Warm up your kitchen with the comforting flavors of Croatian Chicken Paprikas, a traditional dish brimming with rich, smoky paprika and tender chicken. This one-pot wonder features succulent chicken thighs or drumsticks gently simmered in a velvety sauce made from sweet paprika, tomato paste, garlic, and sautéed onions. A touch of sour cream adds creaminess, while a hint of optional hot paprika can kick up the heat. Perfectly balanced with aromatics like bay leaf and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish pairs beautifully with buttered noodles, fluffy mashed potatoes, or steaming rice. Ready in just over an hour, Croatian Chicken Paprikas is a satisfying and flavorful meal ideal for family dinners or an exploration of hearty Eastern European cuisine.
Begin by preparing the ingredients. Finely chop the onions and mince the garlic. Wash and pat dry the chicken pieces.
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until they become translucent and golden, about 8-10 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the sweet paprika, hot paprika (if using), and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
Place the chicken pieces into the pot, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides.
Pour in the chicken broth, add the bay leaf, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chicken cook for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a small bowl, mix the flour with 2-3 tablespoons of water to form a smooth slurry. Slowly stir this into the pot to thicken the sauce.
Let the dish simmer for another 10 minutes, ensuring the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, add a little extra water or chicken broth.
Remove the bay leaf and stir in the sour cream just before serving. Mix well to create a creamy and rich sauce.
Serve the Croatian Chicken Paprikas hot, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Calories |
2434 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 141.7 g | 182% | |
| Saturated Fat | 42.7 g | 214% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 980 mg | 327% | |
| Sodium | 4345 mg | 189% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 64.1 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.5 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.6 g | ||
| Protein | 241.7 g | 483% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 425 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 18.0 mg | 100% | |
| Potassium | 3927 mg | 84% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.