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Skillet of creamy chicken thighs with pasta, garnished with fresh herbs

Hungarian Chicken Paprikash

Ava
A comforting Hungarian classic, Chicken Paprikash features tender chicken simmered in a rich paprika sauce and finished with creamy sour cream. Perfect for a hearty family meal!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Hungarian
Servings 4 people
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs and drumsticks skin-on, bone-in for maximum flavor
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter for browning the chicken
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika the star of the dish
  • 2 cups chicken broth to create the sauce base
  • 1 cup sour cream for the creamy texture
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tbsp black pepper freshly ground
  • Optional Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken

  • Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper on both sides.

Brown the Chicken

  • Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  • Add the chicken pieces and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Onions and Garlic

  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add Paprika and Bell Pepper

  • Stir in the sweet Hungarian paprika and smoked paprika (if using). Mix well to coat the onions.
  • Add the sliced red bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Create the Sauce

  • Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits.

Simmer the Chicken

  • Return the chicken pieces to the skillet, ensuring they are partially submerged in the sauce.
  • Cover and simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Prepare the Sour Cream Mixture

  • In a small bowl, whisk the sour cream with the flour until smooth.

Thicken the Sauce

  • Remove the skillet from heat. Slowly stir in the sour cream mixture, ensuring it blends smoothly with the sauce.
  • Return to low heat and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.

Adjust Seasoning

  • Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Serve and Garnish

  • Serve the Hungarian Chicken Paprikash over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Paprika: Use high-quality Hungarian paprika for an authentic flavor.
  • Make-Ahead: The dish tastes even better the next day, as the flavors deepen.
  • Variations: You can use boneless chicken breasts or drumsticks as substitutes for chicken thighs.
Keyword Chicken Paprikash recipe, Hungarian Chicken Paprikash, Traditional Chicken Paprikash