Croatian Chicken Paprikas

Warm up your kitchen with the comforting flavors of Croatian Chicken Paprikas, a traditional dish brimming with rich, smoky paprika and tender chicken. This one-pot wonder features succulent chicken thighs or drumsticks gently simmered in a velvety sauce made from sweet paprika, tomato paste, garlic, and sautéed onions. A touch of sour cream adds creaminess, while a hint of optional hot paprika can kick up the heat. Perfectly balanced with aromatics like bay leaf and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish pairs beautifully with buttered noodles, fluffy mashed potatoes, or steaming rice. Ready in just over an hour, Croatian Chicken Paprikas is a satisfying and flavorful meal ideal for family dinners or an exploration of hearty Eastern European cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 kg Chicken drumsticks or thighs
• 2 medium Yellow onion
• 3 unit Garlic cloves
• 3 tablespoons Sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon Hot paprika (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 500 ml Chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 100 ml Sour cream
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 unit Bay leaf
• 200 ml Water (optional, for thinning sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Begin by preparing the ingredients. Finely chop the onions and mince the garlic. Wash and pat dry the chicken pieces.

Step 2

In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until they become translucent and golden, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the sweet paprika, hot paprika (if using), and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.

Step 6

Place the chicken pieces into the pot, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides.

Step 7

Pour in the chicken broth, add the bay leaf, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chicken cook for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the flour with 2-3 tablespoons of water to form a smooth slurry. Slowly stir this into the pot to thicken the sauce.

Step 9

Let the dish simmer for another 10 minutes, ensuring the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, add a little extra water or chicken broth.

Step 10

Remove the bay leaf and stir in the sour cream just before serving. Mix well to create a creamy and rich sauce.

Step 11

Serve the Croatian Chicken Paprikas hot, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2148.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2433.6

Total Fat 141.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 42.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 980mg	0%
Sodium 4345.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 64.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.5g	0%
Total Sugars 23.6g
Protein 241.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 424.8mg	0%
Iron 18.0mg	0%
Potassium 3926.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.0%

Protein: 38.7%

Carbs: 10.3%