Name: Creamy Chicken Paprika with Caramelized Onions Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon garlic powder, plus more if desired; 1 teaspoon onion powder, plus more if desired; 2 teaspoons paprika (smoked paprika may be substituted); 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional and to taste; ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional and to taste; 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise (about 3/4 to 1 pound each; or 4 breasts about 1/3 to 1/2 pound each; boneless skinless chicken thighs may be substituted); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 large yellow onion, sliced into thin rings (sweet Vidalia onion may be substituted); 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream (add up to 1 cup total, if more sauce is preferred); Fresh parsley, finely minced for garnishing; optional

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 11 reviews

If there’s one dish that instantly warms my heart and fills my kitchen with the most delightful aroma, it’s the Creamy Chicken Paprika with Caramelized Onions Recipe. This one-skillet marvel combines tender, juicy chicken breasts perfectly seasoned with smoky paprika and a velvety cream sauce that wraps every bite in comfort. The caramelized onions add a sweet, savory depth that balances the savory richness in a way that feels both indulgent and homey. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for guests, this recipe delivers flavor and effortless elegance in just about 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A shiny stainless steel pan holds four raw chicken pieces coated in a light layer of white flour, each piece slightly pink showing through the flour. The chicken pieces are spaced evenly inside the pan, which has a thin layer of oil with a golden shine around them. In the upper left corner, part of a white bowl with more flour and a silver spoon resting inside is visible. The whole scene sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every great dish starts with the right ingredients, and this recipe is no exception. The simplicity of these essentials beautifully comes together to create complex layers of flavor and texture that will make you want seconds and thirds.

¼ cup all-purpose flour: This creates the perfect dredge for the chicken, helping to achieve that lightly crispy exterior.
¼ cup cornstarch: Works alongside flour for extra crispiness and helps thicken the sauce later.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory kick without overpowering the other flavors.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the depth of flavor with its mild sweetness.
2 teaspoons paprika: The star spice here, bringing smoky warmth that defines this dish; smoked paprika can be used for a more intense flavor.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for balancing and amplifying all the seasonings and natural flavors.
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a sharp, peppery edge that complements the creaminess.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle heat that lingers.
⅛ to ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Brings a subtle but noticeable spicy warmth if desired.
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star proteins, sliced thin for quick cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the chicken to a perfect golden crust.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and is crucial for caramelizing the onions beautifully.
1 large yellow onion: Thinly sliced into rings, these melt down into sweet, caramelized magic.
1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base of the creamy sauce.
½ cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky sauce that envelopes the chicken in luxury.
Fresh parsley, finely minced: Provides a fresh, bright garnish that finishes the dish perfectly.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Paprika with Caramelized Onions Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spice-Dusted Chicken

Start by mixing your flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and any optional spices in a large bowl. This blend will give your chicken a flavorful, crispy coating. Reserve about 3 tablespoons of this mixture to create the roux later, then dredge your chicken slices evenly in the remaining mix. This initial coating ensures a golden crust that locks in juiciness during cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then place the chicken pieces down to sizzle. Cook each side for about 8 to 10 minutes until your thermometer reads 160°F, which is just shy of the safe internal temperature, allowing it to rest and finish cooking with residual heat. That crisp exterior with tender, juicy inside will have you eager for the next steps!

Step 3: Caramelize Those Onions

Don’t wipe out the skillet after the chicken is cooked — those browned bits hold incredible flavor! Add butter and let it melt, then toss in your thinly sliced onions. Lower the heat and stir frequently for about 20 minutes, patiently transforming the onions into irresistibly sweet, golden ribbons. This step is worth every second, as those caramelized onions are the heartwarming soul of this dish.

Step 4: Whisk Up the Roux

To the onions and butter, add the 3 tablespoons of reserved flour-spice mixture and cook over medium heat for about a minute, whisking constantly. This creates a roux, which is the foundation for your creamy sauce, thickening it beautifully and ensuring the flavors meld seamlessly. Don’t rush this part — the longer you whisk, the deeper and smoother your sauce will be.

Step 5: Build the Silky Sauce

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking gently to avoid lumps. Let the sauce thicken for a couple of minutes, then stir in the heavy cream. You’ll notice how the sauce becomes luscious and velvety, the perfect blanket for your coated chicken. Adjust seasoning here by adding more salt, pepper, or a pinch more paprika or cayenne to balance out the flavors just right.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Nestle the cooked chicken back in the skillet and toss it gently in the creamy sauce, turning the pieces to coat evenly. Layer the caramelized onions on top and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. At this point, your Creamy Chicken Paprika with Caramelized Onions Recipe is ready to delight every sense.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Paprika with Caramelized Onions Recipe

The image shows a white plate with one main layer of cooked white rice, topped with a single large piece of golden brown cooked chicken covered in a thick orange sauce with visible soft slices of cooked onions mixed in. Small green parsley leaves are scattered on top, adding a fresh touch. The plate is part of a stack of three white plates placed on a round wooden surface, with a shiny metal pot blurred in the background. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing touches elevate the experience. A sprinkle of finely minced fresh parsley not only adds vibrant green color but also imparts a subtle herbaceous brightness that cuts through the creamy richness. For an extra zing, a light dusting of smoked paprika on top can revive that smoky aroma as you serve.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy mashed potatoes, which soak up every bit of the luscious sauce. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast. Rustic crusty bread is another winner, perfect for sopping up that creamy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, consider plating each chicken breast over a swirl of creamy polenta or buttered egg noodles to add a textural and visual contrast. Serve in shallow bowls topped with extra caramelized onions and a parsley sprig for a cozy yet elegant look. You can also drizzle a touch of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten flavors as you serve.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, making it a perfect make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the creamy chicken paprika in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool fully before freezing and portion in meal-sized containers for easy thawing.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. Microwave reheating works too but do so in short intervals to keep that creamy texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and add extra juiciness and flavor thanks to their higher fat content. Cook time might be slightly less, so keep an eye on them.

What’s the best way to caramelize onions without burning them?

Patience is key. Use low heat and stir frequently to ensure even cooking. If they start sticking, add a splash of water or chicken broth to help deglaze the pan and continue cooking gently until perfectly golden.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream alternative. Butter can be swapped for olive oil or a vegan butter. The sauce will still be creamy but with a different flavor profile.

How spicy is the Creamy Chicken Paprika with Caramelized Onions Recipe?

It generally has a mild warmth from paprika with a slight kick if you add red pepper flakes or cayenne. You can easily adjust the heat level to your taste by adding more or less of these spices.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! It holds up well in the fridge and reheats beautifully for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just be sure to add any fresh herbs or garnishes right before serving for the best flavor and appearance.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Paprika with Caramelized Onions Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Its combination of crispy, tender chicken, sweet onions, and rich, flavorful sauce makes it unforgettable. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and let it become a beloved favorite in your kitchen just like it has in mine!