The Best Chicken Paprikash Recipe for Your Family Dinner

Hearty hungarian chicken paprikash brings warmth to weeknight dinners with its rich, creamy sauce and tender meat.

My grandmother’s cherished recipe captures authentic flavors passed through generations.

Generous amounts of sweet paprika create a vibrant red color that makes this dish irresistible.

Each bite tells a story of comfort and tradition.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients combine into something magical.

Skilled chefs know this classic meal requires patience and love.

Let’s uncover the secrets behind this incredible comfort food that will make you feel like you’re dining in budapest.

Chicken Paprikash That Tastes Like Family Tradition

Whip Up Comfort: A Homemade Chicken Paprikash Journey

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this delightful dish in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving a delicious, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Foolproof Flavor Explosion: Even novice cooks can master this recipe with simple steps, ensuring a restaurant-quality meal that impresses everyone at the dinner table.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable to different preferences, this chicken paprikash works magic for family dinners, casual gatherings, or a cozy date night at home.
• Comfort Food Champion: Packed with rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, this traditional Hungarian recipe delivers ultimate satisfaction and warmth in every single bite.

Chicken Paprikash (Authentic) Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the base of the dish, skin-on chicken thighs or legs work best for richer flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the chicken's natural taste, freshly ground black pepper recommended.

• Onions: Foundational vegetable that provides depth and sweetness to the dish, yellow onions preferred for traditional preparation.
• Sweet Paprika, Smoked Paprika: Signature spices that define the classic Hungarian flavor profile, use high-quality Hungarian paprika for authentic taste.

• Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps cook and tenderize the chicken, homemade or low-sodium store-bought recommended.
• Sour Cream: Creamy element that creates a rich, tangy sauce, full-fat version provides best texture and flavor.
• Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a smooth, velvety sauce consistency, all-purpose flour works perfectly.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds freshness and visual appeal to the final dish, finely chopped for best presentation.

• Oil, Lard: Cooking mediums for sautéing and browning, traditional Hungarian recipes often use lard for authentic flavor.

Chicken Paprikash Traditional Cooking

Step 1: Sizzle Onions to Golden Perfection

Heat oil or lard in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss chopped onions into the sizzling pan and cook until they transform into a beautiful golden color and become soft and translucent.

Step 2: Brown Chicken with Seasoning

Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.

Carefully place the chicken into the skillet with the caramelized onions.

Cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until each side develops a gorgeous brown crust, approximately 6-8 minutes.

Step 3: Sprinkle Paprika Magic

Reduce the heat to low.

• Sweet paprika
• Smoked paprika

Gently stir to ensure every piece is coated, being careful not to let the spices burn.

Step 4: Simmer and Tenderize

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, covering the chicken.

Put a lid on the pan and let it simmer gently for 30-35 minutes.

The chicken will become incredibly tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk sour cream with flour until completely smooth.

Slowly incorporate this mixture into the skillet, stirring continuously.

Cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become luxuriously creamy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish.

Serve piping hot directly from the skillet, inviting everyone to enjoy this comforting Hungarian classic.

Classic Stew Prep for Chicken Paprikash

• Select authentic Hungarian sweet and smoked paprika for genuine flavor depth and traditional taste experience.
• Temper sour cream slowly by adding a small amount of hot liquid before mixing into the skillet to avoid separation.
• Use bone-in chicken thighs or legs for more moisture and richer flavor compared to chicken breasts.
• Whisk flour and sour cream thoroughly to eliminate lumps and create a silky, smooth sauce texture.
• Swap regular sour cream with Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternatives for lactose-sensitive individuals while maintaining creamy consistency.

Chicken Paprikash Storage Guide

• Store leftover chicken paprikash in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken paprikash to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label containers with date and contents.
• Gently warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place chicken paprikash in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a touch of broth to maintain sauce consistency.

Hearty Pairings for Chicken Paprikash

• Elevate Chicken Paprikash Pairings
• Complement Classic Sides: Serve over buttery egg noodles or fluffy white rice to soak up the rich, creamy paprika sauce, creating a perfect hearty meal.
• Wine Harmony: Select a medium-bodied Hungarian red wine like Egri Bikavér (Bull's Blood) or a crisp Tokaji white wine to match the dish's robust paprika flavors and creamy texture.
• Fresh Veggie Balance: Add a light cucumber salad with dill and vinegar dressing to cut through the richness and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken.
• Bread Companion: Serve with crusty Hungarian bread or soft dinner rolls to mop up the delicious sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Chicken Paprikash Cozy Recipe Versions

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a lactose-free version that maintains the creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or seitan, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a plant-based alternative that keeps the traditional Hungarian spice profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of flour for thickening, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Paprika Kick: Add a pinch of hot paprika or cayenne pepper to increase heat, creating a more intense and bold flavor profile for those who enjoy a spicier dish.

FAQs

• What is the difference between sweet and smoked paprika?

Sweet paprika offers a mild, fruity flavor typical in Hungarian cuisine, while smoked paprika provides a deeper, slightly smoky taste. Both are used in this recipe to create a rich, complex flavor profile.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken pieces?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly for paprikash. They’re more flavorful and stay juicy during cooking, making them an excellent alternative to other chicken cuts.

• Is paprika crucial to this recipe?

Absolutely. Paprika isn’t just a seasoning but the heart of this traditional Hungarian dish. It provides distinctive flavor, color, and authenticity to the chicken paprikash.

• How do I prevent the paprika from burning?

Lower the heat when adding paprika and stir quickly. Add it after browning the chicken and immediately mix to coat evenly, which prevents burning and ensures a smooth, rich sauce.

Chicken Paprikash Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Hungarian chicken paprikash showcases rich, creamy flavors that dance across delicate egg noodles with passionate culinary charm. Generations of home cooks have perfected this comforting classic, inviting you to savor a taste of Budapest’s warmest kitchen traditions.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds bone-in chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) sweet Hungarian paprika
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream

Aromatic Base:

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil or lard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra depth)

Seasoning and Thickening Agents:

• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm a skillet over medium temperature, adding fat to create a glossy cooking surface. Gently caramelize chopped onions until they transform into a translucent, golden landscape.
2. Carefully coat chicken pieces with seasoned salt and freshly cracked pepper. Transfer the seasoned protein into the fragrant onion-infused pan, allowing each surface to develop a rich, bronze exterior through careful browning.
3. Reduce heat to a gentle whisper. Dust the chicken with vibrant sweet and smoky paprika, carefully massaging the spices to prevent burning and ensure complete coverage.
4. Pour chicken broth around the seared meat, creating a luxurious cooking environment. Cover the skillet, allowing the liquid to gently embrace the chicken, transforming it into a tender masterpiece during a 30-minute culinary meditation.
5. Prepare a silky liaison by blending sour cream with flour until no lumps remain. Slowly incorporate this creamy mixture into the bubbling sauce, stirring delicately to create a luscious, velvety texture that clings lovingly to the chicken.
6. Let the sauce harmonize and thicken for several minutes, tasting and adjusting seasoning to perfection. A final flourish of freshly chopped parsley adds a bright, verdant note to this comforting Hungarian classic.

Notes

• Prevent Burning Spices: Toast paprika carefully on low heat to release rich flavors without scorching, which can make the sauce bitter and unpleasant.
• Meat Selection Flexibility: Choose chicken thighs or drumsticks for more tender, juicy results compared to lean breast meat that might dry out during cooking.
• Creamy Sauce Technique: Temper sour cream by slowly adding hot liquid before mixing into the skillet to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, silky sauce texture.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular sour cream with Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternatives for lactose-intolerant or vegan preferences, maintaining the recipe’s authentic creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg