Description
This Creamy Paprika Zucchini Chicken is a delicious and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 200 ml (about ¾ cup) heavy cream
- 1 tsp paprika powder (mild or hot)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- To start with, ensure that your chicken breasts are pat dry using a paper towel. This helps in achieving a nice sear when cooked. Season the chicken well using salt, pepper, and paprika, allowing the spices to penetrate the meat for fuller flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan. Sear them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same pan, you’ll want to take advantage of the delicious flavors left from searing the chicken. Lower the heat slightly and add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they become fragrant and translucent; this should take a couple of minutes. Next, add your sliced bell peppers and zucchini. Stir well and allow them to cook for about 5 minutes. This slight sautéing process softens the veggies while ensuring they retain a bit of crunch.
- Once the vegetables are tender, it’s time to bring everything together with the cream. Pour in the heavy cream, blending it gradually with the vegetable mix. Sprinkle dried thyme, and add more salt and pepper to suit your taste. If you choose to add a hint of sweetness, stir in the honey at this stage. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Make sure to stir occasionally to keep the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Finally, return the seared chicken back into the pan, nestling them into the creamy sauce and vegetable mixture. Let this simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up some of the rich flavors. Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for an added burst of flavor and color. Your Creamy Paprika Zucchini Chicken is now ready to be served hot!
Notes
For a quicker prep, use pre-sliced vegetables from the grocery store. If you’re a fan of herbs, fresh thyme or dill can elevate the flavors further.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 37 g