Hungarian Chicken Paprikash
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!
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.