Tangy Hungarian Chicken Paprikash Recipe That Wows Every Time

Culinary adventures with hungarian chicken paprikash spark pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Warm memories of budapest kitchens dance through this traditional dish.

Fragrant spices and tender meat create a symphony of flavors.

Generations have cherished this creamy, rich recipe passed down through family traditions.

Paprika brings a vibrant red warmth that transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Hearty and soul-satisfying, this classic meal connects you to hungarian culinary heritage.

Dive into a plate that promises pure deliciousness and cultural connection.

Hungarian Chicken Paprikash Q&A

• What is paprika and why is it important in this recipe?

Paprika is a ground spice made from dried red peppers, originating from Hungary. It provides a rich, sweet, and slightly smoky flavor that’s essential to creating the authentic taste of Chicken Paprikash.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor, you can use chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they tend to dry out more quickly than thighs.

• Is this dish spicy?

Traditional Hungarian Chicken Paprikash is not spicy. The paprika used is typically sweet and mild, providing warmth and depth of flavor without intense heat.

Why Hungarian Chicken Paprikash Brings Warmth And Comfort

• Simplify Cooking: Master a classic Hungarian dish with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for home cooks wanting to explore international flavors.
• Quick Comfort Meal: Prepare a hearty, satisfying dinner in under an hour, using simple ingredients that create a rich, creamy sauce.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Enjoy a crowd-pleasing recipe that brings together tender chicken, bold spices, and a velvety texture everyone will love.
• Cultural Culinary Adventure: Transport your taste buds to Hungary with an authentic dish that celebrates traditional cooking techniques and vibrant paprika-infused flavors.

Hungarian Chicken Paprikash Ingredient List

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful protein that serves as the centerpiece of this traditional Hungarian dish.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a golden sear on the chicken.

• Onions, Red Bell Pepper: Aromatic base that adds depth and sweetness to the sauce.
• Garlic: Brings intense flavor and complexity to the dish.

• Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic Hungarian seasonings that create the signature flavor profile of the dish.
• Tomato Paste: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• Chicken Stock: Creates the liquid base for the flavorful sauce.
• Flour, Sour Cream: Combine to make a creamy, smooth sauce that coats the chicken.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

Steps To Make Chicken Paprikash The Classic Way

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken

Brown chicken thighs in melted butter over medium-high heat. Ensure a golden exterior by searing each piece for 3-4 minutes.

Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Build Flavor Base

• Onions
• Red bell pepper
• Garlic
• Tomato paste
• Paprika

Sauté ingredients in remaining butter until onions soften and spices become aromatic.

Step 3: Simmer and Develop Depth

Pour chicken stock into the pot and return chicken pieces. Cook on medium heat for 20-25 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Flip chicken midway through cooking.

Step 4: Craft Silky Sauce

Blend flour and sour cream with a small portion of hot vegetable mixture to prevent lumps.

This technique creates a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 5: Combine and Coat

Stir sour cream mixture back into pot, creating a luscious sauce.

Gently coat chicken pieces, allowing them to absorb the rich flavors.

Step 6: Finish and Present

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top.

Serve alongside traditional accompaniments like spaetzle, egg noodles, or roasted potatoes.

Tips To Elevate Hungarian Chicken Paprikash

• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, ensuring to reduce cooking time to prevent dryness.
• Opt for high-quality sweet Hungarian paprika to achieve an authentic, rich flavor profile in the sauce.
• Temper the sour cream mixture carefully by slowly adding hot liquid to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when thickening the sauce.
• Enhance the dish's depth by adding a splash of white wine during the sautéing stage for extra complexity and richness.

Fun Flavor Twists On Chicken Paprikash

• Spicy Paprika Punch: Increase paprika amount and add hot Hungarian peppers for a fiery version that brings intense heat and deeper flavor complexity.
• Mushroom Medley Paprikash: Incorporate sliced cremini or porcini mushrooms during the onion sautéing stage for an earthy, rich undertone that complements the chicken.
• Herb-Infused Classic: Blend fresh thyme and rosemary into the sauce for a fragrant herbaceous profile that elevates the traditional recipe's taste.
• Cream Alternative Approach: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter sauce that maintains the recipe's creamy texture while adding nutritional value.

What Pairs Well With Hungarian Chicken Paprikash

• Pair Hungarian Warmth with Bold Wine Selections: Choose robust red wines like Egri Bikavér (Bulls Blood) from Hungary, featuring spicy and full-bodied characteristics that complement the paprika-rich sauce.
• Creamy Sour Cream Companions: Select crisp white wines such as Tokaji Furmint, which balances the dish's richness with bright acidity and mineral undertones.
• Traditional Side Dish Magic: Serve homemade spaetzle or buttered egg noodles to soak up the luxurious paprika cream sauce, creating a perfect textural harmony with tender chicken.
• Refreshing Beverage Contrast: Enjoy a cold Hungarian beer like Dreher Classic to cut through the dish's richness, providing a clean palate-cleansing experience that enhances every savory bite.

Store Hungarian Chicken Paprikash Like A Pro

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer cooled chicken paprikash to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Freezer Storage: Package the dish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring the sauce and chicken remain protected from freezer burn.
• Microwave Reheating: Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm the chicken paprikash in a pot over low-medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying.

Hungarian Chicken Paprikash Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Hungarian chicken paprikash dances with rich, creamy paprika-infused sauce, celebrating traditional flavors from Budapest’s kitchen. Hearty comfort meets culinary elegance when you savor this classic dish that connects generations through its authentic, soul-warming ingredients.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 chicken thighs (about 2.5 pounds / 1.1 kilograms)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup chicken stock (240 milliliters)
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1/2 cup sour cream (120 milliliters)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken thighs by seasoning with salt and pepper thoroughly.
2. Heat a pot over medium-high temperature, melt butter, and sear chicken skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
3. In the same pot, melt remaining butter and sauté onions until translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate red bell pepper, garlic, tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until aromatic, stirring continuously.
5. Pour chicken stock into the pot, mixing well. Reintroduce chicken pieces, skin-side down, and reduce heat to medium.
6. Simmer the mixture for 20-25 minutes, rotating chicken midway through cooking. Verify internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Create a smooth liaison by whisking flour and sour cream in a separate bowl. Extract 1/2 cup of hot vegetable mixture and blend with sour cream to prevent curdling.
8. Gently fold the tempered sour cream mixture back into the pot, ensuring even distribution and coating of chicken.
9. Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh parsley and serving alongside traditional accompaniments like spaetzle, egg noodles, or roasted potatoes.

Notes

• Prevent Tough Chicken by carefully searing the thighs at medium-high heat, ensuring a golden-brown exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
• Control Sauce Consistency by tempering the sour cream mixture with hot liquid, which prevents curdling and creates a smooth, velvety texture.
• Enhance Flavor Depth by using high-quality Hungarian paprika, which adds a rich, complex taste and authentic regional character to the dish.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs by substituting sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or using gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly adaptation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg