Slimming World Paprika Chicken – One-Pot Wonder Recipe
A rich, smoky, low-fat paprika chicken recipe perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Introduction
If you’re looking for a hearty, wholesome dinner that fits right into your Slimming World plan, this Paprika Chicken is the perfect answer. Cooked in just one pot, it’s full of flavor but light on calories—and even lighter on clean-up! With sweet and smoked paprika for a deep, earthy flavor, it’s the kind of comfort food you’ll return to week after week.
This Slimming World-friendly paprika chicken recipe is ideal for batch cooking, family dinners, or meal prepping ahead. Serve it over tagliatelle, rice, or mashed potatoes for a satisfying plate that’s both slimming and filling.
Let’s get into the details of how to make this healthy and delicious dish.
About This Recipe
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 40 minutes | 50 minutes | 4–6 |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs or breast | 12 pieces |
| Smoked paprika | 3 teaspoons |
| Cayenne pepper | To taste |
| Garlic cloves, crushed | 4 cloves |
| Chicken stock (spiced with paprika) | 100 ml |
| Dried tagliatelle pasta | 500 g |
| Tomato puree | 2 tablespoons |
| Large onions, sliced | 2 |
| Oregano (optional) | 2 teaspoons |
| Fresh parsley | For garnish |
| Philadelphia Light (low-fat cheese spread) | 75 g |
| Lemon, sliced | 1 |
| Ground ginger | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Garlic powder (optional) | 1 tsp |
| Non-calorie cooking oil spray | As needed |
Tip: If you don’t have both sweet and smoked paprika, just use 2 tbsp of one type. Smoked adds deeper flavor.
How to Make Slimming World Paprika Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 200°C / 400°F (Gas Mark 6).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish
Line an oven-safe dish with aluminum foil.
- Spray with low-calorie cooking spray.
- Place your sliced onions in a layer at the bottom.
- Sprinkle lightly with cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
3. Marinate the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, combine:
- Smoked paprika
- Crushed garlic
- Ground ginger
- Black pepper
- A pinch of salt
- Rub the mixture thoroughly onto chicken thighs or breasts.
🧡 Use your hands to massage the spices in—this helps deepen the flavor.
4. Assemble for Baking
- Place marinated chicken on top of onions in the dish.
- Layer with tomato puree, lemon slices, and a dash of extra paprika.
- Spray lightly again with non-calorie oil.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through to ensure even browning.
5. Cook the Pasta
- While the chicken bakes, bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Add tagliatelle pasta and cook until al dente (around 8–10 minutes).
- Drain and set aside.
6. Make the Sauce
- In a clean saucepan:
- Add the drained pasta, turn the heat to medium-low.
- Stir in Philadelphia Light, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and chicken stock.
- Mix gently until it forms a creamy sauce and reduces slightly.
7. Serve and Garnish
- Once the chicken is fully cooked (juicy and golden), remove from the oven.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper.
- Serve hot over creamy tagliatelle or mashed potatoes.
🍋 Optional: Squeeze the roasted lemon slices on top just before serving for a zesty finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Low-carb option: Replace pasta with steamed cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Free Food Swaps: Use skinless chicken breast for an even leaner option.
- Add veggies: Bulk up with bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach added into the pasta sauce.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approx. 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~240 kcal |
| Total Fat | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| WW Slimming Points | Syn Free (check plan) |
Always double-check with your Slimming World app or consultant for personalized syn values.
Frequently Asked Questions
💬 Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are leaner and often used in Slimming World recipes. Just reduce cooking time slightly to avoid drying out.
💬 Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes. Cooked paprika chicken can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
💬 Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Omit the Philadelphia Light and make the pasta sauce with blended silken tofu or dairy-free soft cheese alternatives.
💬 Can I skip the pasta?
Absolutely. Serve with:
- Steamed rice
- Mashed sweet potato
- Roasted vegetables
- Slimming World-friendly chips
💬 What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
You can use sweet paprika or regular ground paprika—just increase the amount slightly to compensate. Smoked paprika gives the dish its rich BBQ-style flavor, so it’s worth keeping in your pantry!
Pro Tips
- Always check your chicken is cooked through—internal temp should reach 75°C / 165°F.
- Tagliatelle can be swapped for whole wheat pasta or even Slimming World’s “Syn Free” pasta options.
- Batch cook and portion for the week for quick lunches or dinners.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like it spicier.