Easy Hungarian Chicken Paprikash Recipe: Homestyle Comfort

Comfort meets tradition in this hearty chicken paprikash recipe that promises to warm your soul.

Hungarian cuisine shines through every bite of this classic dish.

Tender chicken simmers in a rich, creamy sauce bursting with sweet paprika’s deep, vibrant flavor.

The silky sauce coats each morsel, creating a symphony of tastes that dance across your palate.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this beloved recipe, passing down its secrets from kitchen to kitchen.

Perfectly paired with fluffy egg noodles or crisp spätzle, this meal transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Prepare to savor a taste of Hungary that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Chicken Paprikash Comforts the Soul

• Dive into a classic Hungarian dish that brings rich, comforting tastes straight to your dinner table with minimal effort.
• Whip up this impressive meal in just a few simple steps, perfect for home cooks looking to expand their culinary skills without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Create a creamy, hearty dish that hugs your taste buds and provides ultimate satisfaction, making it ideal for family dinners or cozy nights at home.
• Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal that comes together easily, uses basic ingredients, and transforms ordinary chicken into a spectacular dinner that everyone will love.

Chicken Paprikash What You’ll Need

• Chicken: A tender and flavorful meat that serves as the star of this classic Hungarian dish.

• Flour, Paprika: Creates a delicate coating that helps seal in the chicken's moisture and adds a rich, warm color and flavor to the dish.
• Garlic: Provides a aromatic and pungent base that enhances the overall depth of the sauce.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps to sauté the onions and brown the chicken.
• Onions: Provides a sweet and savory foundation for the sauce.
• Broth: Adds liquid and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce texture.
• Sour Cream: Brings a tangy creaminess that balances the paprika and enriches the sauce.
• Parsley: Offers a fresh, bright garnish that adds a pop of color and subtle herbal note.

Gear for Easy Chicken Paprikash

• Large Skillet: Heavy-bottomed pan for browning chicken and creating creamy sauce.
• Cutting Board: Surface for preparing chicken and chopping onions.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for slicing onions and trimming chicken.
• Whisk: Essential for smoothly blending broth and creating sauce without lumps.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring onions and mixing sauce ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately portion paprika, flour, and butter.
• Plate: Holds chicken while preparing sauce and for serving.

Simple Steps to Classic Chicken Paprikash

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

Grab your chicken pieces and dust them with a flavorful blend of flour and paprika.

Ensure each piece is evenly covered, creating a delicious protective layer that will seal in moisture and add incredible taste to your dish.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat butter in a large skillet and carefully brown the chicken until it’s cooked through.

The goal is to create a beautiful golden exterior that locks in all the juicy goodness.

Once done, transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

In the same skillet, sauté onions in the remaining butter until they become soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and let it dance in the pan for a brief moment, releasing its aromatic magic.

Step 4: Create Silky Sauce Base

Sprinkle in the remaining flour and paprika, stirring constantly to create a smooth mixture.

Let it cook for a couple of minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.

Gradually whisk in broth, watching the sauce transform into a luxurious, creamy consistency.

Step 5: Finish with Creamy Elegance

Reduce the heat to its lowest setting and gently stir in sour cream, creating a velvety sauce.

Carefully return the chicken to the pan, nestling the pieces into the luscious sauce.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy this classic Hungarian comfort dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table.

Helpful Hints for Perfect Paprikash

• Use Hungarian sweet paprika for authentic flavor and rich, deep color.
• Remove pan from heat before adding sour cream to prevent curdling and maintain smooth sauce texture.
• Cook chicken on medium-low heat to ensure even browning without burning exterior.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley just before serving to add bright color and fresh herbal notes.
• Maintain low heat when finishing sauce to preserve delicate sour cream consistency and prevent separation.

Ways to Vary Your Chicken Paprikash

• Vegetarian Hungarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cut into cubes and pan-fry until golden. Follow the same sauce preparation method for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Paprika Rendition: Add diced jalapeños or red chili flakes to increase heat level. Include smoked paprika for deeper flavor complexity.
• Mediterranean Inspired Adaptation: Swap chicken for boneless lamb pieces. Incorporate oregano and add kalamata olives for a Greek-style interpretation.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower instead of flour for thickening. Replace traditional sour cream with Greek yogurt to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture.

Plating Ideas for Chicken Paprikash

• Comfort Plate Pairing: Serve this rich chicken paprikash over fluffy white rice or tender egg noodles to soak up the creamy sauce and create a satisfying meal.
• Herb Freshness Boost: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill on top just before serving to add a bright, zesty contrast to the deep, warm flavors of the dish.
• Family-Style Presentation: Transfer the entire skillet to the table for a rustic, inviting meal that encourages everyone to gather and enjoy the comforting Hungarian-inspired classic together.
• Wine Companion Choice: Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Riesling to complement the creamy sauce and cut through the richness of the chicken.

Best Practices for Storing Paprikash

• Store chicken paprikash in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer to freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Stays good for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Pour chicken paprikash into skillet. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently until heated completely. Stir carefully to maintain sauce consistency.

FAQs

• What is paprika, and why is it important in this recipe?

Paprika is a ground spice made from dried red peppers, originating from Hungary. It provides a sweet, slightly smoky flavor and beautiful red color to the dish, and is essential in authentic chicken paprikash.

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or a whole cut-up chicken. Bone-in, skin-on pieces work best for maximum flavor and tenderness.

• Is this dish spicy?

Traditional chicken paprikash is not spicy. Sweet Hungarian paprika provides a rich, mild flavor without heat. If you want some spice, you can add a pinch of hot paprika.

Chicken Paprikash Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Classic Hungarian chicken paprikash delivers a hearty comfort meal steeped in rich culinary tradition. Creamy paprika-infused sauce and tender chicken pieces invite passionate cooks to explore authentic Central European flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken breasts or thighs, cut in pieces

Spices and Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3/4 cup full-fat sour cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Dust chicken pieces with flour and paprika, ensuring even coating for a robust flavor profile.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet and sear chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, then transfer to a waiting plate.
3. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions until translucent and fragrant, then briefly introduce minced garlic to enhance aromatic qualities.
4. Sprinkle remaining flour and paprika into the skillet, stirring continuously for 2 minutes to develop a rich, deep flavor foundation.
5. Gradually pour chicken broth into the mixture, whisking steadily to create a smooth, velvety sauce that thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
6. Reduce heat to lowest setting and gently fold in sour cream, creating a luxurious, creamy texture without curdling.
7. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the sauce to reheat and marry flavors, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra tenderness and rich flavor that absorbs spices beautifully.
• Toast paprika briefly in butter before adding other ingredients to enhance its deep, smoky undertones and release maximum flavor potential.
• Use full-fat sour cream and add it off-heat to prevent curdling, creating a silky smooth sauce that coats chicken perfectly.
• Transform into a low-carb version by substituting flour with almond flour or xanthan gum for thickening without compromising texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 455
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 120mg