Chicken Paprikash is a classic Hungarian dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy paprika-infused sauce. This hearty and flavorful meal pairs beautifully with dumplings, rice, or buttered noodles, making it a comforting favorite for family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy Sauce: Paprika and sour cream create a luxurious, velvety sauce.
• Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together to create a flavorful dish.
• Authentic Flavor: Brings the taste of Hungarian cuisine to your table.
• Versatile Pairings: Serve with your favorite starch for a complete meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• butter
• bone-in chicken pieces, with skin
• medium onion, chopped
• water
• paprika
• ground black pepper
• salt
• sour cream
• all-purpose flour

Directions

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

1. Heat butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side.
3. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Onion

1. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet.
2. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 3: Add Spices and Water

1. Stir in paprika, black pepper, and salt.
2. Cook for 1 minute to release the aroma of the spices.
3. Pour in the water and stir to combine.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken

1. Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet.
2. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Step 5: Prepare the Sour Cream Mixture

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and flour until smooth.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

1. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Gradually whisk the sour cream mixture into the skillet sauce.
3. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.

Step 7: Finish the Dish

1. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the pieces.
2. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to warm through.

Step 8: Serve

1. Serve hot, accompanied by dumplings, rice, or buttered noodles.
2. Spoon the rich paprika sauce generously over the chicken and sides.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Paprikash: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Use mushrooms or tofu instead of chicken.
• Tomato Flavor: Add 1/4 cup tomato paste or diced tomatoes for a tangy twist.
• Smoky Twist: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling.
• Freezing: Freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless thighs or breasts can be used, but reduce the cooking time slightly.

2. What type of paprika works best?

Hungarian sweet paprika is ideal for authentic flavor, but smoked paprika can add a unique twist.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, Chicken Paprikash reheats well and can be made a day in advance.

4. How do I prevent the sour cream from curdling?

Cook the sauce over low heat and avoid boiling after adding the sour cream.

5. Can I add vegetables?

Yes, bell peppers or mushrooms are great additions to this dish.

6. What’s the best side dish for Chicken Paprikash?

Traditional Hungarian dumplings (nokedli) are perfect, but rice or buttered noodles work well too.

7. Can I substitute sour cream?

Plain Greek yogurt or crème fraîche can be used as alternatives.

8. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce.

9. How do I thicken the sauce without flour?

Cornstarch or arrowroot powder mixed with water can be used instead.

10. Is this dish spicy?

Traditional Chicken Paprikash is not spicy, but you can add cayenne or chili flakes for heat.

Conclusion

Chicken Paprikash is a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect for a hearty family meal. Its creamy paprika sauce and tender chicken make it a classic favorite that’s easy to prepare. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a taste of Hungary right at home!

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Savor the flavors of Hungary with Chicken Paprikash, a hearty dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich paprika-infused sauce. This comforting classic pairs perfectly with dumplings, rice, or buttered noodles.

---

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 1/2 pounds bone-in chicken pieces, with skin
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

1. Melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on both sides (about 4–5 minutes per side). Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

1. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion to the remaining butter.
2. Sauté over medium heat until softened and translucent (about 5 minutes).

Step 3: Add Spices and Water

1. Stir in the paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1 minute to release the aroma of the spices.
2. Pour in the water and stir to combine.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken

1. Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet.
2. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 5: Prepare the Sour Cream Mixture

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and flour until smooth.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

1. Remove the chicken pieces from the skillet and set aside.
2. Gradually whisk the sour cream mixture into the sauce.
3. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (3–5 minutes). Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.

Step 7: Finish the Dish

1. Return the chicken to the skillet.
2. Spoon the sauce over the pieces and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to warm through.

Step 8: Serve

1. Serve hot with dumplings, rice, or buttered noodles.
2. Pour the rich sauce generously over the chicken and sides.

---

Notes

• Use Hungarian sweet paprika for authentic flavor.
• Substitute sour cream with plain yogurt for a tangier sauce.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and freshnes