Sizzling Hearty Chicken Paprikash Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Chicken paprikash carries a rich hungarian culinary tradition that promises comfort in every bite.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delectable dish through careful technique and love.

Tender chicken pieces nestled in a creamy, vibrant sauce create a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Authentic spices dance across your palate, telling stories of budapest kitchens and cherished family recipes.

Mild peppers and smoky paprika blend seamlessly, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Skilled cooking transforms basic components into a soul-satisfying experience that connects you with central european cuisine.

Come explore this classic recipe and let your kitchen fill with irresistible aromas that will transport you straight to hungary.

Hearty Chicken Paprikash Full of Flavor

• Classic comfort food that wraps you in warm, hearty flavors with minimal cooking skills required.
• Quick one-skillet meal that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish without complicated techniques.
• Authentic Hungarian-inspired recipe that brings international cuisine directly to your home kitchen with bold, rich spices.
• Adaptable recipe perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or when you want a satisfying meal that impresses everyone without spending hours cooking.

Chicken Paprikash Ingredients That Matter

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the hearty base of this classic Hungarian dish.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide a rich, deep flavor foundation for the sauce.
• Sweet Paprika, Smoked Paprika: Essential spices that give the dish its signature warm, complex flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that helps tenderize the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing and sautéing to develop a golden exterior on the chicken.
• Sour Cream: Adds a creamy, tangy richness that softens the paprika's intensity.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that provides a fresh, herbal note to the finished dish.

How to Bring Hearty Chicken Paprikash Together

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Season chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper.

Carefully place chicken into the hot pan, creating a beautiful golden crust.

Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until the exterior turns a deep, rich brown.

Transfer the seared chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet with delicious chicken drippings, add chopped onions.

Sauté the onions until they become translucent and soft, stirring occasionally.

Toss in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the aromatics to release their incredible fragrance.

Step 3: Unleash the Paprika Magic

Sprinkle sweet and smoked paprika into the skillet.

Stir quickly to coat the onions and garlic, toasting the spices for about one minute.

This step awakens the deep, complex flavors of the dish.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the sauce.

Cover and let everything simmer gently for 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Finish with Creamy Goodness

Remove the skillet from heat.

Carefully temper the sour cream by slowly adding a small amount of hot sauce to prevent curdling.

Gently stir the tempered sour cream back into the skillet, creating a luxurious, creamy sauce.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Little Boosts for Hearty Chicken Paprikash

• Select authentic Hungarian sweet and smoked paprika for the most genuine, rich flavor profile in your chicken paprikash.
• Gradually temper sour cream by adding hot sauce slowly to prevent curdling, ensuring a smooth, silky texture in the final dish.
• Brown chicken pieces thoroughly before simmering to develop deep, caramelized notes that enhance the overall taste of the recipe.
• Adjust sauce thickness by simmering uncovered if too thin or adding a small amount of flour if too liquid, creating perfect coating for chicken.
• Let chicken paprikash cool completely before refrigerating, which allows flavors to meld and improves taste when reheated gently the next day.

Best Methods to Save Chicken Paprikash

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken paprikash to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring no air pockets remain.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently and heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F, preventing sauce separation.

Chicken Paprikash and Its Favorite Sides

• Hungarian Wine Match: Select a crisp Tokaji white wine that complements the rich, paprika-infused sauce with its bright acidity and subtle sweetness.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Serve with a crusty sourdough or rye bread to soak up the creamy sauce and add delightful textural contrast.
• Tangy Side Salad: Create a quick cucumber salad dressed with vinegar, dill, and a touch of sugar to cut through the dish's richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Herbal Beverage Boost: Enjoy with a chilled glass of Hungarian herbal tea or a light pilsner beer that balances the creamy, spiced chicken flavor.

Styles to Explore in Chicken Paprikash

• Vegetarian Paprikash: Replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan, pressing out excess moisture before searing. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour-based noodles with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip traditional noodles and serve over cauliflower rice or roasted vegetable medley. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for added protein and reduced carbohydrates.
• Spicy Paprikash Remix: Add red pepper flakes or hot paprika for extra heat. Include diced bell peppers or jalapeños during the sautéing stage to enhance the spice profile and provide additional depth of flavor.

FAQs

• What makes paprika so important in this dish?

Paprika is the heart of Hungarian cuisine, adding a deep, rich flavor and vibrant red color. In Chicken Paprikash, it provides a sweet and slightly smoky taste that’s essential to the dish’s authentic character.

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

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs, drumsticks, or a whole cut-up chicken work perfectly. Each cut brings slightly different texture and flavor to the dish, so feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.

• Is this recipe spicy or mild?

This version is typically mild and slightly sweet, using sweet paprika. If you want more heat, you can add a pinch of hot paprika or include some red pepper flakes during cooking.

• How do I prevent the sour cream from curdling?

The key is tempering – slowly mix a small amount of hot sauce into the sour cream before adding it back to the skillet. This gradually raises the temperature and prevents separation, ensuring a smooth, creamy sauce.

Hearty Chicken Paprikash Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 53 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Chicken Paprikash offers a delightful journey through Hungarian culinary traditions, blending rich paprika-infused flavors with tender chicken. Creamy sauce and warm spices invite you to savor a comforting meal that connects generations of home cooks.

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Ingredients

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Chicken and Protein:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or 2 pounds chicken pieces)

Aromatics and Spices:

• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Liquids and Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken pieces by patting dry with paper towels, then generously season with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and nearly smoking.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich, golden-brown crust for approximately 4-6 minutes per side.
4. Transfer seared chicken to a clean plate, leaving flavorful drippings in the skillet.
5. Reduce heat to medium and add diced onions, cooking until translucent and softened, approximately 5 minutes.
6. Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
7. Sprinkle sweet and smoked paprika into the skillet, stirring quickly to coat onions and garlic, releasing their aromatic essence for about 45-60 seconds.
8. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any caramelized bits from the bottom, creating a rich flavor base.
9. Gently return chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the liquid, then cover and simmer on low heat for 25-35 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
10. Remove skillet from heat and carefully temper sour cream by gradually adding a few spoonfuls of hot sauce to prevent curdling.
11. Swirl tempered sour cream into the skillet, creating a creamy, luxurious sauce.
12. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or paprika as needed.
13. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately over egg noodles, steamed rice, or alongside crusty bread.

Notes

• Use high-quality, freshly ground paprika for the most vibrant flavor and authentic taste.
• Temper sour cream carefully to prevent curdling by slowly adding hot sauce while stirring constantly.
• Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra richness and deeper flavor profile.
• Make this dish gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour and serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 43 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 150mg