FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You’ll Love This Paprika Chicken Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Paprika Chicken
• Storage Instructions
• What To Serve With Paprika Chicken
• More Easy Chicken Thigh Recipes
• Recommended Tools
• Paprika Chicken (Easy) Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

If you like saucy chicken recipes , then you’ll love this Hungarian-inspired paprika chicken recipe ! Unlike my marry me chicken or creamy sun dried tomato chicken , the sauce skips the dairy and tomatoes but keeps all the warm, sweet, and smoky flavor. The combination of garlic, onions, and bell peppers is a little similar to chicken cacciatore , but the addition of paprika gives it a unique taste.

This chicken paprika recipe (sometimes called chicken paprikash in Hungary) has base ingredients similar to chicken fajitas or even salsa chicken , but adds a smoky and peppery bite from paprika and cayenne. With big flavor from just a few pantry staples, this one pan meal makes an exciting weeknight dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Paprika Chicken Recipe

• Tender, juicy chicken
• Rich red pepper sauce with a sweet and smoky taste
• Simple everyday ingredients
• Naturally low carb, paleo, and gluten-free
• No flour, thickeners, or cornstarch substitutes needed
• Easy enough for weeknights, special enough for guests

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for the best chicken paprika recipe, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Bone-In Chicken Thighs – I recommend bone-in thighs for the juiciest chicken paprika, but you could also use chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken thighs. (Cook time will vary.)
• Olive Oil – For searing. Avocado oil or ghee also works.
• Veggies – You will need a red bell pepper, yellow onion, and fresh minced garlic (or 1 1/2 teaspoons of jarred minced garlic for convenience).
• Paprika – To get plenty of flavor in this paprika chicken recipe, you will need both regular paprika and smoked paprika . For a more authentic dish, substitute both with equal amounts of Hungarian paprika .
• Cayenne Pepper – Adds a subtle spice. For extra kick, add more (or consider red pepper flakes, chili peppers and/or hot paprika).
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper
• Chicken Broth – I prefer reduced sodium but use your preferred type. (Adjust the amount of salt as needed.) You can also make your own chicken broth , use chicken stock or bone broth if you want a richer flavor.

How To Make Paprika Chicken

This section shows how to make chicken paprika, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Season the chicken. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken. Preheat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Add the olive oil and chicken thighs, skin side up. Cook until lightly brown on the bottom, then flip over and cook until the skin is golden brown.

1. Saute the veggies. Drain most of the chicken juices from the skillet, leaving enough behind to saute the veggies. Add the bell peppers and onions, and cook over medium-high heat until soft. Add the minced garlic and stir, until fragrant.
2. Blend the sauce. Place the cooked veggies into a food processor and blend until smooth.

1. Finish the sauce. Pour the puree back to the skillet. Add the chicken broth, paprika, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and ground black pepper. Whisk the spice mixture into the paprika chicken sauce.
2. Combine. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Coat with sauce, then bring to a boil and simmer to let the flavors develop. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Storage Instructions

• Store: Keep cooked paprika chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Make ahead: Slice the peppers and onions ahead, and store in the fridge until ready to cook. You could also make all of the sauce ahead of time by sauteing the veggies in olive oil instead of chicken grease.
• Reheat: You can reheat garlic paprika chicken thighs in the microwave, in the oven at 350 degrees F, or on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding more liquid as necessary to prevent burning.
• Freeze: After cooling completely, transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and store in the freezer for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop, or reheat from frozen in the oven at 350 degrees F.

What To Serve With Paprika Chicken

Paprika chicken makes an easy meal that pairs with a variety of sides. Here are some options:

• Rice – Chicken and rice always work together. Try cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
• Potatoes – Serve it in a bowl over roasted potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes (or lighter mashed cauliflower ), or with Instant Pot baked potatoes on the side. For extra veggies, try roasted rutabaga instead. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream!
• Veggies – Serve this easy paprika chicken recipe alongside vegetables like Instant Pot broccoli , garlic parmesan whole roasted cauliflower , or tender sauteed asparagus for a light and healthy meal.

More Easy Chicken Thigh Recipes

Chicken thighs are a delicious and budget-friendly cut of meat. Pan fried chicken thighs are my favorite, but there are so many other tasty ways to cook them. Try out these ideas for your next meal:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs

Cilantro Lime Chicken

Balsamic Chicken Thighs

Baked Chicken Thighs

Recommended Tools

• Cast Iron Skillet – For perfectly juicy and golden chicken, use a pre-seasoned cast iron skillet.
• Food Processor – You could use a blender to puree your veggies, but it won’t have quite the same smooth consistency as a food processor.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 4 large Bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on) ▢
• 1 1/2 tsp Sea salt (divided into 1/2 tsp and 1 tsp) ▢
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper (divided) ▢
• 2 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 1 large Red bell pepper (sliced into thin strips) ▢
• 1 medium Yellow onion (sliced thinly) ▢
• 3 cloves Garlic ▢
• 2 tsp Paprika ▢
• 2 tsp Smoked paprika ▢
• 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper (or more for spicier chicken) ▢
• 1/2 cup Chicken broth, reduced sodium ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Use 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to season both sides (amount is the total among all 4 pieces of chicken).
2. Preheat a cast iron skillet over high heat for 2 minutes . Reduce heat to medium and add the olive oil and chicken thighs, skin side up. Cook chicken for 15 minutes , or until brownish on the bottom, then flip over and cook for another 10 minutes , until the skin is golden brown. Remove the chicken thighs from the skillet and cover to keep warm.
3. Drain most of the chicken grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons behind in the skillet. Add the bell peppers and onions. Cook for 7-9 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are soft.
4. Add minced garlic and stir for 1 minute , until fragrant.
5. Place the cooked veggies into a food processor and blend until you get a smooth puree.
6. Transfer the puree back to the skillet. Add the chicken broth, paprika, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and remaining 1 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk to combine.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet, skin side up. Coat chicken with the sauce. Simmer for about 15 minutes over medium-low heat.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 large chicken thigh with sauce

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Paprika Chicken Recipe

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Paprika Chicken (Easy)

This paprika chicken recipe features juicy chicken in a zesty sauce of red pepper, paprika and garlic. It makes an easy, healthy dinner!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/paprika-chicken/

Ingredients

• 4 large Bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on)
• 1 1/2 tsp Sea salt (divided into 1/2 tsp and 1 tsp)
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper (divided)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 large Red bell pepper (sliced into thin strips)
• 1 medium Yellow onion (sliced thinly)
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 2 tsp Paprika
• 2 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper (or more for spicier chicken)
• 1/2 cup Chicken broth, reduced sodium

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Use 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to season both sides (amount is the total among all 4 pieces of chicken).
2. Preheat a cast iron skillet over high heat for 2 minutes . Reduce heat to medium and add the olive oil and chicken thighs, skin side up. Cook chicken for 15 minutes , or until brownish on the bottom, then flip over and cook for another 10 minutes , until the skin is golden brown. Remove the chicken thighs from the skillet and cover to keep warm.
3. Drain most of the chicken grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons behind in the skillet. Add the bell peppers and onions. Cook for 7-9 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are soft.
4. Add minced garlic and stir for 1 minute , until fragrant.
5. Place the cooked veggies into a food processor and blend until you get a smooth puree.
6. Transfer the puree back to the skillet. Add the chicken broth, paprika, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and remaining 1 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk to combine.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet, skin side up. Coat chicken with the sauce. Simmer for about 15 minutes over medium-low heat.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 large chicken thigh with sauce

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)