Chicken Paprikash: A Flavorful Hungarian Comfort Dish

Chicken Paprikash is a traditional Hungarian dish that’s rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor. With tender pieces of chicken simmered in a creamy, paprika-infused sauce, this dish is a delightful comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners or any occasion. Paired with hot noodles or mashed potatoes, Chicken Paprikash is the kind of dish that will warm you from the inside out.

If you’re new to Hungarian cuisine or looking to explore more dishes, check out this Hungarian Recipes Collection for inspiration. Additionally, learn how paprika plays an essential role in many Hungarian dishes in this detailed Guide to Hungarian Paprika.

In this article, we will walk you through the ingredients and instructions for making this classic recipe, offer tips for enhancing the dish, and provide helpful storage and serving ideas. Whether you’re familiar with this dish or trying it for the first time, you’re in for a flavorful treat!

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

How to Make Chicken Paprikash: A Flavorful Hungarian Comfort Dish

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Chicken Paprikash is a comforting Hungarian dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, flavorful paprika sauce. The dish is made with sweet Hungarian paprika, onions, garlic, and sour cream to create a creamy, savory sauce that pairs perfectly with hot cooked noodles or mashed potatoes. This hearty, flavorful meal is perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 broiler/fryer chickens (about 3–1/2 to 4 pounds each), cut into 8 pieces
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil or canola oil
• 2 medium onions, halved and sliced
• 2 large garlic cloves, chopped
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sweet Hungarian paprika
• 2 cups hot chicken broth or water
• 1 cup sour cream

Optional for Garnish:

• Minced fresh parsley
• Additional sweet Hungarian paprika

For Serving:

• Hot cooked noodles or mashed potatoes

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Instructions

• Season the Chicken:
• Season the chicken pieces with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper on all sides.
• Brown the Chicken:
• Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut or canola oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
• Cook the Onions and Garlic:
• In the same pot, add the sliced onions and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, until softened and lightly golden.
• Add the chopped garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
• Make the Paprika Sauce:
• Stir in the 3 tablespoons of flour and 1 tablespoon of sweet Hungarian paprika, mixing well to form a paste-like consistency.
• Gradually add the hot chicken broth or water, stirring to avoid lumps. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot as you go.
• Simmer the Chicken:
• Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot, skin side up. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
• Finish the Sauce:
• Stir in 1 cup of sour cream until fully combined with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, adjusting seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
• Serve:
• Serve the Chicken Paprikash over hot cooked noodles or mashed potatoes. Garnish with minced parsley and a sprinkle of additional paprika if desired.

Notes

For a richer sauce, you can use heavy cream in place of sour cream, or add a little bit of both for extra creaminess.

If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use hot paprika instead of sweet Hungarian paprika.

This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (1 chicken piece with sauce, served with noodles or potatoes)
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Chicken Paprikash Recipe

Instructions:

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with kosher salt and pepper. Ensure that both sides of the chicken are evenly coated with the seasonings.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken 2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy skillet, heat the peanut oil (or canola oil) over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic 3. In the same pot, add the sliced onions and chopped garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions have softened and become translucent. This step helps to build the flavor base for the dish.

Step 4: Add Flour and Paprika 4. Sprinkle the flour and sweet Hungarian paprika over the onions and garlic. Stir to combine, making sure the flour is fully incorporated. This will help thicken the sauce later and give it that signature paprika flavor.

Step 5: Add Broth and Simmer 5. Gradually add the hot chicken broth (or water), stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Return the browned chicken to the pot, skin side up, and cover. Let the chicken simmer in the paprika sauce for about 40-45 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Then : 

Step 6: Make the Paprika Sauce 6. Once the chicken is cooked, remove the chicken pieces from the pot and set them aside. Stir the sour cream into the sauce, mixing well to create a creamy consistency. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve 7. Return the chicken to the pot and spoon the sauce over the top. If desired, garnish with minced fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of sweet Hungarian paprika for an added burst of color and flavor. Serve the Chicken Paprikash hot with cooked noodles or mashed potatoes.

Advanced Techniques for Making Chicken Paprikash

While Chicken Paprikash is a simple and comforting dish, there are a few advanced techniques you can use to elevate the flavors and presentation of the meal.

Use Bone-In Chicken for Added Flavor

For the best flavor, use bone-in chicken pieces, such as thighs and drumsticks, as they will impart more richness to the sauce. You can also use a whole chicken and cut it into pieces yourself, which will give you a combination of dark and white meat.

Perfect the Paprika Flavor

Sweet Hungarian paprika is the star of this dish. To enhance the flavor, be sure to use high-quality paprika. You can also experiment by adding a small amount of smoked paprika for a deeper, slightly smoky flavor. Just be cautious not to overpower the dish with too much paprika.

Finish with a Touch of Lemon

Some recipes for Chicken Paprikash include a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end of cooking to balance the richness of the sauce. Try this method if you want to add a subtle tangy contrast to the creamy dish.

Make the Sauce Extra Creamy

For an even creamier texture, try adding a tablespoon of butter along with the sour cream to the sauce. This will create a velvety smooth consistency and a richer flavor.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

How to Store Chicken Paprikash

Once your Chicken Paprikash is fully cooked, allow it to cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Can I Freeze Chicken Paprikash?

Yes! Chicken Paprikash freezes well. To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer the chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating Chicken Paprikash

To reheat, place the Chicken Paprikash in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, you can add a bit more chicken broth or water to loosen it up.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Version

This Chicken Paprikash recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent instead of regular flour. Simply substitute in your preferred gluten-free flour and follow the recipe as usual.

Dairy-Free Version

To make a dairy-free version of Chicken Paprikash, you can substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or a non-dairy yogurt. Be sure to check the ingredients of any substitutes to ensure they are suitable for your dietary needs.

Low-Fat Version

For a lighter version of Chicken Paprikash, use low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt instead of regular sour cream. You can also reduce the amount of oil used for browning the chicken by using a non-stick pan and minimizing the oil.

FAQs About Chicken Paprikash

Can I make Chicken Paprikash ahead of time?

Yes, Chicken Paprikash can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. In fact, the flavors may deepen and improve after sitting overnight.

What can I serve with Chicken Paprikash?

Chicken Paprikash is traditionally served with hot cooked noodles or mashed potatoes. It can also be served with rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

While bone-in chicken is recommended for maximum flavor, you can use boneless chicken if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since boneless chicken will cook faster.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Chicken Paprikash is a delicious, comforting, and flavorful dish that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. With tender chicken simmered in a creamy paprika sauce, this dish is perfect for cozy dinners with family and friends. Whether you stick to the traditional ingredients or make some adaptations, Chicken Paprikash is versatile and easy to customize. Enjoy the rich flavors and warmth of this classic Hungarian comfort food!