Chicken Paprikash has always been a special dish for me, ever since I was a little girl watching my grandma in the kitchen. I can still picture her stirring the fragrant paprika-infused sauce, the rich aroma filling the whole house. The way she would carefully brown the chicken to perfection, then gently simmer it until the meat was fall-off-the-bone tender. Chicken Paprikash was her signature dish, and making it together was one of my fondest childhood memories.
Even today, whenever I make Chicken Paprikash, I’m transported back to those cozy afternoons in grandma’s kitchen. There’s just something so comforting and nourishing about this classic Hungarian dish. The creamy, tangy sauce, the succulent chicken, the fluffy egg noodles – it’s a flavor combination that warms the soul. That’s why Chicken Paprikash has become my go-to dish for sharing a special meal with loved ones.
Why This Chicken Paprikash Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Chicken Paprikash
What makes this Chicken Paprikash recipe so special is the way it captures the authentic flavors of the traditional Hungarian dish, while also offering a few modern twists. I’ve perfected the technique over the years, ensuring the chicken is incredibly moist and tender, and the sauce is rich, creamy, and bursting with paprika goodness. The secret is in the slow-cooking method and the careful layering of flavors. Trust me, once you taste this Chicken Paprikash, it’ll become a new family favorite.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken – I use a mix of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks for the best texture and flavor.
Onion – Finely diced onion adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves lend their pungent, aromatic flavors.
Paprika – This is the star ingredient! You’ll need both sweet and smoked paprika for the perfect balance.
Sour Cream – The addition of sour cream makes the sauce wonderfully rich and tangy.
Flour – A bit of all-purpose flour helps thicken the sauce to a luxurious consistency.
Chicken Broth – Homemade or high-quality store-bought broth provides the perfect base.
Egg Noodles – Serving Chicken Paprikash over tender egg noodles is a must.
Step-by-Step Chicken Paprikash Instructions
Preparing Your Chicken Paprikash
This Chicken Paprikash recipe is surprisingly easy to make, with a total cooking time of about 1 hour. You’ll need a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for browning the chicken and simmering the sauce. Let’s get started!
1- Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper. Heat a couple tablespoons of oil in your pot over medium-high heat, then add the chicken in a single layer and brown it on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate.
2- Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
3- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic, and stir to coat. Cook for 2 minutes, then gradually whisk in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.
4- Return the browned chicken to the pot and add the paprika, both sweet and smoked. Stir to coat the chicken, then cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the Chicken Paprikash simmer for 30-35 minutes, until the chicken is incredibly tender.
5- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred or slice the meat. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir in the sour cream. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6- Serve the Chicken Paprikash hot, over a bed of steaming egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Chicken Paprikash is low and slow cooking. Don’t be tempted to rush the process – the long, gentle simmer is what makes the chicken so tender and the sauce so velvety. Also, be generous with the paprika – it’s the cornerstone of this dish, so you want to really let that smoky, earthy flavor shine.
Another tip is to use a combination of sweet and smoked paprika. The sweet paprika provides the classic Chicken Paprikash flavor, while the smoked paprika adds an extra layer of depth and complexity. And don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning at the end – a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of salt can really make the flavors pop.
Serving and Storing Your Chicken Paprikash
Perfect Pairings for Chicken Paprikash
Chicken Paprikash is the ultimate comfort food, so it pairs beautifully with simple side dishes like buttered egg noodles, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For a heartier meal, you can serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or a crusty loaf of bread for sopping up the rich sauce.
As for drinks, a glass of full-bodied red wine or a cold, refreshing beer are both excellent choices. And don’t forget dessert – a light, fruity dessert like a berry cobbler or a simple vanilla ice cream would be the perfect ending to this cozy, satisfying meal.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Chicken Paprikash actually gets even better the next day, as the flavors have a chance to meld and develop. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply transfer the Chicken Paprikash to a saucepan and gently warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
For make-ahead meals, you can assemble the entire dish, then let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Frozen Chicken Paprikash will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Chicken Paprikash
Creative Chicken Paprikash Variations
While the classic Chicken Paprikash is already utterly delicious, there are lots of ways to put your own spin on the dish. Try using a mix of chicken thighs and breasts for a leaner version. You can also switch up the protein and make it with pork or beef instead of chicken.
For a vegetarian or vegan take, you can roast cauliflower or portobello mushrooms in place of the chicken, and use a plant-based sour cream alternative. And in the summer, you could even grill the chicken and serve the Paprikash sauce on the side.
Making Chicken Paprikash Diet-Friendly
To make Chicken Paprikash a bit healthier, you can use low-fat sour cream and swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative like almond or chickpea flour. For a carb-conscious version, serve it over riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles instead of egg noodles.
And for our vegan and dairy-free friends, you can absolutely make a delicious Chicken Paprikash by using plant-based “chicken” and a creamy cashew or coconut milk-based sauce. The key is to get that rich, paprika-infused flavor profile just right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken for Chicken Paprikash?
A: While you certainly can use boneless, skinless chicken, I highly recommend sticking with bone-in, skin-on pieces. The bones and skin add so much extra flavor and moisture to the dish, resulting in truly tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken.
Q: How can I thicken the Chicken Paprikash sauce?
A: If you find the sauce is a bit too thin, you can make a simple roux by whisking together equal parts butter and flour. Stir this roux into the simmering sauce and let it cook for a few minutes until thickened to your desired consistency.
Q: Can I make Chicken Paprikash in the slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Chicken Paprikash is a great slow cooker recipe. Simply brown the chicken as directed, then add all the ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
Q: How many people does this Chicken Paprikash recipe serve?
A: This recipe serves 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes. If you’re feeding a larger crowd, you can easily double or triple the ingredients.
Q: Why is my Chicken Paprikash sauce curdled or grainy?
A: This can happen if the sauce gets boiled too vigorously after adding the sour cream. To avoid this, make sure to gently reheat the sauce and only simmer it briefly after stirring in the sour cream.
Chicken Paprikash
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of authentic Chicken Paprikash, a classic Hungarian dish that’s easy to make and packed with bold spices.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp paprika
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup sour cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped parsley for garnish
– Cooked egg noodles for serving
Instructions
1. 1. In a large skillet, sauté the onion over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. 2. Add the garlic and paprika, and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. 3. Add the chicken and chicken broth, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
4. 4. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5. Serve the Chicken Paprikash over hot cooked egg noodles, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use boneless, skin-on chicken thighs. You can also add a splash of white wine or dry sherry to the sauce. Adjust the amount of paprika to your desired spice level.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Conclusion
Chicken Paprikash is a classic dish that warms the soul and brings people together. With its tender chicken, rich and creamy sauce, and comforting egg noodles, it’s a meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite. I hope this recipe gives you all the tips and tricks you need to make the most authentic, delicious Chicken Paprikash you’ve ever tasted. So what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start cooking! I can’t wait to hear how your Chicken Paprikash turns out.