Cozy Hungarian Chicken Paprikash Recipe for Family Dinners

Comfort meets tradition in this hearty chicken paprikash that weaves Hungarian culinary magic into every tender bite.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this rich, creamy dish that celebrates the deep, warm flavors of paprika.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle in a velvety sauce that speaks of rustic kitchens and cherished family recipes.

The marriage of sweet paprika and sour cream creates a symphony of taste that dances across your palate.

Onions and peppers add depth and complexity to this classic Eastern European comfort food.

Each spoonful tells a story of Hungarian heritage and culinary craftsmanship.

You’ll want to gather around the table and savor every last drop of this soul-warming meal.

Why Chicken Paprikash Is a Classic

• Paprika creates a vibrant, deep flavor profile that makes this chicken recipe stand out from ordinary weeknight meals, delivering a satisfying and comforting taste experience.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with a streamlined cooking method that uses just one skillet, perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Adaptable enough for a casual family dinner or an impressive meal when entertaining guests, this recipe appeals to both picky eaters and culinary enthusiasts.

Chicken Paprikash Ingredients

• Chicken: A tender and flavorful meat that serves as the primary protein in this classic Hungarian dish.

• Paprika, Flour: A spicy and thickening combination that adds color and helps create a rich sauce for the chicken.

• Onions, Garlic: These foundational ingredients provide a deep, savory flavor base for the entire dish.

• Chicken Broth: A liquid that helps create the sauce's consistency and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Sour Cream: A creamy ingredient that adds richness and tanginess to the final sauce.

• Butter, Salt, Pepper, Fresh Parsley: These ingredients add depth, seasoning, and a fresh garnish to complete the dish.

Steps to Make Chicken Paprikash

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

Mix paprika and flour in a shallow dish.

Coat each chicken piece just before cooking to prevent gummy texture.

Ensure even coverage by gently pressing the coating onto the meat.

Step 2: Brown Chicken Perfectly

Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Cook chicken in batches to avoid steaming.

Create golden-brown exterior by giving each piece enough space in the pan.

Remove browned chicken with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Base

Add remaining butter to the same skillet.

Cook onions until they become soft and translucent.

Reduce heat before adding garlic to prevent burning.

Stir continuously to develop rich flavors.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle additional paprika and flour into the pan.

Cook for a few minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.

Gradually whisk in chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form.

Allow sauce to simmer and thicken.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Finish with Creamy Elegance

Gently stir in sour cream over very low heat.

Avoid boiling to prevent separation.

Return chicken to the pan, letting it warm through in the sauce.

Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips for Creamy Chicken Paprikash

• Toss chicken in paprika and flour just before cooking to achieve a golden color and help thicken the sauce without creating a gummy texture.
• Use medium heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure chicken browns beautifully instead of steaming. Work in batches if needed for optimal golden results.
• Lower the heat when adding garlic to prevent burning, which can create an unpleasant bitter taste. Sauté onions first until soft and translucent before introducing garlic.
• Whisk chicken broth gradually into paprika and flour mixture to eliminate lumps. Simmer slowly to develop rich flavor and achieve desired sauce consistency.
• Incorporate sour cream over very low heat to prevent separation. Warm chicken in the sauce gently and garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch and added flavor complexity.

How to Store Chicken Paprikash

• Store chicken paprikash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor integrity.
• Transfer leftovers to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Chicken paprikash can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without significant quality loss.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add small splash of chicken broth if sauce seems too thick.
• Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add splash of broth or water to restore sauce consistency. Heat gently to prevent sour cream from separating and maintain creamy texture.

Best Sides for Chicken Paprikash

• Savor Perfect Flavor Companions for Chicken Paprikash
• Pair with Crisp Hungarian White Wine: Tokaji Furmint's bright acidity and mineral notes beautifully complement the rich, creamy paprika sauce, cutting through the dish's heaviness while enhancing its delicate spice profile.
• Serve with Buttery Potato Dumplings: Tender, soft nokedli (Hungarian egg dumplings) soak up the luxurious sauce perfectly, creating a harmonious texture and traditional Central European dining experience that elevates the chicken's flavors.
• Match with Tangy Cucumber Salad: Fresh, chilled cucumber salad dressed with vinegar and dill provides a cool, crisp counterpoint to the warm, creamy chicken dish, balancing the meal's richness with a light, refreshing side.
• Recommend Crusty Sourdough Bread: Rustic, hearty bread becomes an ideal vehicle for soaking up every last drop of the velvety paprika sauce, adding a delightful textural contrast and ensuring no flavor goes to waste.

Tasty Chicken Paprikash Variations

• Vegetarian Paprikash: Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Slice protein into cubes, coat in paprika and flour, then follow the original cooking method for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour. Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. These alternatives provide similar richness and tang while keeping the recipe dairy-free and creamy.
• Low-Carb Variation: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional sides. Replace flour coating with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly approach that maintains the dish's signature flavor profile.

FAQs

• Why is paprika important in this recipe?

Paprika is the key spice that gives Chicken Paprikash its signature flavor and beautiful reddish-orange color. Hungarian paprika provides the most authentic taste, offering a rich, slightly sweet and warm profile that makes this dish unique.

• Can I use different types of chicken?

Bone-in chicken thighs or a whole cut-up chicken work best for this recipe because they stay more tender and juicy during cooking. Chicken breasts can dry out more easily, so if using them, be careful not to overcook.

• What's the secret to preventing lumpy sauce?

Whisk the chicken broth slowly and consistently into the flour and paprika mixture, making sure to stir continuously. This technique helps break down any potential flour clumps and creates a smooth, silky sauce.

• How do I know when the chicken is properly browned?

The chicken should have a golden-brown color and develop a slight crust. This process takes about 3-4 minutes per side and helps seal in the meat’s juices while creating delicious caramelized flavor.

Chicken Paprikash Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Hungarian chicken paprikash brings comfort and tradition to dinner tables with its rich, creamy sauce and tender meat. Paprika’s warmth embraces chicken in this classic dish you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
• 2 cups chicken broth, low sodium

Aromatic Ingredients:

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Thickening and Finishing Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
• 0.75 cup full-fat sour cream
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by coating it with a mixture of paprika and flour just before cooking, ensuring even coverage to enhance color and sauce thickness.
2. Heat butter in a skillet over medium temperature, carefully browning chicken pieces without overcrowding to achieve golden exterior and prevent steaming.
3. Remove browned chicken using a slotted spoon and set aside, maintaining crisp texture and preventing overcooking.
4. In the same skillet, sauté onions until translucent and soft, then reduce heat and add garlic to prevent burning and bitter flavors.
5. Incorporate remaining paprika and flour into the onion mixture, cooking briefly to eliminate raw flour taste and develop deeper flavor profile.
6. Gradually whisk chicken broth into the skillet, eliminating potential lumps and allowing sauce to simmer and thicken naturally.
7. Season sauce with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
8. Reduce heat to lowest setting and gently stir in sour cream, preventing separation by avoiding boiling temperature.
9. Return chicken to the skillet, allowing it to warm through in the creamy paprika sauce.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley, adding vibrant color and complementary herbal notes to the finished dish.

Notes

• Avoid soggy flour by coating chicken just before cooking, preventing a gummy texture and ensuring crisp, even browning.
• Use medium heat and space chicken pieces apart to achieve golden, perfectly seared meat without steaming, creating delicious caramelized edges.
• Protect delicate garlic from burning by lowering heat when sautéing, preventing bitter flavors and maintaining a smooth, rich sauce base.
• Incorporate sour cream gently over low heat to prevent separation, maintaining a creamy, silky sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 95mg