20 Spicy Paprika Chicken Recipes for Flavorful Dinners

Photo of author
Written By Lorraine Koller

DIY expert, architect, 20+ years in crafting, home improvement, and interior design.

Get ready to ignite your taste buds with these 20 mouth-watering spicy paprika chicken recipes! Paprika, a staple spice in many cuisines around the world, adds a depth of flavor and a pop of color to any dish. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through a variety of international flavors and cooking methods, all featuring the star ingredient: paprika.

From smoky skewers to creamy casserole, and from spicy tacos to hearty stews, our collection of recipes will satisfy your cravings for something new and exciting. Whether you’re a busy home cook or an adventurous foodie, these recipes are sure to become new favorites in your kitchen.

Smoky Paprika Chicken Skewers with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

Elevate your outdoor gatherings with these smoky and savory chicken skewers, perfectly paired with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce. A flavor combination that will leave your guests wanting more!

Ingredients:

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
– Garlic Yogurt Sauce (recipe below)

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat.
4. Thread chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl and stir until smooth. Serve with skewers.

Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes (including prep time)

Creamy Paprika Chicken with Mushrooms and Thyme

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a hint of thyme.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown, about 8 minutes.
4. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 6-7 minutes.
5. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Remove from oven and stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer over medium heat until sauce has thickened slightly, about 2-3 minutes.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Hungarian-Style Paprika Chicken with Dumplings

Savor the flavors of traditional Hungarian cuisine with this hearty dish that combines tender chicken, rich paprika sauce, and fluffy dumplings.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp caraway seeds
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup water
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken with paprika, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; brown chicken on both sides. Transfer to a baking dish.
4. Add onion and garlic to the skillet; cook until softened. Stir in flour; cook 1 minute.
5. Gradually add water, whisking continuously; bring to a boil.
6. Pour dumpling mixture over chicken; cover with foil.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and dumplings are fluffy.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

One-Pan Paprika Chicken and Bell Peppers

A flavorful and easy one-pan wonder that combines juicy chicken, sweet bell peppers, and smoky paprika. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until they start to soften.
5. Sprinkle the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the top.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bell peppers are tender.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Grilled Paprika Chicken with Lemon Herb Marinade

Elevate your outdoor cooking game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines the richness of paprika with the brightness of lemon and herbs. Perfect for a summer evening or backyard gathering, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes

Slow Cooker Paprika Chicken and Potatoes

Savor the flavors of Eastern Europe with this comforting slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Tender chicken, crispy potatoes, and rich paprika sauce come together in a hearty, one-pot meal.

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 3-4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, onion, potatoes, and red bell pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Pour over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Paprika Chicken Thighs with Crispy Skin

Elevate your chicken game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that yields crispy skin and juicy meat. A perfect combination of spices and cooking techniques will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients:

– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Season the chicken thighs with the spice mixture, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, if desired. Enjoy!

Spanish Paprika Chicken with Chorizo and Olives

This recipe combines the bold flavors of Spanish paprika, chorizo, and olives to create a rich and savory dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp smoked Spanish paprika
– 1/4 cup chopped chorizo sausage
– 1/4 cup pitted and sliced green olives
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add paprika, chorizo, olives, garlic, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Paprika Chicken and Rice Casserole

This hearty casserole combines the flavors of chicken, paprika, and rice to create a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. With its rich aroma and tender texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. In a separate bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded cheese, and cooked chicken mixture.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Baked Paprika Chicken with Parmesan Crust

This recipe yields a flavorful and crispy chicken dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The combination of smoky paprika, crunchy parmesan crust, and juicy chicken will impress anyone!

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle both sides with the paprika mixture.
4. In a separate bowl, combine Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
5. Dip each chicken breast in the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Paprika Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables

This flavorful stir-fry recipe combines the savory taste of chicken, sweet bell peppers, and crunchy broccoli with a hint of smoky paprika. A quick and easy dinner option that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large bell pepper (any color), sliced
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken, cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan.
3. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and broccoli to the pan. Cook until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Stir in paprika. Return chicken to the pan and stir to combine with vegetables.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles, if desired.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Spicy Paprika Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Elevate your taco game with this bold and flavorful recipe, featuring spicy paprika chicken, crispy tortillas, and a creamy avocado salsa.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Avocado Salsa (see below)
– Lime wedges, for serving
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Rub mixture evenly onto chicken breasts.
3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Slice grilled chicken into thin strips.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos with chicken, avocado salsa, and desired toppings.

Avocado Salsa:

– 3 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt to taste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until well combined.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Paprika Chicken and Lentil Stew

A hearty and flavorful stew that combines the tender juiciness of chicken with the comforting warmth of lentils, all tied together with a hint of smoky paprika.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add the onions, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
4. Add the lentils, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until lentils are tender.
6. Return the chicken to the pot and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Paprika Chicken Wings with Honey Glaze

Elevate your game-day snacks or dinner party with these addictive chicken wings smothered in a sweet and spicy paprika honey glaze. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs chicken wings
– 1/4 cup paprika
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together paprika, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken wings and toss until evenly coated.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange wings in a single layer.
5. Bake for 30 minutes or until crispy.
6. While wings are baking, whisk together honey and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
7. Remove wings from oven and brush with honey glaze.
8. Return to oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until caramelized.

Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes

Paprika Chicken Salad with Roasted Red Peppers

Elevate your salad game with this flavorful and vibrant dish, featuring tender chicken, sweet roasted red peppers, and a hint of smoky paprika.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 2 large red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roast the red bell peppers in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until charred and blistered.
3. Remove from oven and let cool. Peel off skin, discarding it, and chop the flesh into small pieces.
4. In a large bowl, combine chicken, roasted red peppers, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro leaves if desired.

Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes (including roasting time)

Paprika Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells

Elevate your pasta game with this creamy and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of paprika chicken, spinach, and jumbo shells. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook shells according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, cook chicken with paprika, garlic, and spinach until cooked through.
4. Mix cooked chicken with ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg.
5. Stuff each shell with the chicken mixture and place in a baking dish.
6. Cover with marinara sauce and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Paprika Chicken Flatbread with Feta and Arugula

Savor the bold flavors of this Mediterranean-inspired flatbread, featuring juicy chicken, crispy paprika-spiced crust, creamy feta, and peppery arugula.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 flatbread crusts (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 cups arugula leaves
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix chicken breast with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the mixture onto flatbread crusts, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
5. Top each flatbread with crumbled feta cheese, arugula leaves, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Paprika Chicken and Quinoa Bowl

This flavorful bowl combines tender chicken, nutty quinoa, and sweet paprika with a hint of smokiness. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Place the chicken breast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush with the paprika mixture.
4. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
6. Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
7. In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chicken, and chopped parsley.
8. Serve immediately.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Paprika Chicken Soup with Chickpeas and Kale

This comforting soup combines the rich flavors of paprika chicken with the nutritious goodness of chickpeas and kale, making it a perfect meal for a chilly day.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups kale leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, paprika, and chicken; cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Stir in chopped kale and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with paprika if desired.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Paprika Chicken Burgers with Spicy Mayo

Elevate your burger game with these juicy paprika chicken burgers topped with a creamy and spicy mayo. Perfect for a quick dinner or a backyard BBQ.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound ground chicken
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 hamburger buns
– Spicy Mayo (recipe below)

Spicy Mayo:

– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, smoked paprika, olive oil, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into 4 patties and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, prepare Spicy Mayo by mixing all ingredients in a bowl.
5. Assemble burgers on buns with Spicy Mayo and serve immediately.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Summary

Get ready to spice up your dinner routine! This article presents 20 mouth-watering paprika chicken recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From classic dishes like Hungarian-Style Paprika Chicken with Dumplings and Creamy Paprika Chicken with Mushrooms and Thyme, to international twists like Spanish Paprika Chicken with Chorizo and Olives and Spicy Paprika Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty casserole or a quick stir-fry, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

Leave a Comment