Creamy Microwave Chicken Paprika Stir-Fry
This Creamy Microwave Chicken Paprika Stir-Fry is a quick and delicious meal that brings together tender cuts of chicken breast and vibrant vegetables in a rich paprika-infused sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe utilizes precooked chicken strips for added convenience, allowing you to whip up a satisfying dinner in just a matter of minutes. You can also customize it with your favorite veggies, making it a versatile dish that you'll love to prepare time and again. Serve it over a bed of hot, fluffy rice for a complete meal that warms both the heart and stomach.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable juice
3/4 cup (none)
flour
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
paprika
2 teaspoons (none)
seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
olive oil
1 teaspoon (none)
green onion
1/4 cup (sliced)
bell pepper
1 cup (chopped)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
boneless chicken breast
1/2 lb (cut into 2-inch strips)
sour cream
2 tablespoons (none)
hot cooked rice
1 cup (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable juice, flour, paprika, and seasoning salt until smooth. Set aside.
2
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the olive oil, sliced green onions, chopped bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cover the bowl and microwave on high for 1 minute until the vegetables begin to soften.
3
Add the precooked chicken strips to the bowl with the vegetables. Microwave on high for an additional 1 minute, allowing the chicken to heat through.
4
Pour the prepared vegetable juice mixture over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir to combine, then microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling.
5
After the sauce is boiling, stir the mixture, cover it, and reduce the microwave power to medium-low (30%). Cook for another 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, stirring halfway through.
6
Finally, stir in the sour cream until well incorporated. Serve the creamy chicken paprika stir-fry over hot cooked rice and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Microwave Chicken Paprika Stir-Fry?
It is a quick, savory dish featuring chicken breast and vegetables in a paprika-infused sauce made entirely in the microwave.
How long does it take to cook this dish?
The active cooking time in the microwave is approximately 19-20 minutes, including the initial vegetable softening and the final simmering phase.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of boneless chicken breast cut into 2-inch strips. Precooked strips are recommended for maximum convenience.
Can I use raw chicken?
The instructions specify adding precooked chicken. If using raw chicken, ensure it is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F before proceeding to the final simmering steps.
What kind of vegetable juice is required?
You can use a standard tomato-based vegetable juice blend (like V8) which provides a rich base for the paprika sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
It is generally mild. The paprika provides a smoky, earthy flavor rather than heat. You can add cayenne if you prefer a spicy kick.
How do I prevent the sauce from being lumpy?
Whisk the flour, vegetable juice, paprika, and seasoning salt together in a separate small bowl until completely smooth before adding it to the chicken.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt for a tangier, higher-protein option, though the flavor and richness will vary slightly.
What vegetables are included?
The recipe uses green onions and chopped bell peppers, but you can customize it with other favorites like broccoli or sliced carrots.
Why do I need to cook it at 30% power?
Reducing the power to medium-low allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to tenderize without overcooking or making the dairy-based sauce separate.
What should I serve this with?
It is best served over a bed of hot, fluffy cooked rice to soak up the creamy paprika sauce.
Can I use olive oil for sautéing?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 teaspoon of olive oil to help soften the vegetables during the first microwave stage.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, it contains flour as a thickening agent. You could substitute a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch if needed.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, if you do not have a fresh clove, you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the 1/2 lb of chicken and 1 cup of rice, this recipe typically serves 1 to 2 people.
Do I need to cover the bowl while cooking?
Yes, covering the bowl helps trap steam to soften the vegetables and keep the chicken moist during the microwave process.
What color bell pepper is best?
Any color (red, green, yellow, or orange) works well. Red or yellow peppers will add a bit more sweetness to the dish.
Can I make this dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, replace the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative or a splash of coconut milk.
What is seasoning salt?
Seasoning salt is a blend of salt, herbs, and spices like onion powder and garlic powder that adds more depth than plain table salt.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used and often remain more succulent in the microwave than breast meat.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat this dish?
Reheat in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water if the sauce thickened.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but you will need a larger microwave-safe bowl and may need to increase the cooking times for each step.
What if I don't have vegetable juice?
You can substitute chicken broth mixed with a tablespoon of tomato paste as a replacement for the vegetable juice.
Is this a good meal prep recipe?
Yes, because it is quick to assemble and uses precooked chicken, it's excellent for fast meal preparation.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, however, you may need to microwave them slightly longer in the first step to ensure they are fully thawed and softened.
What type of paprika should I use?
Sweet Hungarian paprika is traditional, but smoked paprika (pimentón) adds a lovely depth if you prefer a smoky flavor.
Should I stir the sauce during the long cook?
Yes, the instructions recommend stirring halfway through the 15-minute simmer to ensure even heat distribution.
When do I add the sour cream?
Add the sour cream at the very end, after the final cooking stage, to prevent it from curdling.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely. Any cooked grain like brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice works well with this stir-fry.