The Best Chicken Paprikash Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of creamy chicken paprikash, a Hungarian classic that dances with rich, deep flavors.

Tender chicken simmers gently in a vibrant sauce bursting with sweet paprika’s warmth.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this hearty dish, turning simple ingredients into something magical.

Each spoonful tells a story of tradition and culinary love.

The velvety sauce coats succulent chicken pieces, creating a symphony of taste that warms from within.

Sour cream adds a luxurious finish that transforms this meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Prepare to savor every delectable bite of this soul-satisfying Hungarian treasure.

Classic Hungarian Comfort Flavor Heritage

• Breeze Through Preparation: Minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps make this Hungarian chicken dish incredibly approachable for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Comfort Food Champion: Packed with rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, this recipe delivers ultimate satisfaction that warms both body and soul.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Using affordable ingredients like chicken, onions, and basic pantry staples means you can create a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
• Family Dinner Winner: Classic flavors and hearty texture ensure everyone from kids to grandparents will enjoy this traditional Hungarian comfort classic.

Classic Hungarian Comfort Ingredients

• Chicken: A classic protein that forms the heart of this comforting Hungarian dish.
• Flour: Used for coating the chicken and thickening the sauce.
• Paprika: A quintessential Hungarian spice that adds rich, warm flavor and vibrant color.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps brown the chicken and create a smooth sauce base.
• Sour Cream: Adds creamy texture and tangy richness to the final sauce.

• Onions, Garlic: Create a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Broth: Adds depth and liquid to create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
• Parsley: A fresh garnish that brings brightness to the finished dish.

Steps for Hungarian Comfort Meal

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

Grab a mixing bowl and sprinkle flour and paprika over the chicken pieces.

Gently massage the seasoning into every nook and cranny of the meat, ensuring each piece gets a delicious, even coverage.

Step 2: Sear Golden Chicken

Heat a large skillet and melt butter until it sizzles.

Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot pan, allowing them to develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Cook thoroughly until the meat is tender and cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Create Flavor Foundation

In the same skillet, sauté onions in the remaining butter until they become translucent and fragrant.

Add minced garlic, creating an aromatic base.

Sprinkle in additional flour and paprika, stirring to create a rich, smooth mixture.

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce

Pour broth into the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Let the sauce simmer and gradually thicken, developing deep, complex flavors.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the taste profile.

Step 5: Finish with Creamy Elegance

Reduce heat to the lowest setting.

Gently fold in sour cream, creating a silky, luxurious sauce.

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, allowing it to warm and absorb the surrounding flavors.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Classic Hungarian Dishes

• Use a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for added nutrition and depth of flavor in the coating.
• Choose authentic Hungarian sweet paprika for the most genuine taste and rich, vibrant color.
• Temper sour cream by adding a small amount of hot sauce gradually to prevent curdling and ensure smooth texture.
• Chop fresh parsley just before garnishing to preserve its bright green color and maximum flavor intensity.
• Prepare the dish a day ahead and reheat gently, as the flavors will develop and become more complex overnight.

Hungarian Comfort Variations

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free chicken broth to ensure complete allergen safety.
• Vegetarian Magic: Swap chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms. Maintain the creamy sauce and spice profile for a plant-based alternative that keeps the traditional Hungarian flavors.
• Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower instead of flour for thickening. Replace chicken with skinless chicken thighs for higher protein content and reduced carbohydrate intake.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use olive oil instead of butter to maintain the rich, hearty essence of the original recipe while accommodating dairy restrictions.

Serving Hungarian Comfort Dishes

• Hearty Family Feast: Serve this classic Hungarian chicken over fluffy white rice to soak up the rich, creamy sauce.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice some crusty sourdough or fresh Hungarian bread to mop up every last drop of the delicious paprika-infused sauce.
• Fresh Green Balance: Pair with a light cucumber salad or steamed green beans to add a crisp, refreshing contrast to the warm, creamy chicken dish.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the meal with a glass of dry white wine like Furmint or a light Pinot Grigio to enhance the flavors and cut through the richness.

Storage for Hungarian Comfort Meals

• Store chicken paprikash in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers, where it maintains quality for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing portions with sour cream for best texture.
• Warm gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sauce separation. Add a splash of broth if sauce seems too thick.
• Always use clean utensils when serving and never return unused portions back into the original container to maintain food safety standards.

FAQs

• What does paprika do in this recipe?

Paprika adds authentic Hungarian flavor and a warm, slightly sweet red color to the dish, enhancing the overall taste and providing a traditional seasoning.

• Can I use different types of chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs, breasts, or a mix of chicken pieces. Just ensure they are cut to similar sizes for even cooking and consistent texture.

• Is this dish considered spicy?

No, this classic Hungarian chicken recipe uses sweet paprika, which provides rich flavor without significant heat. It’s mild and comforting, suitable for most palates.

• How important is the sour cream in the recipe?

Sour cream is crucial in creating the signature creamy, tangy sauce characteristic of Hungarian chicken dishes. It adds richness and balances the savory flavors of the chicken and broth.

Chicken Paprikash Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Hungarian classic Chicken Paprikash delivers rich, creamy comfort with tender chicken swimming in a velvety paprika-infused sauce. Spicy, silky, and soul-warming, this dish whisks you straight to Budapest’s culinary heart with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken breasts or thighs, bite-sized

Spices and Flour:

• 2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Aromatics and Dairy:

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup full-fat sour cream
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Seasonings and Garnish:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by generously coating each piece with a mixture of flour and paprika, ensuring an even, flavorful coverage.
2. Heat butter in a skillet and sear the chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked, developing a rich exterior. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate.
3. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions until translucent and soft, releasing their aromatic sweetness.
4. Add minced garlic to the onions, then sprinkle additional flour and paprika, creating a fragrant roux that will thicken the sauce.
5. Gradually pour chicken broth into the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth, velvety consistency.
6. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to reduce and intensify in flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Reduce heat to the lowest setting and gently fold in sour cream, creating a creamy, luxurious texture without curdling.
8. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating each piece with the luscious sauce and warming through.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish that adds color and herbal notes to the dish.

Notes

• Flour Coating Ensures a crispy exterior and helps thicken the sauce, creating a rich texture.
• Paprika Selection Choose authentic Hungarian sweet paprika for the most traditional and robust flavor profile.
• Low Heat Technique When adding sour cream, use gentle heat to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Make-Ahead Friendly This dish tastes even better the next day, allowing flavors to meld and deepen overnight in the refrigerator.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 100mg