If you are looking for a delicious and easy chicken dish that will impress your family and friends, look no further than Delia Smith’s chicken paprika recipe. This recipe is from Delia’s classic cookery book, The Delia Collection: Chicken, and it features tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich and spicy tomato sauce with peppers and sour cream. It is a perfect dish for a cozy dinner on a cold night or a festive meal for a special occasion.
Delia Smith is one of the most famous and respected chefs in the UK, and she has been teaching people how to cook for over 40 years. She is known for her simple and reliable recipes that always deliver great results. Her chicken paprika recipe is no exception, and it is one of her most popular dishes. It is inspired by the traditional Hungarian dish of paprikash, which uses lots of paprika, a spice made from dried and ground red peppers. Paprika adds a wonderful color and flavor to the chicken, and it can be mild or hot depending on your preference.
In this guide, I will show you how to make Delia Smith’s chicken paprika recipe step by step, with tips and tricks to ensure success.
What is Delia Smith’s Chicken Paprika Recipe?
Delia Smith’s Chicken Paprika Recipe is a delicious and easy chicken dish that is inspired by the traditional Hungarian dish of paprikash. It features tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich and spicy tomato sauce with peppers and sour cream. It is a perfect dish for a cozy dinner on a cold night or a festive meal for a special occasion.
- Related: Delia Smith Smoked Mackerel Pâté
Why You Love this Recipe
To elevate the quality of your Chicken Paprika, consider these expert tips:
- Select High-Quality Paprika: Paprika is crucial to this dish. Ensure you use a high-quality variety with a vivid red hue and robust flavor. You have options between sweet, hot, or smoked paprika, based on your preference for spice intensity.
- Marinate the Chicken Effectively: Marinating the chicken in a mixture of oil, vinegar, paprika, and herbs for a minimum of 15 minutes, or longer if possible, enhances its flavor and tenderness. This step also aids in retaining moisture, ensuring a golden finish upon browning.
- Opt for Fresh Tomatoes: Whenever possible, use fresh tomatoes over canned for a richer flavor and texture. You can easily skin them by immersing them in boiling water for a minute, then peeling off the skins. Delia’s Online Cookery School Video offers a helpful visual guide for this process.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Chicken Paprika
You will need the following ingredients to make this recipe:
- 4 part-boned chicken breasts or 8 thighs
- 1 heaped tablespoon hot paprika, plus a little extra, to sprinkle
- 2-3 tablespoons groundnut or other flavorless oil
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 1 dessertspoon plain flour
- 2 good pinches of cayenne pepper
- 1 lb (450 g) ripe tomatoes, skinned and chopped, or 14 oz (400 g) tinned Italian tomatoes
- 5 fl oz (150 ml) chicken stock
- 1 medium green or red pepper, deseeded and cut into small strips
- 5 fl oz (150 ml) sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Useful Equipment
You will also need a deep lidded, deep frying pan or casserole, and a preheated oven to gas mark 3, 325F (170C).
Instructions to Make Delia Smith Chicken Paprika
Step 1: Marinate the chicken
The first step is to marinate the chicken with some oil, vinegar, paprika, and herbs. This will help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and place them in a medium bowl. Drizzle over a few tablespoons of oil, red wine vinegar, a teaspoon of paprika, and half of the oregano, thyme, and chilli flakes. Mix well to coat the chicken, and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour if you have time.
Step 2: Brown the chicken
The next step is to brown the chicken in a hot pan or casserole. This will seal in the juices and give the chicken a nice golden color. Heat the remaining oil in the pan or casserole over medium-high heat, and add the chicken in batches. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is seared on all sides. As the chicken is ready, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate, and season it with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Cook the onions
In the same pan or casserole, cook the onions over low-medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and translucent. You may need to add a little more oil if the pan is too dry. Meanwhile, if you are using fresh tomatoes, you can skin them by pouring boiling water over them and leaving them for exactly 1 minute, before draining and slipping off their skins.
Step 4: Make the sauce
Once the onions are soft, stir in the flour, cayenne pepper, and the remaining paprika. Cook for a minute, stirring constantly, to form a paste. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and the chicken stock, and bring the sauce to a simmer. Stir well to dissolve any lumps, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Bake the chicken
Return the chicken to the pan or casserole, and spoon some of the sauce over it. Cover with a lid, and bake in the oven for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Halfway through the cooking time, stir in the chopped pepper, and replace the lid. The pepper will add some crunch and color to the dish.
Step 6: Add the sour cream
Just before serving, spoon the sour cream over the chicken and sauce, and gently stir it in to create a marbled effect. Sprinkle some more paprika over the top, and garnish with some fresh parsley if you like. Your chicken paprika is ready to enjoy!
What Do I Serve With Delia Smith Chicken Paprika?
Some of the best options to serve with Delia Smith Chicken Paprika are:
- Buttered noodles or rice: These are simple and classic sides that will soak up the delicious sauce and complement the chicken. You can use any kind of noodles or rice you prefer, such as egg noodles, spaghetti, basmati, or brown rice. For extra flavor, you can toss the noodles or rice with some butter, parsley, and poppy seeds.
- Crisp green salad: A fresh and crunchy salad will balance the richness of the chicken and sauce, and add some freshness and vitamins to your meal. You can use any greens you like, such as lettuce, spinach, rocket, or kale, and dress them with a tangy lemon or vinegar dressing. You can also add some other ingredients to your salad, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, olives, cheese, or nuts.
- Crusty bread: A warm and crusty loaf of bread is always a good idea to serve with a saucy dish like chicken paprika. You can use any bread you like, such as French baguette, sourdough, ciabatta, or focaccia. You can also spread some butter or garlic butter on the bread, or dip it in some olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Delia Smith Chicken Paprika
Here are some pro tips to make Delia Smith Chicken Paprika even better:
- Use good quality paprika: Paprika is the star ingredient of this dish, so make sure you use good quality paprika that has a deep red color and a rich flavor. You can use either sweet or hot paprika, depending on how spicy you like your food.
- Marinate the chicken: To tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor, you can marinate the chicken with some oil, vinegar, paprika, and herbs for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour if you have time. This will also help to seal in the juices and give the chicken a nice golden color when you brown it.
- Use fresh tomatoes: If you can, use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones, as they will have more flavor and texture. You can easily skin them by pouring boiling water over them and leaving them for exactly 1 minute, before draining and slipping off their skins. You can also watch how to skin tomatoes in Delia’s Online Cookery School Video.
Variations of Delia Smith Chicken Paprika
To add a twist to the classic Delia Smith Chicken Paprika, consider these variations:
- Incorporate Mushrooms: Enhance the sauce with a variety of sliced mushrooms like button, chestnut, or portobello, added alongside the peppers. This introduces an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Experiment with Different Proteins: Replace chicken with other meats such as beef, or turkey. For a vegetarian option, consider meatballs, sausages, or tofu. Adjust the cooking times based on the type and size of the protein you choose.
- Add Cheese for Richness: Introduce an element of creaminess by stirring grated cheese, such as cheddar, parmesan, or mozzarella, into the sauce. Alternatively, sprinkle cheese over the dish before serving and bake briefly to achieve a melted, bubbly topping.
How do I store Delia Smith Chicken Paprika Leftovers?
Here’s how to properly store leftovers of Delia Smith Chicken Paprika:
- Refrigerator Storage: Place the cooled dish in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Ensure the dish is completely cool before storing and avoid reheating more than once.
- Freezer Storage: For longer storage, use a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, keeping it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Label and date the container or bag, allowing some space for expansion. Freezing in individual portions can be more convenient.
- Oven Warming: If planning to reheat within a few hours, keep the dish warm in the oven at a low temperature, around 200F (100C). Cover with foil or a lid and check periodically to prevent drying.
How do I reheat Delia Smith Chicken Paprika Leftovers?
To reheat Delia Smith Chicken Paprika leftovers, you have several options:
- Microwave: Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid or a damp paper towel, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot. Stir halfway through and add a bit of stock or water if needed.
- Oven: Reheat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil or a lid at 325F (170C) for 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed. You may need to add a little extra stock or water.
- Stovetop: Warm the leftovers in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes or until hot. Adjust the sauce’s consistency with additional stock or water if required.
Nutrition value per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 507 kcal
- Fat: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 412 mg
- Sugar: 10 g
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Conclusion
Delia Smith’s chicken paprika recipe is a classic and delicious dish that will make you feel like you are in Hungary. It is easy to make, and it will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma of paprika and tomatoes. It is a great dish to serve for a family dinner, a party, or a special occasion. You can serve it with noodles, rice, salad, or bread, and enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal. Try this recipe today, and let me know how it turns out. I hope you love it as much as I do!
