Chicken Paprikash

Chicken paprikash is a classic Hungarian dish known for its rich, comforting flavors and signature creamy paprika sauce. It features tender pieces of chicken simmered in a savory blend of onions, sweet paprika, and broth, finished with sour cream for a smooth, velvety texture. The paprika is the heart of the dish, giving both color and warmth without overpowering heat.

Traditionally, bone-in chicken pieces are used, as they add depth of flavor to the sauce while staying juicy through slow cooking. The dish begins by sautéing onions until soft and golden, then stirring in a generous amount of paprika to release its fragrance. The chicken is browned lightly before being simmered in the paprika-infused sauce until tender. Near the end, sour cream is stirred in to create a creamy consistency and a pleasant tang that balances the richness.

Chicken paprikash is often served with traditional Hungarian noodles called nokedli, similar to German spaetzle. The small dumplings are perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce, though buttered egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes also make excellent accompaniments.

Part of the charm of chicken paprikash is its adaptability. Some versions use sweet paprika exclusively, while others incorporate a touch of hot paprika for gentle heat. Additional vegetables, such as bell peppers or tomatoes, can be added for a fresh dimension, although purists often keep the ingredient list simple to let the paprika shine.

This dish has a long history as a staple of Hungarian home cooking, beloved for its balance of hearty comfort and straightforward preparation. It is equally suited to a weeknight family dinner or a more festive meal, as it delivers big flavor without requiring complicated techniques.

Served with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and maybe an extra dollop of sour cream, chicken paprikash is a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. It is a reminder that sometimes, all you need for a memorable meal is a few quality ingredients, patience, and the magic of paprika.

Chicken Paprikash

3.65 from 42 votes

This Chicken Paprikash is a rich and comforting Hungarian dish, featuring tender chicken simmered in a flavorful paprika sauce.

Servings 1 people

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pound chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for browning
• 1 large onion chopped
• 2 tablespoons paprika Hungarian sweet
• 1 cup chicken broth low sodium
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon flour for thickening
• to taste salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice optional

Instructions

 

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and brown them in the skillet until golden, about 5 minutes per side.
• Remove the chicken and set aside. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened.
• Stir in the paprika and flour, and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
• Pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
• In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with a bit of the hot sauce from the skillet to temper it before adding it back in.
• Add the sour cream mixture back to the skillet, stir to combine, and let it warm through.
• Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 30gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 420mgPotassium: 560mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 60IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 10mg

Calories: 450kcal

Meal Type: Lunch

Cuisine: Hungarian

Keyword: Chicken Paprikash, comfort food, Hungarian Cuisine

Cooking Method: Boiled

Diet: Meatlovers

Time: >45 Min

Level: Easy

Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!

Beef Paprikash

A hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender beef cooked with paprika, onions, and sour cream. This Hungarian-inspired recipe is perfect for those looking for a comforting meal with a rich and savory taste.

Check out this recipe

Easy Chicken Paprikash

A delicious and easy-to-make Chicken Paprikash recipe.

Check out this recipe

Beef Stew in Red Wine Sauce

A hearty and flavorful beef stew slowly cooked in a rich red wine sauce, making it tender and delicious.

Check out this recipe

Lamb Stew

A hearty and flavorful lamb stew that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.

Check out this recipe

Hearty Bean Stew

A warm, comforting stew filled with a variety of beans and vegetables, perfect for a cozy meal.

Check out this recipe

Irish Stew

A classic, hearty Irish stew made with tender lamb and vegetables that is perfect for a comforting meal.

Check out this recipe

Beef and Barley Stew

A hearty and comforting stew made with tender beef, barley, and a variety of vegetables.

Check out this recipe

Frogmore Stew

Frogmore Stew, also known as Lowcountry Boil, is a savory South Carolina dish featuring a delightful mix of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes boiled in perfectly seasoned broth.

Check out this recipe

Japanese White Stew

Japanese white stew is a creamy and comforting dish made with tender chicken, vegetables, and a rich white sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner.

Check out this recipe

Black Lentil and Vegetable Stew

A hearty and healthy stew packed with black lentils and vegetables.

Check out this recipe