Easiest Slow Cooker Chicken Paprikash Recipe!
Craving a hearty, comforting meal without the fuss? Our "Easiest Slow Cooker Chicken Paprikash Recipe!" brings the rich, smoky flavors of traditional Hungarian cuisine right to your table with minimal effort. This classic dish, famous for its tender chicken coated in a creamy, paprika-infused sauce, is made even simpler thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. It's the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it solution for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, making it the perfect recipe chicken paprikash slow cooker for busy lives.
Why Choose the Slow Cooker for Paprikash?
The slow cooker truly shines when preparing dishes like Paprikash. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours, resulting in an incredibly tender chicken that practically falls off the bone. This method prevents the sauce from drying out and ensures a consistently moist and flavorful result, unlike stovetop versions that require more constant attention. Plus, it frees up your time to focus on other things while dinner cooks itself.
Wholesome Ingredients You'll Need
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into large pieces
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 red bell pepper, cored and chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 3-4 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika (ensure it's fresh for best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
- ½ cup sour cream, at room temperature (full-fat for richness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Perfect Paprikash
Preparing this incredibly simple recipe chicken paprikash slow cooker is as easy as gathering your ingredients and letting your appliance do the work:
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Place the chopped chicken pieces at the bottom of your slow cooker. Scatter the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes (with their liquid), and chopped red bell pepper over the chicken.
- Season and Combine: Sprinkle the paprika evenly over the ingredients. Add the chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is incredibly tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Thicken and Finish (Optional but Recommended): In a small bowl, whisk together the flour or cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Temper and Add Sour Cream: Before adding the sour cream, scoop out about 1/2 cup of the hot liquid from the slow cooker into a separate bowl. Whisk it with the sour cream until smooth. This tempering step prevents the sour cream from curdling when added to the hot sauce. Stir the tempered sour cream mixture into the slow cooker. Do not bring to a boil after adding the sour cream.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Results
- Quality Paprika Matters: Using fresh, good quality Hungarian sweet paprika is crucial for authentic flavor. It makes all the difference in this specific recipe chicken paprikash slow cooker.
- Don't Skip Tempering: Tempering the sour cream is essential for a smooth, creamy sauce. Adding cold sour cream directly to hot liquid can cause it to curdle.
- Browning Chicken (Optional): For an even deeper flavor, you can quickly brown the chicken pieces in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This step adds an extra layer of savory depth, though it's not strictly necessary for this "easiest" recipe.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the paprikash sit for a few minutes after adding the sour cream for the flavors to fully meld.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Paprikash is traditionally served with egg noodles (nokedli or spaetzle), but it also pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or even polenta. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the luscious, creamy sauce. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad.
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This easy recipe chicken paprikash slow cooker simplifies a beloved classic, delivering a profoundly satisfying and flavorful meal with minimal active cooking time. Enjoy the rich aromas and comforting taste of this Hungarian staple, made effortlessly in your own kitchen!
Slow Cooker Chicken Paprikash
Chicken Paprikash Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker Chicken Paprikash Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Paprikash Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Paprikash Recipe
