This Hairy Bikers Paprika Chicken Recipe is a rich and hearty dish, which uses tender chicken pieces and smoky paprika. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 1 hour 35 minutes.
Jump to RecipeHairy Bikers Paprika Chicken Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, jointed into 8 pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large knob of butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 tbsp hot paprika
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp plain flour
- 250ml (1 cup) chicken stock
- 2 red peppers, seeded and cut into strips
- 4 large, ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped (or 1 can of chopped tomatoes)
- 250ml (1 cup) sour cream
- Handful of flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper

How To Make Hairy Bikers Paprika Chicken
- Brown the chicken: Rub chicken pieces with salt. Heat olive oil and butter in a casserole dish over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, cook onion and garlic for 5 minutes until soft. Add all three types of paprika and the flour. Stir constantly for 1 minute.
- Build the sauce: Gradually add most of the chicken stock while stirring to create a smooth gravy. Return the chicken to the pan. Add the remaining stock and a splash of boiling water if needed.
- Simmer the chicken: Stir in half the parsley and bring to a boil. Add red peppers, then lower heat and simmer 10 minutes. Add tomatoes and continue cooking for about 1 hour until chicken is tender.
- Finish the dish: Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream and remaining parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Recipe Tips
- What cut of chicken is best?
Using a whole jointed chicken gives a mix of light and dark meat for richer flavor. - Can I use only one type of paprika?
Yes, but the trio of sweet, hot, and smoked adds complexity to the dish. - How to avoid curdling the sour cream:
Stir it in off the heat and avoid boiling after adding it. - What if the sauce is too thick?
Add a splash of hot water or extra stock to loosen it to your desired consistency. - Can I make it ahead?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day. Reheat gently before serving.
What To Serve With Paprika Chicken
This flavorful dish pairs beautifully with simple, hearty sides:
- Buttered egg noodles or tagliatelle
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed rice
- Crusty bread
- Pickled cucumbers or sauerkraut

How To Store Paprika Chicken
Refrigerate:
Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze:
Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
Paprika Chicken Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 35g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but bone-in pieces add more flavor and stay juicier.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a gentle heat. Reduce or omit the hot paprika for a milder version.
Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt works well—add it off the heat to prevent curdling.
What wine pairs well with paprika chicken?
Try a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Leek And Potato Soup With Milk Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Lamb Shanks Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Lamb Hotpot Recipe
Hairy Bikers Paprika Chicken Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: British4
servings15
minutes1
hour20
minutes450
kcalA rich and comforting chicken stew simmered in paprika and finished with sour cream.
Ingredients
1 whole chicken, jointed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 knob of butter
1 onion, chopped
6 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tbsp each of sweet, hot, and smoked paprika
1 tbsp flour
250ml chicken stock
2 red peppers, sliced
4 tomatoes or 1 can chopped tomatoes
250ml sour cream
Handful chopped parsley
Salt and pepper
Directions
- Brown chicken in oil and butter. Remove.
- Sauté onion and garlic. Add paprika and flour.
- Gradually add stock. Return chicken. Add more stock/water if needed.
- Add parsley, bring to boil. Add peppers. Simmer 10 minutes. Add tomatoes.
- Cook 1 hour until chicken is tender.
- Off heat, stir in sour cream and parsley. Season and serve.
