Slow Cooker Chicken Paprikash Drumsticks and Peppers Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best flavor, let the chicken sit in the sauce for a few minutes before serving, allowing it to soak up more of the paprika broth.

If you have time, you can also refrigerate the finished dish overnight and reheat it gently; the flavors will continue to develop.

To thicken the sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

This will give you a glossier, more clinging sauce. Alternatively, you can remove the chicken and vegetables and boil the sauce on the stovetop until reduced.

Variations

• Smoked Paprika Twist: Replace half of the sweet paprika with smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor. This works especially well if you like a more rustic, barbecue-style taste.
• Add Sour Cream: After cooking, stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream to make the sauce creamy and rich. This is a common variation in Hungarian cooking and adds a tangy note.
• Spicy Version: Use hot paprika or add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the sweet paprika. You can also include a finely chopped jalapeño with the peppers for extra heat.
• Vegetable Boost: Add sliced mushrooms or carrots along with the peppers and onion. They will cook down and add extra texture and flavor to the sauce.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout. Add a little broth or water if the sauce is too thick.

Store leftover chicken paprikash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld and intensify as it sits.

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate.

In the morning, simply place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed. If you do this, add 30 minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold start.

Serving ideas

Serve the chicken paprikash over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a bright, creamy finish, though the dish is also delicious on its own.

This is a complete meal in one pot, but a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would be a nice contrast to the rich, savory chicken. Crusty bread is also ideal for dipping into the sauce.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Chicken Paprikash Drumsticks and Peppers

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
• 2 red bell peppers, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp sweet paprika
• 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. Place the chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker in a single layer, nestling them together so they fit snugly. It's fine if they touch; they will shrink as they cook.
2. Scatter the sliced red bell peppers and onion over the chicken. They don't need to be perfectly arranged; they will soften and release moisture during cooking.
3. Sprinkle the sweet paprika evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Use your fingers or a spoon to distribute it as evenly as possible.
4. Pour the chicken broth evenly over everything. Do not stir; the liquid will help create steam and keep the chicken moist.
5. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. After cooking, check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part, away from the bone. If not, continue cooking for another 30 minutes and check again.
7. Using tongs, carefully transfer the drumsticks to a serving plate. Spoon the peppers, onions, and paprika sauce over the top.

Contains: milk, celery

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

27 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.