I just made Hungarian Chicken Paprikash recipe, and I can confidently say it’s one of the most satisfying meals I’ve cooked in a while! This dish has it all – tender chicken, a rich, creamy paprika sauce, and comforting flavors that feel like a warm hug. What I loved most was how simple the recipe was to prepare, yet it tasted so impressive.
The vibrant color and velvety sauce make it a showstopper, whether for a quiet family dinner or a cozy get-together with friends. Paired with noodles, tomato soup or rice, it’s the ultimate comfort food that fills your home with incredible aromas. Trust me, this recipe will find its way into your regular meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love Hungarian Chicken Paprikash Recipe?
Here’s why this Hungarian classic is a must-try for your weekly menu.
It’s Packed with Flavor
The sweet Hungarian paprika is the star ingredient, and when combined with the creamy sauce, it creates an unforgettable taste. The richness of sour cream balances everything beautifully.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
This dish is ready in about 30 minutes. The steps are straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Even beginners can nail this recipe without breaking a sweat!
A Versatile Crowd-Pleaser
Chicken Paprikash can be adapted with different proteins, vegetables, and sides. It’s comforting yet flexible, so you can customize in many delicious ways.
Perfect for Leftovers
Make a big batch, and you’ll have flavorful leftovers for the next few days. The dish reheats perfectly, and the flavors get even better over time.
Authentic Yet Achievable
Despite being a traditional Hungarian dish, it doesn’t require any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s easy to create an authentic experience right in your home kitchen.
Cooking Time
This is a quick dish to prepare for any day of the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients You will Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dish to life.
- Chicken (bone-in, skin-on pieces)
- Kosher salt
- All-purpose flour
- Hungarian sweet paprika
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato paste
- Chicken stock
- Sour cream
- Parsley
Variations to Try
Trying out variations can make Chicken Paprikash even more versatile and exciting!
- Dairy-Free Substitute: Use Greek yogurt or crème fraîche instead of sour cream for unique creamy flavors, or swap with plain coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Spicy Add-On: Add a pinch of hot Hungarian paprika or chili flakes to give your sauce a bold kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas, and use vegetable stock for a meat-free option.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven – for browning the chicken and simmering the sauce.
- Mixing bowl – to season and coat the chicken.
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing onions and mincing garlic.
- Wooden spoon – for stirring the sauce and scraping the pan.
- Tongs – for turning chicken pieces while browning.
How to Make Hungarian Chicken Paprikash?
Follow these easy steps to whip up a warm, delicious dish that’s bursting with flavor! 🌟👌
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season your chicken pieces with salt, then dredge them lightly in flour spiced with paprika and black pepper. This coating adds flavor and helps thicken the sauce later. Don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet, then sear the chicken pieces until the skin is golden and crisp. The goal here isn’t to cook the meat fully but to lock in flavor and create those beautiful browned bits at the bottom of the pan. Set the chicken aside for now. 🍳
Step 3: Cook the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add your sliced onions and garlic. Sauté them until soft and fragrant, absorbing all those delicious, browned flavors left from the chicken.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste, followed by the Hungarian sweet paprika. Pour in chicken stock and scrape the bottom of the pan to release all the tasty bits. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat.
Step 5: Braise the Chicken
Return your chicken pieces to the skillet. Simmer everything on low, with the lid slightly ajar, for about 15 minutes. The sauce will thicken, and the chicken will cook through, becoming tender and juicy. 🍗
Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Temper the sour cream by adding a bit of the sauce to it before stirring it into the dish. This keeps it creamy and prevents curdling. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh finish. Serve immediately! 😊
Tips for Making the Recipe
Keep these tips in mind for the best results.
- Temper the Sour Cream: Slowly add some warm sauce to your chilled sour cream before mixing it in. This keeps the sauce smooth and velvety.
- Use Quality Paprika: Authentic Hungarian paprika has unmatched flavor and color, so it’s worth seeking out for this recipe.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the chicken, work in batches if needed. Overcrowding can lower the pan’s temperature and make it harder to get a good sear.
- Adjust Thickness to Taste: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken stock at the end. It should be loose enough to coat your noodles or rice.
How to Serve Hungarian Chicken Paprikash?
Serve Chicken Paprikash immediately, ladled over fluffy white rice, soft egg noodles, or traditional Hungarian nokedli dumplings. Garnish each plate with a sprinkle of parsley for color. Crusty bread on the side is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. For a balanced meal, pair it with a corn salad or steamed vegetables like green beans.
Nutritional Information
Each serving is hearty and satisfying! Check out these key stats per serving.
- Calories: 303
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 19g
Make Ahead and Storage
This dish not only reheats beautifully but also stores well, making it ideal for meal prep.
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens in the fridge. Planning to freeze? Consider freezing without sour cream, as it can separate when thawed. Simply stir in freshly tempered sour cream after reheating for a just-made taste.
Hungarian Chicken Paprikash is a soul-warming meal that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether enjoyed on a busy weeknight or as a special weekend treat, it’s guaranteed to delight every time. Make it, savor it, and fall in love with this comforting classic!
