Cremiges Paprika-Zucchini-Hähnchen Recipe

Introduction

This creamy paprika-zucchini chicken is a comforting dish combining tender chicken breast with vibrant bell peppers and zucchini in a rich, flavorful sauce. Served alongside fluffy jasmine rice, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight.

Ingredients

• 250 g jasmine rice
• 500 ml water
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 tsp butter (optional)
• 2 chicken breast fillets
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 small zucchini
• 1 onion
• 2 tablespoons oil for frying
• 200 ml vegetable broth
• 200 ml cream
• 2 tbsp Ajvar (mild or hot)
• 1 tsp sweet paprika powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the jasmine rice in a pot and cover with cold water. Rinse carefully with your hands until the water runs clear.
2. Step 2: Bring the rice to a boil with 500 ml water and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat and simmer on low for about 20 minutes until the water is fully absorbed.
3. Step 3: Optionally, stir in butter for extra richness and keep the rice warm.
4. Step 4: Wash the bell peppers and zucchini, remove seeds, and cut into strips. Finely chop the onion.
5. Step 5: Heat oil in a large frying pan or wok and sauté the onion until translucent.
6. Step 6: Cut the chicken breast into strips, add to the pan, and fry until golden brown.
7. Step 7: Add bell pepper and zucchini strips to the chicken and fry briefly.
8. Step 8: Deglaze the pan with vegetable broth and simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
9. Step 9: Stir in cream, season with salt, pepper, and paprika powder.
10. Step 10: Add ajvar and simmer for another 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
11. Step 11: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir into the sauce until it thickens to your liking.
12. Step 12: Serve the creamy chicken and vegetables alongside the jasmine rice and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of breast for a juicier texture.
• Adjust ajvar heat level to your preference or substitute with roasted red pepper paste.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like extra spice.
• For a dairy-free option, replace cream with coconut milk.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or chives scattered on top add a bright finish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and refrigerate. Reheat thoroughly before serving and cook the rice fresh for best texture.

Is ajvar essential for the recipe?

Ajvar adds a distinctive smoky, sweet flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with roasted red pepper puree or a mix of tomato paste and smoked paprika.

Cremiges Paprika-Zucchini-Hähnchen Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 63 reviews

This creamy paprika zucchini chicken dish combines tender chicken breast strips with colorful bell peppers and zucchini in a rich, flavorful ajvar-cream sauce. Served alongside fragrant jasmine rice, it makes a comforting and visually appealing meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: European

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Rice:

• 250 g jasmine rice
• 500 ml water
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 tsp butter (optional)

For the Chicken and Vegetable Dish:

• 2 chicken breast fillets
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 small zucchini
• 1 onion
• 2 tablespoons of oil for frying
• 200 ml vegetable broth
• 200 ml cream
• 2 tbsp Ajvar (mild or hot)
• 1 tsp sweet paprika powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

1. Preparing the Rice: Place the jasmine rice in a pot and cover it with cold water. Rinse carefully with your hands until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Bring the rice to a boil with 500 ml of water and a pinch of salt. Then reduce the heat and simmer on low for about 20 minutes until all the water has been absorbed. Optionally, stir in a teaspoon of butter and keep the rice warm until serving.
2. Preparing Vegetables: Wash the red and yellow bell peppers and the zucchini. Remove the seeds from the peppers and cut both the peppers and zucchini into strips. Finely chop the onion.
3. Cooking Chicken and Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Cut the chicken breast fillets into strips, add them to the pan, and fry until golden brown on all sides.
4. Making the Sauce: Add the bell pepper and zucchini strips to the pan with the chicken and fry briefly to combine flavors. Deglaze the pan with 200 ml of vegetable broth, stirring to loosen any browned bits. Simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes to tenderize the vegetables. Add 200 ml of cream, season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika powder. Stir in 2 tablespoons of ajvar and simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Serving: Plate the creamy paprika zucchini chicken alongside the jasmine rice. Serve immediately and enjoy the flavorful, creamy dish.

Notes

• Rinsing the rice before cooking helps achieve fluffier, less sticky rice.
• Adjust the ajvar quantity to control the spice level to your preference.
• You can substitute cream with a lighter dairy or plant-based alternative for a lighter version.
• Cornstarch thickening is optional; the sauce will be thinner without it but still flavorful.
• If you prefer, swap chicken breast for thigh fillets for juicier meat.

Keywords: creamy chicken paprika zucchini ajvar rice dinner easy weeknight