This one-pot paprika chicken is the perfect blend of creamy and smoky, with tender chunks of chicken, bell peppers, and courgette, all simmered in a rich sauce. The smoked paprika adds depth, while the cream cheese brings out a velvety texture that coats every bite. It’s a comforting meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Serve it with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. It’s a gluten-free, coeliac-friendly dish that is sure to be a favorite on busy weeknights. With its vibrant colors and creamy finish, this dish not only tastes delicious but looks impressive on the plate too.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp garlic-infused oil
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 1 courgette (zucchini), diced
- 300g chicken breast, chopped
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano or mixed herbs
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp tomato puree
- 200ml gluten-free chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 heaped tbsp cream cheese (dairy-free if necessary)
- Handful of fresh chives, chopped
Directions:
- Heat garlic-infused oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped red pepper and courgette and fry for a few minutes until softened.
- Add the chopped chicken and cook until sealed (white on the outside).
- Stir in the smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato puree.
- Pour in the stock and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and cream cheese, creating a creamy, rich sauce.
- Finish by sprinkling with fresh chives and serve with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 423 kcal | Servings: 2
One-Pot Paprika Chicken: A Deliciously Simple, Gluten-Free Meal for Busy Weeknights
The One-Pot Paprika Chicken recipe is more than just a quick and easy meal – it’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious and comforting. This dish is not only packed with flavor but also gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for people with Coeliac disease or those avoiding gluten for dietary reasons. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for yourself, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds while being easy on the stomach and perfect for a busy schedule.
A Dish with European Origins
Paprika, the star of this dish, is a spice deeply rooted in European cuisine, especially in Hungary and Spain, where smoked paprika is commonly used to enhance dishes with a rich, smoky flavor. Paprika is made by grinding dried peppers and is available in sweet, hot, and smoked varieties. In this recipe, smoked paprika is the key flavor component, giving the chicken a depth of smoky richness that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
The use of smoked paprika in recipes like this one is a reflection of how paprika has evolved from its native region to become a pantry staple around the world. Traditionally, paprika is used in European stews, sausages, and roasts, and its inclusion in this chicken dish elevates the flavor profile to something reminiscent of classic European comfort food.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Your Busy Life
In today’s fast-paced world, having recipes like the One-Pot Paprika Chicken that are both quick to prepare and nutritious is essential. One of the standout benefits of this recipe is its one-pot approach. This method saves time on cleanup and makes cooking more efficient by reducing the number of steps and dishes involved. The entire meal can be prepared in just 25 minutes, which is perfect for those weeknights when you’re short on time but still want a satisfying, homemade meal.
Another time-saving aspect is the use of garlic-infused oil. This ingredient adds a burst of garlic flavor without the need to peel and chop fresh garlic, cutting down on prep time while keeping the recipe simple. Garlic-infused oil also makes this dish suitable for people on low FODMAP diets, who need to avoid whole garlic but can still enjoy its infused essence.
The Health Benefits of This Recipe
Beyond its convenience, the One-Pot Paprika Chicken recipe is also incredibly healthy. It’s packed with lean protein from the chicken breast and essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. The dish uses red bell peppers and courgettes (zucchini), both of which are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients like vitamin C and potassium.
Moreover, this recipe can easily be adjusted to meet various dietary needs:
- Gluten-free: This dish is entirely gluten-free, making it safe for those with Coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity. It uses gluten-free stock to ensure that the entire dish remains wheat-free without compromising on flavor.
- Dairy-free option: By swapping out the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative, this recipe can be made suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet.
- Low FODMAP: The garlic-infused oil makes this recipe adaptable for those following a low FODMAP diet, which is important for people managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Simply use low FODMAP stock and lactose-free cream cheese, and you’re good to go!
Smoked Paprika – The Secret to Unmatched Flavor
The real hero of this recipe is the smoked paprika. Unlike regular paprika, which adds only mild heat, smoked paprika imparts a depth of flavor that transforms the entire dish. The smoky undertone blends perfectly with the creamy sauce, creating a delightful balance of rich and tangy flavors. This spice, while powerful, is never overwhelming, making it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes beyond this one.
Incorporating smoked paprika into a dish like this is a great way to introduce robust, layered flavors into your meals without needing to rely on heavy sauces or complicated cooking techniques. It adds just the right amount of smokiness to complement the tender chicken and vibrant vegetables.
One-Pot Cooking – A Simple Yet Efficient Approach
One-pot meals are increasingly popular, and for good reason. They make cooking simple, fast, and fuss-free. Instead of juggling multiple pans and pots, everything comes together in a single dish, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Cooking chicken, vegetables, and sauce in the same pot allows each ingredient to absorb the flavors of the spices and herbs, resulting in a dish that feels cohesive and well-balanced.
Additionally, one-pot meals are great for those who want to streamline their cooking process. Not only does it save time during preparation, but it also means fewer dishes to wash afterward, which is a huge plus for anyone with a busy lifestyle.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
One of the best features of this recipe is how well it works for meal prep. The One-Pot Paprika Chicken can be cooked in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well, making it ideal for batch cooking. Whether you’re looking to prepare your weeknight dinners ahead of time or want to have an easy, reheatable lunch ready to go, this recipe fits the bill.
Simply portion the chicken and sauce into airtight containers and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just defrost overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. The flavors hold up beautifully even after freezing, and the creamy texture of the sauce remains intact.
Why This Recipe is the Best Choice for Gluten-Free Eaters
Finding gluten-free recipes that are both satisfying and easy to make can be a challenge, especially for those with Coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity. This One-Pot Paprika Chicken is an excellent addition to your gluten-free recipe collection because it doesn’t sacrifice flavor or convenience. Each ingredient in the recipe is carefully selected to be gluten-free, from the smoked paprika to the stock used in the sauce. Additionally, it offers options for those who are also dairy-free or following a low FODMAP diet.
Unlike many gluten-free recipes that can feel limiting, this one is versatile and adaptable. It allows you to customize the dish with different vegetables, swap out chicken for a vegetarian alternative like chickpeas, or even adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. You can also pair it with various gluten-free sides like rice, gluten-free pasta, or even gluten-free wraps for a different experience each time.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful, and healthy dinner option, the One-Pot Paprika Chicken should be at the top of your list. It’s rich in flavor, easy to make, and adaptable to various dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish offers the perfect balance of taste, nutrition, and simplicity.
