The beauty of Chicken Paprikash lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor. Tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy paprika-infused sauce create a soul-warming dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. This traditional Hungarian comfort food is incredibly easy to make, requiring only a handful of pantry staples and one pot. Whether you serve it over egg noodles, spaetzle, or even mashed potatoes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings Old World charm straight to your table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 large onion, finely chopped
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2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
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2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup sour cream
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley for garnish
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Egg noodles or spaetzle for serving
Directions:
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In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
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Add the chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet, browning them on all sides for about 8 minutes.
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Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sweet Hungarian paprika, coating the chicken and onions thoroughly.
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Return to heat and pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
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Cover and simmer on low heat for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
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In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with the flour to form a smooth paste.
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Stir the sour cream mixture into the skillet and cook over low heat until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Do not boil.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over egg noodles or spaetzle.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Comfort and Tradition of Chicken Paprikash
When it comes to classic comfort foods that have stood the test of time, few dishes can rival the soul-warming charm of Chicken Paprikash. With its roots deeply embedded in Hungarian culinary traditions, this beloved dish captures the essence of rustic European cooking: simple ingredients, slow cooking, and bold, unforgettable flavors. Creamy, rich, and layered with the smoky sweetness of Hungarian paprika, Chicken Paprikash is more than just a meal it’s a warm embrace on a plate.
A Taste of Hungarian Heritage
Chicken Paprikash, known in Hungary as “Paprikás Csirke,” is a dish that dates back centuries. It was born from the country’s deep agricultural roots, where hearty meals were crafted from accessible farm ingredients. Hungary’s fertile lands produced an abundance of paprika peppers, which became the backbone of many traditional recipes.
Paprikash itself simply refers to a method of cooking meat in a sauce that is generously seasoned with paprika. Chicken became the most popular protein for this dish due to its availability and quick cooking time, though variations with veal, pork, or even fish exist throughout different regions of Hungary.
Over the years, Hungarian immigrants brought their cherished Chicken Paprikash to new lands, particularly to the United States, where it took on local twists while retaining its essential character.
The Importance of Paprika
The star ingredient of Chicken Paprikash is undoubtedly paprika. But not just any paprika sweet Hungarian paprika. This spice differs significantly from the generic paprika often found on grocery store shelves in other countries. Hungarian paprika has a richer, more complex flavor profile: it’s sweet, slightly smoky, and vibrantly red.
Good quality Hungarian paprika not only flavors the dish but also gives it its signature rosy hue and delicate aroma. Some recipes blend sweet and hot paprika to add a subtle kick, though traditionally, it leans toward a milder, sweeter flavor.
Paprika in Hungarian cooking is not just a spice but a symbol of national pride, grown in the sunny fields of Szeged and Kalocsa, two regions famed for their premium peppers.
Creamy, Hearty, and Wholesome
One of the defining features of Chicken Paprikash is its creamy sauce. After the chicken is braised in a flavorful broth infused with paprika and sautéed onions, a dollop of sour cream is stirred in at the end to create a velvety texture that beautifully coats the meat and any accompanying sides.
The sour cream not only adds richness but also a subtle tang that balances the earthy sweetness of the paprika. Some variations thicken the sauce with a small amount of flour, resulting in an even more luxurious consistency.
It’s a dish that feels indulgent but remains humble hearty enough to be deeply satisfying without being overly heavy.
Traditional Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Traditionally, Chicken Paprikash is served over nokedli, tiny Hungarian dumplings similar to German spaetzle. These soft, chewy little morsels soak up the creamy sauce perfectly, providing a delightful contrast to the tender chicken.
If you can’t find nokedli or spaetzle, wide egg noodles are a great alternative and are commonly used in American versions of the dish. Mashed potatoes, rice, or even a thick slice of rustic bread also pair beautifully, ensuring not a drop of that delectable sauce goes to waste.
To complete the meal, many like to serve Chicken Paprikash alongside a simple cucumber salad dressed with vinegar and a hint of sugar, offering a refreshing contrast to the richness of the main course.
Variations Across Regions and Families
As with many beloved traditional recipes, there are countless variations of Chicken Paprikash depending on the region, family traditions, and available ingredients.
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With Vegetables: Some versions add bell peppers, tomatoes, or even mushrooms to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
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Bone-in vs. Boneless: While bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are traditional and offer the best flavor, modern adaptations sometimes use boneless thighs or even chicken breasts for convenience.
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Spicy Kick: In certain regions, especially in southern Hungary, a bit of hot paprika or fresh chili peppers are added to make the dish more fiery.
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Dumpling Diversity: Instead of nokedli, some households might serve the paprikash with other starches like boiled potatoes or rustic bread dumplings.
These variations showcase the adaptability of Chicken Paprikash and its ability to evolve while still maintaining its core comforting essence.
Why Chicken Paprikash Remains a Beloved Dish
Chicken Paprikash isn’t just a staple of Hungarian kitchens; it has become a beloved comfort food around the world because it checks all the right boxes:
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Simplicity: Made with basic pantry ingredients, it’s easy enough for weeknight cooking.
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Flavorful: The combination of butter-sautéed onions, rich paprika, and creamy sour cream creates a depth of flavor that feels like it’s been simmering all day.
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Comforting: It’s the kind of meal that soothes the soul, perfect for chilly nights, cozy family dinners, or when you need a nostalgic taste of home.
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Adaptable: Whether you stick to the classic or put your own twist on it, Chicken Paprikash welcomes personalization without losing its character.
Conclusion:
Chicken Paprikash is more than a recipe; it’s a cultural experience passed down through generations. It speaks of Hungary’s rich agricultural history, the pride of its paprika harvests, and the warmth of home kitchens filled with the aroma of simmering, hearty meals.
Whether you prepare it exactly as your great-grandmother did, or you add your own twist with modern conveniences, one thing remains true: the magic of Chicken Paprikash lies in its ability to bring people together, offering comfort, tradition, and pure deliciousness in every bite.
Adding Chicken Paprikash to your cooking repertoire isn’t just about expanding your menu it’s about embracing a piece of history and savoring a timeless dish that continues to bring joy across tables all over the world. Next time you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and rich with heritage, give Chicken Paprikash a try your taste buds will thank you.