Creamy Paprika-Zucchini Chicken – Quick, Spicy & Full of Flavor! 🌶️🥒🍗
This rich, creamy chicken dish with tender zucchini and sweet bell peppers is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. It’s packed with spices, garlic, and a velvety sauce that pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Ingredients (2–3 Servings):
For the Chicken & Vegetables:
• 🍗 300 g (10.5 oz) chicken breast, cut into strips or cubes
• 🌶️ 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 🥒 1 small zucchini, halved & sliced
• 🧅 1 small onion, diced
• 🧄 2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
• 🛢️ 1 tbsp olive oil or butter, for frying
For the Creamy Sauce:
• 🥛 200 ml (¾ cup) heavy cream or cooking cream
• 🍅 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 🥣 100 ml (⅓ cup) chicken broth
• 🧀 50 g (¼ cup) Parmesan, grated (optional for extra creaminess)
• 🌿 1 tsp oregano or basil (fresh or dried)
• 🌶️ ½ tsp chili flakes (optional for a slight kick)
• 🧂 Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1️⃣ Sear the Chicken:
• Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
• Season chicken with salt & pepper and sear until golden brown on both sides.
• Remove from the pan and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables:
• In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini for 2–3 minutes, until slightly softened.
3️⃣ Make the Sauce:
• Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
• Deglaze with chicken broth, then add cream & Parmesan. Stir until smooth.
4️⃣ Simmer & Combine:
• Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
• Sprinkle with fresh herbs & extra Parmesan (optional).
• Serve hot with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Tips & Variations:
✔️ Make it extra creamy: Add a spoonful of cream cheese or crème fraîche.
✔️ Boost the flavor: A dash of smoked paprika or lemon juice enhances the depth.
✔️ Low-carb option: Serve with cauliflower rice or zoodles instead of pasta.
✔️ Vegetarian twist: Swap chicken for mushrooms or tofu.
FAQ – Creamy Paprika-Zucchini Chicken
- Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Replace cream with coconut milk and omit Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
- Can I use other proteins?
Absolutely! Try it with shrimp, turkey, or even pork strips.
- How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth.
- What side dishes go well with this?
Great options include buttery mashed potatoes, rice, or garlic bread.
- Can I make this in advance?
Yes! The sauce gets even more flavorful when reheated. Just store it separately from the sides.
😍 Enjoy your creamy Paprika-Zucchini Chicken – comforting, flavorful & easy to make! 🍗✨