Hungarian Chicken Paprikash is a beloved Eastern European comfort dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy paprika-infused sauce. This traditional recipe delivers deep, satisfying flavors while remaining surprisingly simple to prepare.
Known as Csirkepaprikás in Hungary, this warming dish features chicken simmered in a distinctive sauce made with Hungarian paprika, onions, and sour cream. The result is a creamy, flavorful meal that perfectly demonstrates how basic ingredients can create extraordinary results.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons lard or butter
- 1½ pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Steps to Follow
- Step 1: Heat lard or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Step 2: Season chicken with salt and brown on all sides (4-5 minutes), then remove and set aside
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and cook onions until translucent (5-6 minutes)
- Step 4: Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant
- Step 5: Lower heat and stir in both paprikas, cooking for 30 seconds while stirring
- Step 6: Add broth and tomato paste, whisking to combine
- Step 7: Return chicken to pan, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes
- Step 8: Whisk sour cream with flour in a separate bowl, then temper with hot cooking liquid
- Step 9: Stir tempered sour cream mixture into the pan and simmer uncovered for 3-5 minutes
- Step 10: Season to taste and garnish with parsley before serving
Additional Instructions
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Serves: 6 people
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months
- Best served with: Hungarian nokedli, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes
- For gluten-free version: Skip flour or use cornstarch
- Always temper sour cream to prevent curdling
- Use genuine Hungarian paprika for authentic flavor
General Nutritional Values
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 23g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Sodium: 353mg
