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Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe

4.5 from 75 reviews

Chicken Paprikash is a traditional Hungarian dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a rich, creamy paprika sauce with onions and sour cream, delivering a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 lb whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • Spices and Flavorings

    • 2 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
    • 1 large onion, finely chopped
    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
    • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or lard
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 cup chicken broth or water
    • Finishing

      • 1 cup sour cream
      • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil or lard in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Cook the Chicken with Paprika: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and brown on all sides for about 8-10 minutes. Sprinkle the sweet Hungarian paprika over the chicken and onions, stirring well to coat the chicken evenly without burning the paprika.
  3. Add Liquid and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth or water to partially cover the chicken. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Simmer gently for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  4. Incorporate Sour Cream and Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with flour (if using) to prevent curdling. Remove the skillet from heat and slowly stir in the sour cream mixture into the sauce. Return to low heat, stirring constantly until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened. Do not boil once sour cream is added to avoid separation.
  5. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the Chicken Paprikash hot, traditionally accompanied by egg noodles, spaetzle, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

  • Use sweet Hungarian paprika for authentic flavor; smoked paprika will change the profile.
  • Adding a tablespoon of flour to the sour cream creates a thicker sauce but is optional.
  • Do not boil after adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
  • Leftovers taste better the next day as flavors meld.
  • Can substitute chicken broth with water if necessary but broth enriches the taste.

Keywords: Chicken Paprikash, Hungarian chicken stew, paprika chicken, creamy chicken dish, traditional Hungarian recipe