Crockpot Chicken Paprikash
Crockpot Chicken Paprikash is a comforting, hearty dish that brings the rich flavors of Eastern European cuisine right to your dinner table. This recipe transforms tender pieces of chicken into a creamy paprika sauce, resulting in a pleasing experience that warms both body and soul. With just a handful of ingredients, the slow cooker does the magic, ensuring that the chicken becomes practically melt-in-your-mouth tender. You’ll be delighted by the inviting aroma wafting through your home as it simmers away.
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I remember the first time I made this delightful dish for my family. I wanted something effortless yet satisfying. To my surprise, they devoured every last bite, leaving my heart full—and my pot empty! Now, Crockpot Chicken Paprikash has become a staple in our household, perfect for busy weeknights just as much as it is for cozy family gatherings. If you’re searching for an easy, budget-friendly dish that’s brimming with flavor, then you absolutely must try this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while your slow cooker does all the work.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet paprika and vibrant tomatoes creates a sauce that’s creamy and full of savory goodness.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The rich, reddish color of the paprikash looks as good as it tastes, making it an impressive dish for guests.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, potluck, or even meal prep for the week.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable—for a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.

Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks: Lean and easy to work with, chicken breasts absorb the delicious flavors of the dish.
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped: Provides a sweet base flavor that beautifully complements the spices.
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice (14.5 ounces): Adds moisture and a hint of acidity, brightening up the dish.
- 2 tbsp sweet paprika: The star of this recipe, giving it a warm color and rich flavor that’s essential in paprikash.
- 2 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the overall taste profile with its aromatic flavor.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings a creamy smoothness and tang that balances the spices nicely.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out the best flavors in the dish.
- Fresh parsley for serving: A touch of freshness that adds a lovely pop of color and flavor when garnished.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Paprikash
Combine Ingredients: In a slow cooker, add the 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped onion, diced tomatoes with juice, 2 tablespoons sweet paprika, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Make sure everything is evenly distributed, so every bite is flavored.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover and let your slow cooker work its magic on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. You’ll want to check for tenderness, which is key for the chicken, ensuring it’s fully cooked and easy to shred or cut.
Stir in the Creaminess: Once the chicken is tender, remove the lid and stir in 1 cup of sour cream until it’s well combined and the sauce appears smooth. This is when the magic happens—the sauce transforms from good to absolutely luscious.
Season to Perfection: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. The beauty of this recipe is that you can customize the flavors to suit your palate.
Garnish and Serve: Serve your delicious Crockpot Chicken Paprikash hot, and sprinkle with fresh parsley to create an inviting plate. Enjoy it over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storing & Reheating
To store leftover Crockpot Chicken Paprikash, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently. Be aware that the texture might change slightly, but adding a splash of water or broth can refresh the sauce if it thickens.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken, so test for tenderness.
- Layer Flavors: For an extra depth of flavor, sauté the onions before adding them to the slow cooker. This step enhances their sweetness.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with egg noodles, rice, or a hunk of crusty bread.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare everything the night before and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the slow cooker in the morning for an easy dinner.
Crockpot Chicken Paprikash is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort into your home. With its blend of spices and rich, creamy sauce, this dish is destined to become a beloved favorite. Feel free to make it your own and enjoy the process—it’s as much about the journey as it is about the meal itself!
Recipe FAQs
How can I make Crockpot Chicken Paprikash gluten-free?
You can easily make this dish gluten-free by ensuring that the ingredients you use, particularly the chicken broth or any accompanying sides, are certified gluten-free. The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free since it relies on simple, whole ingredients.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
Yes, if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt, which provides a similar creaminess and adds a bit of tang. Just make sure to stir it in after cooking to prevent curdling.
Can I use bone-in chicken pieces?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken will add even more flavor. Just keep in mind that cooking time may vary. You’ll want to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and becomes tender before serving.
What sides go well with Crockpot Chicken Paprikash?
Several options complement this dish beautifully. Try serving it over egg noodles, brown rice, or mashed potatoes. A fresh side salad or steamed vegetables can also balance the creaminess, making for a well-rounded meal.
PrintMore One Pot Recipes
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📖 Recipe Card

Crockpot Chicken Paprikash
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 250 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: One Pot
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Description
Crockpot Chicken Paprikash boasts an irresistible flavor with tender chicken, savory spices, and a creamy sauce. Ideal for quick dinners or a comforting meal at home.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into chunks
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 tbsp sweet paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup sour cream
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley for serving
Instructions
- Place the chicken, onion, diced tomatoes, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker.
- Mix the ingredients gently until well combined.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Incorporate the sour cream, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Taste for seasoning and adjust as necessary, then serve garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in spices for an hour before cooking.
Serve with rice or egg noodles for a complete meal.
This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for quick reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
