🍗🌶️🥒✨ Cremiges Paprika-Zucchini-Hähnchen – Creamy Chicken with Bell Pepper & Zucchini

🍗🌶️🥒✨ Cremiges Paprika-Zucchini-Hähnchen – Creamy Chicken with Bell Pepper & Zucchini

If you’re craving a creamy, flavorful one-pan chicken dish that’s easy to make and bursting with color, this Cremiges Paprika-Zucchini-Hähnchen is exactly what you need! 🇩🇪🍗💛 This cozy German-inspired meal features tender chicken cooked with vibrant bell peppers and zucchini in a luscious, creamy paprika sauce. It’s comforting, wholesome, and comes together in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Serve it with pasta, rice, or fresh bread to soak up that rich, velvety sauce. Each bite is warm, flavorful, and oh-so satisfying — simple ingredients, elevated to delicious perfection. 🌶️🥒✨

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Servings: 4 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For 4 Servings:

2 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb 450g chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips 🍗
1 medium onion finely chopped
2 garlic cloves minced 🧄
1 red bell pepper sliced
1 yellow bell pepper sliced 🌶️
1 medium zucchini halved and sliced 🥒
1 ½ tsp sweet paprika powder
½ tsp smoked paprika optional for depth
½ cup 120ml chicken broth
¾ cup 180ml heavy cream or crème fraîche
1 Tbsp tomato paste
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish 🌿

Equipment

Large skillet or sauté pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Method

Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken strips, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4–5 minutes, until lightly browned and cooked through.
Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add sliced bell peppers and zucchini. Cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly tender.

Build the Sauce

Stir in tomato paste and paprika powders, mixing well to coat the vegetables.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the cream.

Combine Everything

Return chicken to the pan and toss in the sauce until fully coated.
Let simmer for 3–4 minutes, until the sauce thickens and everything is beautifully creamy.

Serve & Enjoy

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Garnish with chopped parsley or chives and serve immediately with rice, pasta, or crusty bread. 🍗🌿✨

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s texture.

🥄 Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper. 🌶️

Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas. 🌱

Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in a handful of shredded Parmesan or mozzarella before serving. 🧀

Mediterranean Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes and olives for a flavor twist. 🫒🍅

Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. 🥦

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes — thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful in creamy sauces.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely — use coconut cream or oat cream instead of heavy cream. 🌱

What side dish goes best?
Rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes work perfectly!

Can I use other veggies?
Definitely — try mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli. 🥦

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats beautifully for meal prep.

Can I skip the tomato paste?
You can, but it adds lovely richness and color.

What if my sauce is too thick?
Add a splash of broth or milk to thin it out.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cream?
Yes, stir it in at the end off the heat to prevent curdling.

How do I make it more flavorful?
Add a bit of Dijon mustard or lemon juice for tangy depth. 🍋

Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, naturally — just pair it with gluten-free sides. 🌾

🏁 Conclusion

This Cremiges Paprika-Zucchini-Hähnchen is everything you want in a quick and comforting meal — tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a dreamy paprika cream sauce that’s perfect for dipping, twirling, or mopping up with bread. 🍗🌶️🥒✨

It’s simple enough for weeknights yet flavorful enough to impress guests. The combination of smoky paprika, creamy sauce, and fresh vegetables creates a balanced dish that’s both hearty and light.

Whether you call it “comfort food” or “kulinarischer Genuss,” one thing’s for sure — this creamy chicken skillet will become a household favorite. 💛