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If you're into creamy, juicy tender chicken packed with ultimate flavor and served over a bed of egg noodles, then you will fall in love with this Instant Pot Chicken Paprika recipe. It takes less than 30 minutes to make for an easy weeknight meal!
I mean guys, what's better than curling up in front of the fireplace with a big 'ol bowl of comfort? This is seriously the ONE thing I like about winter...comfort food.
Creamy bowls of steaming delicious goodness...like this German goulash recipe or even this paprika schnitzel recipe. It's SO GOOD. Like, lick the bowl good. That kind of good.
If you're into ultimate comfort, you'll probably also love these Instant Pot recipes:
- Instant Pot Coq Au Vin;
- Instant Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff;
- Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup;
- Instant Pot Lemon Chicken;
- Instant Pot French Onion Soup;
- Instant Pot Braised Oxtails.
Plus, guys, we're talking about Instant Pot cooking here, so you know it's going to be easy. If you don't have an Instant Pot yet...why not???? Just kidding (not really).
Read more about the Instant Pot in this Instant Pot Review to find out if it's right for you (it's definitely right!!).
Serve this chicken paprika with buttered egg noodles, steamed white rice or with these air fryer pierogies.
Why This Recipe Works
- Using fresh paprika adds the most incredible flavor to the chicken;
- The addition of sour cream at the end of cooking adds a creamy, tangy component to the dish;
- Browning the chicken first adds a deeper flavor to the dish, as well as helping to keep the chicken tender and juicy;
- A touch of fish sauce really help to bring out the flavors.
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The Ingredients
The most important ingredient in this recipe is the paprika. It is VERY IMPORTANT to use fresh paprika for the best flavor.
Don't use the 2 year old bottle you have in your pantry - go out and invest in some fresh paprika. It makes a huge difference.
What is Paprika?
Paprika is made from dried peppers and ranges from sweet to savory and mild to spicy. There are many different kinds of paprika. This recipe call for Hungarian paprika, which has an amazing deep flavor, and a little spice. (paid link)
Read this post on the Different Types of Paprika from Bon Appetit for more information.
This easy chicken paprika recipe also calls for fish sauce, which may seem a bit strange for a Hungarian dish, but I promise it adds a delightful umami flavor to the dish. It does not make it taste fishy at all. Just delicious. (paid link)
Is Chicken Paprika Spicy?
This Paprika Chicken recipe can be spicy is you use a hot paprika. Hungarian paprika can be hot or sweet. If you don't enjoy spicy food, I recommend going with the sweet paprika. Either one however, will taste amazing in this recipe.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium high heat in a skillet and season the chicken generously with salt (2 teaspoons salt) and pepper (½ teaspoon pepper).
Brown the chicken for 3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside. You can do this in the Instant Pot as well for a full one pot meal, but I find the results are much better in a cast iron skillet.
Step 2: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the Instant Pot on the normal sauté setting. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until soft, about 2-3 minutes.
**I use the 6 quart 9-in-1 Instant Pot. (paid link)
Step 3: Add the flour and paprika and stir to coat the onions. Continue stirring to keep the paprika from burning and sticking to the pan. Cook for 1 minute.
Step 5: Add the tomatoes, chicken stock, fish sauce, salt and pepper. Stir and bring to a simmer.
Step 6: Add the chicken back to the pot and pressure cook on high for 12 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then use the manual release for any remaining pressure.
Step 7: Stir in the sour cream and the lemon juice and season with additional salt to taste if necessary.
Serve over egg noodles or rice. You can also serve it with bread such as naan, pita or toasted French bread.
Expert Tips
- It is very important to use fresh paprika in this recipe. I also highly recommend Hungarian paprika for the best deep flavor. Look for sweet Hungarian paprika if you prefer a less spicy dish. Regular paprika can be substituted in a pinch. While not quite as flavorful, the dish still comes out amazing.
- Be sure to use chicken stock, not broth. The chicken stock has a much richer mouth feel and adds better flavor. Learn how to make Chicken Bone Broth.
- Do not add the sour cream until the end. Simmering the sour cream may cause the sauce to curdle and get lumpy. Stir it in at the very end after the heat is off for a perfectly creamy texture.
- I use the 6 quart 9-in-1 Instant Pot for this recipe. The instructions should be the same using the larger size.
Chicken Paprika Freezing Instructions
If you are making this dish ahead of time, follow all the instructions but leave the lemon juice and sour cream out. Freeze the chicken in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then heat on the stove top.
**Add additional stock if it is too thick. Once warmed, add the lemon juice and sour cream and stir to combine.
To freeze leftovers, place in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
**Note that the sour cream may curdle slightly, resulting in a less than smooth texture. However, the flavor will be the same.
More Recipes Using Paprika
Chicken is such a versatile meat - browse all the Chicken Recipes for some new ideas on how to cook it!
Don't forget to sign up for the email list (don't worry, it's only one a week and it's packed full with AMAZING recipes!) and get your FREE Instant Pot Cookbook!!
Did you make this Paprika Chicken recipe? Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out!
This recipe was originally posted in January 2019. It has been updated for content and photos.
Recipe
Instant Pot Chicken Paprika Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs (bone in with skin - about 4 thighs)
- 3 tablespoons butter (or other animal fat)
- 2 teaspoons salt (to season chicken thighs before browning)
- ½ teaspoon pepper (to season chicken thighs before browning)
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tablespoons Hungarian paprika
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1-15 ounce can diced tomatoes drained
- 1 cup chicken stock (or chicken bone broth), unsalted
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium high heat in a skillet and season the chicken generously with salt (2 teaspoons salt) and pepper (½ teaspoon pepper).
- Brown the chicken for 3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the Instant Pot on the normal sauté setting. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until soft, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the flour and paprika and stir to coat the onions. Continue stirring to keep the paprika from burning and sticking to the pan. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add the tomatoes, chicken stock, fish sauce, salt and pepper. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Add the chicken back to the pot and pressure cook on high for 12 minutes.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then use the manual release for any remaining pressure.
- Stir in the sour cream and the lemon juice and season with additional salt to taste if necessary. Serve over egg noodles or rice.
Expert Tips:
- It is very important to use fresh paprika in this recipe. I also highly recommend Hungarian paprika for the best deep flavor. Look for sweet Hungarian paprika if you prefer a less spicy dish. Regular paprika can be substituted in a pinch. While not quite as flavorful, the dish still comes out amazing.
- I highly recommend using chicken stock, not chicken broth. Chicken stock adds a richness to the dish. Also, note the recipe calls for unsalted. If you buy a stock that has sodium, make sure to taste before adding additional salt.
- Do not add the sour cream until the end. Simmering the sour cream may cause the sauce to curdle and get lumpy. Stir it in at the very end after the heat is off for a perfectly creamy texture.
- I use the 6 quart 9-in-1 Instant Pot for this recipe. The instructions should be the same using the larger size.
Nutrition
Jordin
Sounds delicious, and a must try! I love trying out new recipes in my Instant Pot!
Danielle
Thanks Jordin!
Lauren Vavala | Delicious Little Bites
This recipe looks so good! I love that it can be made in an Instant pot - perfect for weeknights!
Danielle
Totally! Thanks Lauren!
Lisa | Garlic & Zest
This is such a warm and homey meal -- Living in South Florida, we never get a chance to cozy up in front of a fireplace, but I think your chicken paprika will substitute nicely! What kind of wine do you like with this?
Danielle
Thanks so much Lisa! I actually don't drink anymore, but I think it would probably be great with a nice Chardonnay.
Sara Flaherty
I would like to try this but accidentally bought boneless thighs. How long would you cook it for? Thanks so much. Still trying to figure out my IP
Danielle
It should work fine with boneless thighs too. I would reduce the cook time from 12 to 10 minutes, but otherwise it should be the same. Hope you love it!
nicole (thespicetrain.com)
I love paprikash but haven’t made it in a long time. Your recipe sounds delicious, I'm fascinated by the fish sauce in there, I must try. Thanks for sharing, Danielle! 🙂
Danielle
The fish sauce really adds a great flavor. Thanks Nicole!
Donna
I am with you on the winter comfort food, and this fits the bill perfectly. Even better is how quickly you get those complex flavors in the instant pot, no need to be standing over a pot for hours. Perfect
Danielle
Totally. Comfort food is just awesome 🙂
Veena Azmanov
I'm big on paprikash. I love the flavor it adds to chicken or most meat dishes. It's amazing how one simple ingredient can do - so much to meat. Love this - espeicially the color.
Danielle
I know, it's such a delicious spice! Thanks Veena!
Cheese Curd In Paradise
I love paprika and this recipe is right on the money for flavor, seasoning, and tender chicken. The sauce is so good. MY boys love this one, and it makes yummy leftovers.
Danielle
Thanks so much! It really is great for leftovers 🙂
Catalina
Everything is easier in the Instant Pot! This chicken paprikash looks creamy and delicious. The perfect easy weeknight meal!
Danielle
Thanks Catalina!
Denay DeGuzman
Oh my gosh, what gorgeous images! I can almost taste and smell this delicious Hungarian chicken. Seriously. I need this in my tummy right now!!!
Danielle
Thanks so much Denay! It was one of our favs 🙂
Mahy Elamin
Ok so I never knew that chicken paprikash was so yummy. This is the easiest comfort food that my kids will actually eat.
Danielle
I never thought much about it either, then I made it and was like "wow" !!
Julia
One of the best comfort foods! Love paprikash!
Danielle
Totally - it's perfect comfort food 🙂
Lisa | Garlic & Zest
I haven't made paprikash in so long, but you've reminded me how good it can be. Love that you're doing it in the Instant Pot too -- I just got one over the holidays and I've been playing with it. Definitely want to try it!
Danielle
It's so easy in the Instant Pot!
Demeter
Looks like such a rich and flavorful dinner! Great way to change up the chicken routine.
Danielle
Thanks Demeter!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
This looks like such a delicious dish! I'm certainly going to be giving this a try!
Danielle
Thanks so much! Hope you love it 🙂
Kate Hackworthy
I'm a huge fan of paprika so I can't wait to try this!
Danielle
Paprika is just awesome! Hope you get a chance to try this Kate 🙂