A rich, cozy Hungarian classic featuring tender chicken simmered in a paprika-infused sauce with onions, garlic, and sour cream. Traditionally served with nokedli (Hungarian dumplings) or egg noodles, this dish is hearty, creamy, and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love It
- Authentic Hungarian comfort food 🥘
- Creamy, smoky, and flavorful sauce 🌶️
- Simple ingredients, big flavors
- Perfect served with dumplings, rice, or buttered noodles
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on for flavor)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or lard (traditional)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika (a must for authentic flavor)
- ½ tsp hot paprika or cayenne (optional for heat)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large tomato (peeled & chopped, or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp flour (to thicken sauce, optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet. Brown chicken on all sides (about 5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Base
- In the same pan, sauté onions until golden and soft (about 6–8 minutes).
- Stir in garlic, paprika, and bell pepper. Cook briefly—do not burn paprika or it turns bitter.
- Simmer the Stew
- Add tomato and chicken broth, stir well.
- Return chicken pieces to the pot.
- Cover and simmer 35–40 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Creamy Paprika Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk sour cream with flour (this prevents curdling).
- Remove pot from heat, stir in sour cream mixture.
- Return to low heat and simmer 2–3 minutes until creamy (don’t boil after adding sour cream).
- Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with nokedli (Hungarian dumplings), buttered egg noodles, or rice.
Tips & Variations
- Authentic Touch → Use Hungarian sweet paprika (not smoked).
- Thicker Sauce → Add more flour or simmer uncovered a bit longer.
- Extra Flavor → Add a splash of white wine while simmering.
- Spicy Version → Use hot paprika or fresh chili peppers.
✨ This Hungarian Chicken Paprikash is rustic, hearty, and perfect for a Sunday family dinner!