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Creamy Paprika Chicken with Zucchini

Creamy Paprika Chicken with Zucchini

Tender chicken simmers in a velvety paprika cream sauce with sautéed zucchini. Cozy, weeknight-friendly comfort with gentle smoky warmth.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts slice into thin cutlets
  • 1.5 tbsp sweet paprika Hungarian-style if you have it
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika optional, for extra smokiness
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1.5 tbsp all-purpose flour for a light dredge and thickening
  • 1.5 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup yellow onion, diced
  • 12 oz zucchini, sliced into half-moons
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 0.75 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Pat chicken dry. Combine paprika, salt, pepper, and flour. Toss chicken to coat lightly, shaking off excess.
  • Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken until golden, 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
  • Lower heat to medium. Sauté onion and zucchini in the same pan until lightly browned and softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in garlic, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, 30–45 seconds.
  • Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  • Stir in heavy cream. Return chicken and any juices. Simmer gently until thickened and chicken is cooked through, 5–7 minutes.
  • Finish with lemon juice and parsley. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  • Rest 2 minutes off heat, then serve hot.

Notes

Serve over buttered egg noodles, rice, or mashed cauliflower. Swap in boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or replace half the cream with sour cream for a tangier finish. Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; reheat gently over low heat to keep the sauce silky.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Creamy Paprika Chicken with Zucchini flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.