Slimming World Paprika Chicken

• Yields: 4 generous servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

• Recipe Intensity: Easy. Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. It’s a straightforward, one-pan process.

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Gather Your Arsenal: Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a powerful flavour punch. Always check your specific Syn values for branded items.

The Foundation:

• 4 large (approx. 500g) skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks

• Low-calorie cooking spray

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed or finely minced

• 2 large bell peppers (a mix of red and yellow adds colour and sweetness), deseeded and sliced

• 200g closed cup mushrooms, sliced

• 400g can of chopped tomatoes

• 250ml (1 cup) chicken stock, made with a low-sodium stock cube

The Flavour Catalysts:

• 2 tbsp sweet smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic granules

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• A pinch of chilli flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped, for garnish

To Serve (Optional – Syn as required):

• 200g fat-free natural fromage frais or quark, stirred in at the end

• Cauliflower rice or steamed greens for a Speed food accompaniment.

• Cooked rice or pasta (remember to Syn or count as your Healthy Extra B).

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The Culinary Journey: Step-by-Step Method

Follow these simple steps for a perfectly cooked, flavourful dish every time.

Step 1: The Sizzling Start
Place a large, non-stick frying pan or casserole dish over a medium-high heat. Spray generously with low-calorie cooking spray. Add the chopped chicken chunks and season well with salt, pepper, and the garlic granules. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is sealed and has a light golden colour on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Building the Flavour Base
Respray the same pan with a little more cooking spray and reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until it begins to soften and turn translucent. Add the crushed garlic and cook for a further minute until fragrant – be careful not to burn it.

Step 3: The Vegetable Medley
Now, add the sliced bell peppers and mushrooms to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for 6-8 minutes, until the peppers have started to soften and the mushrooms have released their water and begun to brown slightly.

Step 4: The Paprika Bloom
This is the most crucial step for depth of flavour! Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Add the 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika (and the optional chilli flakes) to the cleared space. Let it cook in the heat for just 30 seconds. You’ll smell its incredible, smoky aroma being released. This “blooms” the spice, unlocking its full potential. Quickly stir it into the vegetables.

Step 5: The Simmering Symphony
Return the seared chicken to the pan. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and the chicken stock. Add the dried thyme and give everything a really good stir, scraping any tasty bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavours to meld beautifully and the chicken to become perfectly tender.

Step 6: The Final Flourish & Serving
After simmering, the sauce should have thickened slightly. Check for seasoning and add more salt or pepper if needed. For a super-creamy, indulgent-feeling sauce (a game-changer!), take the pan off the heat and stir in the fat-free fromage frais or quark until fully incorporated. This adds a wonderful tang and richness without the Syns.

Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. Serve immediately over a bed of fluffy cauliflower rice for a Speed-filled meal, or with your chosen pasta or rice.

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The Lasting Legacy of the Recipe

This Slimming World Paprika Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the power of smart cooking. It demonstrates how a handful of simple spices can transform basic ingredients into something truly special. Its legacy lies in its versatility and reliability. It’s a recipe you will return to time and again—on busy weeknights, for batch cooking, or when you need to feed a crowd without compromising your goals.

It freezes exceptionally well, making it a fantastic prepare-ahead option. Simply cool completely and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. The flavours intensify upon reheating, making it a true gift to your future self.

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The Nutritional Ledger

The values below are estimated per serving and calculated using MyFitnessPal. This assumes the recipe serves 4 and does not include any Synned accompaniments like rice or pasta. The fromage frais is included in the calculation.

Important Disclaimer: Nutritional information, especially Syn values, can vary based on specific brands and precise measurements. Always refer to the official Slimming World resources or app for the most accurate and personalised Syn values.

• Calories: ~245 kcal

• Protein: ~38g (Excellent source of lean protein for muscle maintenance and satiety.)

• Carbohydrates: ~14g

• Fat: ~4.5g

• Saturated Fat: ~1.2g

• Fibre: ~4g (A good contribution to your daily fibre intake, aiding digestion.)

• Sugar: ~9g (Naturally occurring from the tomatoes and peppers.)

• Sodium: ~320mg

Slimming World Syns:

• If using fromage frais/quark as stated: This entire recipe is Syn Free on all plans, making it an incredible choice for a filling, satisfying meal that aligns perfectly with your wellness journey.

• If you use a different brand of stock or ingredients, please check their values.