Crockpot Chicken Paprikash
Crockpot Chicken Paprikash is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, rich flavors, and creamy sauce, all steeped in that signature sweet paprika warmth. When you scoop it onto a plate, you can’t help but feel a wave of comfort wash over you, making it feel like a cozy hug on a plate. It’s a recipe that makes busy lives slightly easier and tastes like it took all day to prepare—a winning combination!
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My first encounter with Crockpot Chicken Paprikash was during a chilly winter evening. I was craving something hearty and satisfying, yet I wanted a dish that wouldn’t require hours in the kitchen. As I stirred the ingredients into my slow cooker, I felt the excitement of a simple yet delicious meal coming together. The slow cooking process filled my home with irresistible aromas, teasing my taste buds all afternoon long. Once I finally sat down to enjoy it, I knew I had found a new family favorite, and I can’t wait for you to try it too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep, your Crockpot does all the hard work.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet paprika and sour cream creates a savory, creamy sauce you’ll crave.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Serve this gorgeous dish over noodles or rice, and watch it steal the spotlight.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or even a gathering with friends.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily tailored with gluten-free pasta or alternative dairy products for various dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into chunks): The star of our dish! Boneless and skinless ensures tenderness and makes cooking time a breeze. Feel free to use thighs instead for a richer flavor.
- 1 large yellow onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to your dish. You can substitute with sweet onions or shallots if desired.
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice: This provides moisture and flavor. Opt for low-sodium varieties if you’re watching salt intake.
- 2 tbsp sweet paprika: This is where the magic happens! Sweet paprika gives that signature flavor and lovely color. For a smokier taste, try smoked paprika.
- 2 tsp garlic powder: A pantry staple that enhances savoriness without the mess of fresh garlic.
- 1 cup sour cream: This ingredient adds creaminess and a tangy taste. If you’re looking for a lower fat option, Greek yogurt works nicely.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors and should be adjusted to your preference.
- Fresh parsley for serving: A sprinkle of fresh herbs brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Paprikash
Combine Ingredients: Start by adding the chicken chunks, chopped onion, canned diced tomatoes with juice, 2 tablespoons of sweet paprika, and 2 teaspoons of garlic powder into your slow cooker. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, ensuring the chicken is well coated in spices and surrounded by the tomatoes.
Cook on Low or High: Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. You can choose to cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours. Just wait until the chicken is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork. This is when the flavors really meld together!
Add Sour Cream: Once the cooking time is up, remove the lid and stir in the 1 cup of sour cream until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. This step makes all the difference, transforming the dish into a luxurious delight.
Taste and Adjust: Give it a taste to check for seasoning. Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper as needed; this step ensures your flavors are just right before it hits the table.
Serve with Panache: Dish out the Crockpot Chicken Paprikash over egg noodles or rice and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy the cozy comfort and impressive flavor in every bite!

Storing & Reheating
To store leftover Crockpot Chicken Paprikash, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Note that the texture may be slightly different after freezing, but a little extra sour cream can help refresh the creaminess.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on your cooking times; overcooked chicken can become rubbery.
- Fresh vs. Powdered Garlic: If you prefer fresh garlic, feel free to use about 3-4 cloves minced instead of garlic powder for a sharper flavor.
- Flexible Portions: Feel free to double the recipe to feed a larger crowd; just ensure your slow cooker can accommodate it!
- Noodles or Rice: Serve over your favorite pasta or rice for added texture. Wide egg noodles really complement the sauce beautifully.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste your dish before serving; adjusting the seasoning before it’s plated can elevate your meal.
Crockpot Chicken Paprikash is not just a meal—it’s an experience. It combines ease and comfort, bringing warmth to your table without requiring extensive cooking skills. Whether you serve it as a weeknight dinner or at a potluck gathering, this dish is bound to impress and satisfy.
Recipe FAQs
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you enjoy a kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dish along with the sweet paprika. Start small, as you can always add more heat later.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can! There’s no need to thaw the chicken beforehand. Just add the frozen chicken directly into the slow cooker and extend the cooking time by an hour or so.
What can I serve with this dish?
Crockpot Chicken Paprikash pairs beautifully with egg noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Crockpot Chicken Paprikash a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve. This not only enhances the flavors but also makes for an easy meal on busy days.
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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
This Crockpot Chicken Paprikash combines tender chicken, rich paprika, and creamy sour sauce, making it a simple yet flavorful comfort meal for your family. Perfect for busy weeknights!
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.
- Gently mix to ensure everything is combined well.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Once cooked, stir in the sour cream to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed, serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, allow the dish to cook an additional 30 minutes with the lid off after adding sour cream.
Serve over egg noodles or rice for a heartier meal.
This recipe freezes well; store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
