Chicken Paprika Soup Recipe

Chicken Paprika Soup is a rich, comforting dish that perfectly balances warmth and flavor in every bite. It’s one of those meals that’s perfect for any time of the year-whether it’s the dead of winter or a cool fall evening, this soup never fails to deliver on both taste and satisfaction. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but in how easily the ingredients come together to create a dish that feels gourmet, without requiring hours of preparation.

What makes Chicken Paprika Soup stand out from other chicken soups? It’s the paprika, of course. The iconic, deep flavor of paprika is what gives this dish its signature smokiness and complexity, making each spoonful a delightful experience. Whether you love the spice or prefer it mild, you can easily adjust the paprika to suit your personal taste.

Let’s dive into the recipe, breaking it down in easy-to-follow steps and explaining how every ingredient contributes to the finished dish.

Ingredients Needed

Chicken breasts or thighs – 2 large pieces (boneless, skinless)
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Yellow onion – 1 medium (chopped)
Garlic – 3 cloves (minced)
Carrots – 2 medium (sliced)
Celery stalks – 2 (chopped)
Potatoes – 2 medium (peeled and diced)
Chicken broth – 4 cups (low sodium preferred)
Paprika – 2 tablespoons (sweet or smoked, depending on preference)
Tomato paste – 1 tablespoon
Thyme – 1 teaspoon (fresh or dried)
Bay leaves – 2
Salt – to taste
Pepper – to taste
Heavy cream – ½ cup (for richness, optional)
Fresh parsley – for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Start by cutting your chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Add garlic and paprika: Add the minced garlic and paprika to the pot. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until the spices bloom and become fragrant.
Incorporate the chicken: Add your diced chicken pieces into the pot. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they start to brown slightly. This step will lock in their juices, giving the soup a rich base flavor.
Tomato paste and broth: Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to coat the chicken and vegetables. Then, pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the pot to infuse that deep, savory flavor.
Add the remaining ingredients: Toss in the diced potatoes, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
Finish with cream: If you’re adding heavy cream for a richer soup, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This will add a velvety texture and deepen the soup’s flavor.
Season to taste: Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or paprika, if necessary. The paprika is key here-it should shine through without overwhelming the dish.
Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.

Ingredient Insights

Paprika: The star ingredient in this recipe, paprika can vary greatly in flavor. Sweet paprika provides a mild, slightly sweet taste, while smoked paprika offers a deep, smoky flavor that complements the chicken and vegetables beautifully. Depending on your preference, you can experiment with both types of paprika to find your ideal balance.
Chicken: While chicken breasts are commonly used for their lean quality, chicken thighs offer a more tender, juicy option, especially when simmered for longer periods. The dark meat of chicken thighs adds richness and depth to the soup.
Heavy Cream: Adding heavy cream to this soup is optional but highly recommended if you’re craving a creamy, luxurious texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip it or substitute with half-and-half for a middle ground.
Thyme and Bay Leaves: These herbs contribute a gentle earthiness to the soup. Thyme, with its subtle, floral notes, pairs perfectly with the smokiness of paprika, while bay leaves add a layered, aromatic background that brings everything together.

Expert Tips

Adjusting the heat: If you prefer a spicier version of this soup, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the base. On the other hand, if you’re not fond of heat, sweet paprika will provide the depth without any burn.
Texture: For a heartier, thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup once the potatoes are cooked. Use an immersion blender or transfer half of the soup to a regular blender, then stir it back in to create a creamier texture.
Leftovers: This soup is even better the next day! The flavors have time to meld together, and it often thickens as it cools. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to adjust the consistency.
Make it a meal: If you’re looking for a more filling dish, you can add cooked rice, pasta, or even some crusty bread for dipping. A side salad with a zesty vinaigrette would balance out the richness of the soup.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian version: You can easily make this soup vegetarian by replacing the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add more spices to enhance the depth of flavor.
Spicy version: If you like heat, add a diced chili pepper or a pinch of cayenne. For an extra smoky kick, you can try adding smoked chipotle powder in place of some of the paprika.
Add beans: For additional protein and texture, consider adding white beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas. These can be added in during the last 15 minutes of simmering to heat through.
Slow cooker version: If you’re short on time, you can make this soup in the slow cooker. Simply throw all your ingredients in and cook on low for 6-8 hours. The chicken will become fall-apart tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.

Final Words

Chicken Paprika Soup is one of those recipes that’s incredibly satisfying, both in terms of taste and effort. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight meal but packed with enough depth to feel special. The creamy texture, the savory chicken, and the smoky paprika create a combination that’s simply irresistible.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet night at home, this soup is bound to impress. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth with every spoonful, making it a staple in any home cook’s rotation.

Chicken Paprika Soup Recipe