Chicken Paprikash

Let’s cozy up with a classic, shall we? Chicken Paprikash is the kind of dish that instantly makes you feel like you’ve stepped into someone’s warm, welcoming kitchen—where the air smells like slow-simmered comfort, and the food always tastes like it’s been made with love. This Hungarian favorite is all about tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy paprika sauce that clings beautifully to every bite.

It’s hearty, soul-soothing, and surprisingly simple to pull together. Whether you serve it over buttered noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, it’s a dish that delivers big flavor without the fuss. If you’re new to Hungarian cooking or just need something that hits the “comfort food” button in the best way possible, trust me—this one’s a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Paprikash

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, impressing guests, or making something warm and comforting for yourself, here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for weeknights or weekends. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a big green salad and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal.

Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples and basic ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps and minimal prep make this ideal even when you’re short on time but craving something rich and flavorful.

Customizable: Prefer boneless chicken? Go for it. Want to turn up the heat? Add a touch of hot paprika or chili flakes. You can easily adapt it to your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is a comfort food favorite for a reason. It’s mild enough for picky eaters, but flavorful enough to impress.

Ingredients in Chicken Paprikash

This dish is built on simple ingredients that work together to create deep, delicious flavor. Here’s what brings it all together:

Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks

Bone-in, skin-on pieces are traditional and add tons of flavor to the sauce, but boneless thighs or breasts work too.

Onion

Adds sweetness and depth to the base of the sauce. Make sure to sauté until soft and golden for maximum flavor.

Garlic

Brings a gentle, savory kick to balance the richness of the dish.

Sweet Hungarian Paprika

This is the heart and soul of the dish. Choose high-quality sweet Hungarian paprika for the most authentic and flavorful result.

Chicken Broth

Adds moisture and helps the chicken cook until perfectly tender while building the sauce.

Sour Cream

Swirled in at the end for a velvety, tangy finish that makes the sauce rich and creamy.

All-Purpose Flour

Used to slightly thicken the sauce and give it that luscious, coat-the-back-of-the-spoon texture.

Oil or Butter

Used for sautéing the onions and browning the chicken. Either works—choose based on your flavor preference.

Salt and Pepper

Essential seasonings to round out the flavors.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

No oven required for this one—just a large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid. Make sure it’s big enough to hold all the chicken comfortably.

Brown the Chicken

Heat oil or butter in the skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken with salt and pepper, then brown it on both sides until golden. Remove and set aside. This step builds rich flavor right from the start.

Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute or so.

Add the Paprika

Remove the pan from heat briefly before adding the paprika. This keeps it from burning, which can make it bitter. Stir it in to coat the onions completely—it should smell amazing.

Combine Ingredients

Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the chicken broth. Stir gently to combine, then bring everything to a simmer.

Cook to Perfection

Cover and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks.

Make It Creamy

In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with a bit of flour to create a slurry. Slowly stir it into the pan. Let it simmer for another 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. Spoon the sauce generously over everything, and don’t forget a little chopped parsley if you want to dress it up.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approx. 450 (varies based on cut of chicken and serving side)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Paprikash

This dish is all about that creamy, paprika-infused sauce, so pair it with something that soaks it up beautifully:

Egg Noodles: The most traditional choice, and a perfect match for the sauce.

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy on creamy—it’s rich and hearty in the best way.

Rice or Spaetzle: Both are excellent at catching every last drop of the sauce.

Crusty Bread: For mopping up the extra sauce in your bowl. Always a good idea.

Fresh Greens: A crisp cucumber salad or simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.

Additional Tips

Use Good Paprika: The flavor of this dish hinges on the paprika, so opt for sweet Hungarian paprika if possible. Smoked paprika gives it a different flavor—still delicious, just not traditional.

Avoid Boiling the Sour Cream: Stir it in gently and let it warm through without boiling to prevent curdling.

Make It Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently.

Want Extra Veggies?: Stir in some bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing the onions for a bit more texture and flavor.

Thicken Sauce More?: Simmer a little longer uncovered, or add an extra teaspoon of flour to the sour cream mixture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use boneless chicken?
A1: Yes. Boneless thighs or breasts work well—just reduce the simmering time slightly to avoid overcooking.

Q2: What kind of paprika should I use?
A2: Sweet Hungarian paprika is traditional. Avoid regular or hot paprika unless you want a spicier twist.

Q3: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A3: Yes, though it’ll change the flavor. Try using a dairy-free sour cream alternative.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q5: Can I freeze Chicken Paprikash?
A5: You can freeze it, but sour cream sauces can separate. If you plan to freeze, add the sour cream after reheating instead of before freezing.

Q6: What can I serve this with besides noodles?
A6: Mashed potatoes, rice, spaetzle, or crusty bread are all great options.

Q7: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A7: Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or increase the amount of flour in your sour cream slurry.

Q8: Is this a spicy dish?
A8: Not usually. It’s more about warmth and richness than heat. Add hot paprika or chili flakes if you want more kick.

Q9: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
A9: Yes, just use full-fat Greek yogurt and stir it in gently to avoid curdling.

Q10: What should I drink with Chicken Paprikash?
A10: A light red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white like Riesling pairs beautifully. Beer also works well.

Conclusion

Chicken Paprikash is one of those timeless, satisfying dishes that brings comfort with every bite. With its silky sauce, tender chicken, and rich paprika flavor, it’s a dish that feels both rustic and refined. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, it’s sure to impress and warm hearts at the table. Try it once and you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic.

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