Name: Creamy Paprika Chicken with Herb Potatoes and Fluffy Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489047H37M49S
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 500g chicken breast, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 200ml heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish; 600g baby potatoes, cubed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt, pepper, and chopped parsley to taste; 200g long-grain rice; Salt and black pepper

Jump to Recipe·5 from 10 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that wraps you up in warmth, hits every comfort-food note, yet wows with its golden hues and creamy sauce, you absolutely must try Creamy Paprika Chicken with Herb Potatoes and Fluffy Rice. This dish brings together tender bites of paprika-infused chicken nestled in a rich, luscious cream, crispy roasted baby potatoes bursting with herbs, and mounds of light, perfectly seasoned rice. The flavors are balanced, the textures beg for “just one more forkful,” and the colors alone could draw a crowd to your table. Creamy Paprika Chicken with Herb Potatoes and Fluffy Rice is more than a recipe — it’s a weeknight hero, a dinner party darling, and the answer to “what do I cook when I want something truly special?”

Creamy Paprika Chicken with Herb Potatoes and Fluffy Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret behind the magic of Creamy Paprika Chicken with Herb Potatoes and Fluffy Rice is the clever use of simple, approachable ingredients. Each one contributes to the final flavor, texture, or color in a unique way, so don’t skip a thing — this is fuss-free food at its finest!

Chicken breast (500g, diced): Lean, quick to cook, and soaks up all the lovely paprika and cream beautifully.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons, divided): Adds a touch of richness and helps everything reach that golden, crispy perfection.
Paprika powder (1 teaspoon): The key spice for that gorgeous color and warm, gentle flavor.
Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a hint of earthiness that makes the sauce pop.
Heavy cream (200ml): Turns the sauce silky, indulgent, and perfect for drizzling over rice.
Salt and pepper (to taste): The flavor boosters you can tailor just how you like.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a splash of green and fresh herbal brightness at the finish.
Baby potatoes (600g, cubed): Quick-roasting and crispy on the outside, fluffy within — perfect for catching all the flavors.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the potatoes with that irresistible savory note.
Chopped parsley (to taste, for potatoes): Amp up the flavor and make the potatoes shine.
Long-grain rice (200g): Extra fluffy when cooked right, creating the ultimate base for all the sauciness.

How to Make Creamy Paprika Chicken with Herb Potatoes and Fluffy Rice

Step 1: Cook the Fluffy Rice

Start by rinsing your long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear — this extra minute makes all the difference for fluffy, separated grains. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add your rice, reduce the heat, then cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. Let it rest, covered, off the heat for another 5 minutes to steam. Fluff gently with a fork and season with salt and pepper. Keep your masterpiece warm, as it will be the perfect bed for your Creamy Paprika Chicken with Herb Potatoes and Fluffy Rice.

Step 2: Roast the Herb Potatoes

While the rice cooks, preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Toss the cubed baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper, making sure every piece is coated. Spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they crisp instead of steam. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even golden goodness. When they’re sizzling, scatter them with lots of chopped parsley — you’ll love the fresh flavor boost with every bite.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drop in the diced chicken, sprinkle with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper, then toss to coat. Sauté, letting the pieces sear and develop a rich, aromatic crust, about 6-8 minutes. The aroma at this stage is simply irresistible and sets the stage for the creamy magic to come.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Paprika Sauce

When the chicken is golden and cooked through, lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well, making sure to coat every piece in that velvety sauce, then let the whole mixture simmer gently for 5-7 minutes. The sauce will thicken, the paprika will infuse, and the chicken will become impossibly tender. Don’t forget a final flourish of fresh parsley for color and a zippy touch.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

To serve Creamy Paprika Chicken with Herb Potatoes and Fluffy Rice, layer generous mounds of rice on each plate, nestle piles of crispy herb potatoes on the side, and spoon the luscious chicken over the top. Drizzle every last drop of creamy sauce — it’s simply too good to leave behind! This dreamy trio is the ultimate home-cooked feast.

How to Serve Creamy Paprika Chicken with Herb Potatoes and Fluffy Rice

Garnishes

Finishing touches matter! A scattering of just-chopped parsley over both the chicken and potatoes enlivens the plate, adds a pop of color, and infuses the dish with brightness so every bite feels fresh. For a dash of luxe, consider a little extra cracked black pepper or a swirl of cream right before serving Creamy Paprika Chicken with Herb Potatoes and Fluffy Rice.

Side Dishes

This is a hearty main, but it plays beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted seasonal veggies, or a cup of light yogurt with lemon. For gatherings, a simple cucumber and tomato salad brings cool, juicy contrast to the creamy, savory main event. A crusty baguette wouldn’t go amiss to mop up every drop of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Arrange each component in neat, colorful mounds on a large sharing platter. Or, serve in individual bowls for a cozy “bistro supper” feel. For family style, let everyone build their own plate of Creamy Paprika Chicken with Herb Potatoes and Fluffy Rice — the customizable assembly makes the meal feel truly special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a treat and store best when you keep the chicken, potatoes, and rice in separate airtight containers. This keeps everything as close to freshly-cooked perfection as possible and prevents any sogginess or flavor muddling before you’re ready to reheat Creamy Paprika Chicken with Herb Potatoes and Fluffy Rice.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, let everything cool first. Rice and potatoes can be portioned out, but the real winner for freezing is the creamy chicken. Spoon it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. Note: cream sauces may change texture slightly when thawed, but a gentle reheat (with a splash of broth or extra cream) brings it back together beautifully.

Reheating

For best quality, reheat chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream, milk, or chicken broth to revive the sauce. Rice fluffs up again with a minute or two in the microwave with a damp paper towel draped over the bowl. The potatoes regain crispness with a quick trip under the broiler or in a hot oven for 5-10 minutes. This method makes leftovers of Creamy Paprika Chicken with Herb Potatoes and Fluffy Rice taste freshly made!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a wonderful, juicier alternative. They’ll stay tender and soak up the creamy paprika sauce beautifully — just adjust cooking times slightly as thighs may need a bit longer.

Is it possible to make Creamy Paprika Chicken with Herb Potatoes and Fluffy Rice dairy-free?

For a dairy-free variation, swap in coconut cream or a plant-based cooking cream for the heavy cream. The sauce will have a hint of coconut flavor, but the paprika and thyme are still front and center, keeping the dish cozy and flavorful.

Can I add vegetables to the chicken?

Yes! You can toss in spinach, sliced bell peppers, or even mushrooms while the sauce simmers. The vegetables will blend right in, soak up the delicious sauce, and add even more texture and color to your Creamy Paprika Chicken with Herb Potatoes and Fluffy Rice.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Gently reheat the creamy chicken in a skillet with a bit of extra cream or broth to keep the sauce silky. Rice does well in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel, and potatoes crisp up in the oven or broiler. This trio reheats beautifully when done with care.

Does smoked paprika work in this recipe?

Smoked paprika brings a lovely earthy, smoky note to the sauce, adding new layers of flavor. You can substitute it for regular paprika or use half-and-half for a more complex result in your Creamy Paprika Chicken with Herb Potatoes and Fluffy Rice.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about the way Creamy Paprika Chicken with Herb Potatoes and Fluffy Rice brings comfort and excitement to the table. With every bite, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again. Give this recipe a try — it’s destined to become a new favorite in your kitchen!