Description
Tender chicken thighs are blanketed in a rich, aromatic paprika-based sauce with shallots, peppers, and spinach. This easy European recipe balances sweet and smoky flavors with a touch of creaminess, perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
6 chicken thighs (skinless, boneless)
2 tbsp sweet paprika
1 tsp smoky paprika (optional for more heat)
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
4 shallots (finely diced)
2 red peppers (diced)
10 ½ oz mushrooms (sliced crimini)
3 garlic cloves (sliced)
1 ½ tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp pepper paste (optional for heat)
1 cup chicken stock
⅓ cup heavy cream (80ml)
6 cups baby spinach (200g)
4 tbsp parmesan (grated, plus more to serve)
1 tbsp lemon juice (to taste)
Optional garnishes: flat-leaf parsley, thyme
Instructions
Season chicken thighs with 2 tbsp sweet paprika, 1 tsp smoky paprika, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp cornstarch
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet; sear each chicken thigh for 3 minutes per side until golden
Remove chicken and set aside
In the same skillet, cook shallots until softened (4-5 mins), add red peppers and mushrooms, and sauté until tender (8-10 mins)
Add garlic, tomato paste, and pepper paste (if using); cook for 3 minutes
Stir in chicken stock, bring to a simmer, and thicken the sauce if needed
Return the chicken to the skillet, reduce heat, and gently simmer for 10 minutes
In a separate saucepan, wilt baby spinach with a splash of water; stir into the sauce
Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice
Coat chicken and vegetables thoroughly with the sauce
Adjust seasonings and garnish with parmesan and parsley/thyme (optional)
Notes
For more depth, simmer the sauce with the chicken for up to 15 minutes
Replace pepper paste with a mix of 1 tsp crushed red pepper and 2 tsp water if unavailable
Optional to use vegan butter and cream for plant-based version
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg