Paprika adds a beautiful reddish brown color to any dish, but it also adds flavor. Made from peppers, it can be sweet and mild or hot and spicy, depending on the type of paprika used.

Is smoked paprika the same as Paprika?

They are similar, but not the same. Regular paprika, (sometimes called sweet)  has a very subtle flavor, and is mainly used for adding color. It is often sprinkled on deviled eggs and potato salad. If a recipe doesn’t specify a type of paprika, you can assume it means this type.

Smoked paprika (sometimes called spanish paprika) on the other hand, has a more robust flavor. Because it is made with peppers that are smoked as they are dried, it imparts an earthy, smoky flavor that is much more rich and complex. Once you try it, it’s a game changer!

You can also find hot or Hungarian paprika, which is used to add a spicy kick to dishes.

HOW TO MAKE SMOKED PAPRIKA CHICKEN

INGREDIENTS NEEDED:

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts – You can substitute thighs if you prefer.
• salt and pepper – Make sure you generously season the chicken before cooking for best flavor.
• olive oil – You can substitute another oil of your choice if you prefer.
• yellow onion – If you are trying to keep the carb count down, make sure to avoid sweet onions.
• minced garlic – Use fresh for best flavor!
• yellow or red bell pepper – We love peppers in this dish, but you can substitute another vegetable, or leave them out if you prefer.
• heavy cream – Makes the sauce silky smooth and delicious. To cut fat, you can use half & half cream instead.
• sour cream – Adds a nice tang that balances out the paprika, and makes the sauce thick and creamy. You can use light sour cream to make this dish lower in fat.
• smoked paprika – Of course you can use regular or hot paprika, but smoked paprika adds an earthy, smoky flavor that we think is unbeatable!

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cut your chicken into 1″ cubes, then season it with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the chicken in oil in a skillet till browned and juices run clear. Set chicken aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the onion and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and pepper, cook another minute.
4. Turn heat to low and add sour cream, heavy cream, and smoked paprika. Return chicken to the pan and heat through.

You can serve this paprika chicken breast with rice, pasta, or potatoes to soak up all the incredible sauce. I like to serve mine with cooked green beans or broccoli to keep the carb count down. 

LEFTOVERS? This easy paprika chicken recipe makes the best leftovers! It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

VARIATIONS:

• I like using boneless chicken breast, but this dish is also tasty with chicken thighs.
• Instead of using peppers, you can use zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, or another vegetable of your choice.
• Add some chopped fresh spinach at the end and just cook it for a minute or two until it wilts.
• Add some fresh mushrooms with the onions.
• To make the garlic paprika chicken lower in fat, you can use half chicken broth/half cream, or substitute light cream for the heavy; you can also use greek yogurt in place of the sour cream.

You can serve this paprika chicken breast with rice, pasta, or potatoes to soak up all the incredible sauce. I like to serve mine with cooked green beans or broccoli to keep the carb count down. 

EASY CHICKEN DINNER RECIPES:

• Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
• Instant Pot Spicy Chicken
• Chicken and Potato Casserole
• Curry Chicken Wraps
• Alice Springs Chicken
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza
• Salsa Chicken

LOW CARB RECIPES:

• Cheesy Cauliflower Soup
• Salmon with Cream Sauce
• Keto Ranch Dressing
• Keto Cheeseburger Casserole

With its creamy, slightly tangy sauce and smoky flavor, this tasty paprika chicken is going to be an instant hit. You will want to make it all year round!