Chicken Paprikash

There’s something deeply comforting about the aroma of paprika sizzling in butter 🧈🌶️. My first encounter with Chicken Paprikash, a traditional Hungarian dish, was during a chilly evening when I was craving something rich, warm, and full of love ❤️. I stumbled upon this classic recipe and instantly fell in love with its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and that deep smoky flavor that only good paprika can bring. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a hug, the kind that makes family dinners feel extra special 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦. Over time, I’ve perfected my own cozy version of this beloved dish — comforting, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying 🍽️.

✨ What Makes This Recipe Special?

Chicken Paprikash isn’t just any chicken dish — it’s soul food from Hungary 🇭🇺. What makes it special is the sweet and smoky depth of paprika, the richness of sour cream, and the tender fall-apart chicken that melts in your mouth 🍗💫. Every bite carries the warmth of traditional European home cooking. It’s simple yet elegant, rustic yet deeply satisfying. The slow-cooked sauce blends onions, garlic, chicken stock, and paprika into a velvety blanket of flavor — perfect for spooning over noodles, rice, or bread 🥖. The balance of spice and creaminess makes it irresistible and timeless.

🥄 Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

🍗 For the Chicken Paprikash

• 2 lbs (900g) bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks 🍗
• 2 tbsp butter 🧈
• 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
• 2 large onions, finely chopped 🧅
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 3 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika 🌶️
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for depth)
• 1 tbsp flour (for thickening)
• 2 cups chicken broth 🍲
• 1 cup sour cream 🍶
• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

🌿 Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
• Extra dollop of sour cream 🍶

🍝 Suggested Side

• Cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes 🍜

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Start by patting your chicken dry and seasoning with salt and pepper 🧂. This helps it brown beautifully later.

Step 2: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat 🧈🫒. Once hot, add the chicken pieces skin-side down and sear until golden brown on both sides — about 5–7 minutes per side 🔥. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: In the same pan, add chopped onions and sauté until soft and golden, about 8 minutes 🧅✨. The goal is to let the onions caramelize slightly to develop flavor.

Step 4: Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds — just until fragrant 🧄.

Step 5: Now, sprinkle in the paprika (both sweet and smoked) and stir quickly for about 20 seconds 🌶️. This step is crucial — you want the paprika to bloom in the fat, releasing its deep red color and smoky aroma without burning.

Step 6: Stir in the flour and cook for another minute. This will help thicken the sauce later 🍲.

Step 7: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring it to a gentle simmer 🔥.

Step 8: Return the seared chicken pieces to the pan, cover, and let it cook on low heat for about 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender 🍗💨.

Step 9: Once done, remove the pan from heat and let it cool slightly. In a small bowl, mix a few spoonfuls of the hot sauce into the sour cream to temper it (so it doesn’t curdle) 🍶. Then, slowly stir the sour cream mixture back into the sauce for a silky finish.

Step 10: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with parsley and an extra dollop of sour cream if desired 🌿🍶.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With

Chicken Paprikash is all about that luscious sauce, so you’ll want something to soak it up 😋:

• Serve it over buttered egg noodles for a traditional Hungarian touch 🍜.
• Pair with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for extra comfort 🍚🥔.
• Add a side of buttered peas or green beans for freshness 🥦.
• Serve with warm crusty bread to scoop up that delicious paprika sauce 🥖.
• For drinks, pair with a light white wine like Riesling or a chilled glass of lemonade 🍷🍋.

🔄 Customization & Variations

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat 🌶️.
• Creamier version: Stir in a touch of heavy cream along with sour cream 🍶.
• Vegetarian twist: Swap chicken for mushrooms 🍄 and use vegetable broth.
• Dumpling style: Serve with traditional Hungarian nokedli (similar to spaetzle) 🍝.
• Herb twist: Add thyme or dill for a fragrant touch 🌿.

🥡 Storing & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator ❄️.
• Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to preserve the creamy texture 🥣.
• Avoid boiling after adding sour cream — it can curdle.
• For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce (without sour cream) for up to 2 months; thaw and stir in sour cream fresh before serving 🧊.

📊 Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)

• Calories: 430 kcal 🔥
• Protein: 32g 💪
• Fat: 30g 🧈
• Carbohydrates: 9g 🍞
• Fiber: 2g 🌿
• Sodium: 520mg 🧂

❓ Reader Q&A – Common Questions

1. What’s the best paprika for Chicken Paprikash?
Use authentic Hungarian sweet paprika for true flavor 🇭🇺.

2. Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Boneless thighs work well; just reduce cooking time slightly 🍗.

3. Why temper sour cream?
Tempering prevents curdling and keeps the sauce creamy 🍶.

4. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream or cashew cream as a substitute 🌿.

5. How do I thicken the sauce more?
Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or add a touch more flour 🍲.

6. Can I cook it in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 6 hours, then stir in sour cream before serving 🕒.

7. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, for a lighter version — but add it off heat to avoid curdling 🥣.

8. What sides go best with this?
Egg noodles, rice, or crusty bread — all work perfectly 🍞🍚.

9. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your pan is large enough 🔥.

10. How can I make it more authentic?
Use lard or butter instead of oil, and don’t skip the sweet paprika 🧈🌶️.

📝 Final Thoughts

Chicken Paprikash is a heartwarming, traditional comfort dish that proves simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavor ❤️. The creamy paprika sauce, tender chicken, and silky texture make it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in 🍽️. It’s not just food — it’s a taste of Hungarian heritage 🇭🇺 and love in every bite. Once you make it, you’ll understand why this recipe has stood the test of time.

🍴 Tried This Recipe?

I’d love to see your version of Chicken Paprikash! 😍 Share your photos 📸, tips, and tweaks in the comments below. Don’t forget to follow mamacooksdinner on Pinterest 📌 for more warm, home-style, and comforting dishes made with love every week ❤️.

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