Authentic Chicken Paprikash: A Heartwarming Hungarian Classic

Authentic Chicken Paprikash

Introduction

If you’re looking for a comforting dinner that perfectly balances bold spice and rich, creamy sauce, Authentic Chicken Paprikash is a classic Eastern European favorite. This dish, known for its vibrant paprika flavor and meltingly tender chicken, offers universal appeal. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ideal for family meals or impressing guests with its warm, homey aroma and flavor-packed sauce.

What Makes Authentic Chicken Paprikash Irresistible

This traditional recipe stands out for its robust yet balanced flavors. Hungarian sweet paprika infuses the sauce with distinctive color and warmth, while onions and garlic create a deep, satisfying base. A dollop of sour cream at the end transforms the dish into a creamy, crave-worthy comfort food. Served over dumplings, noodles, or rice, every bite is a blend of tender chicken and lusciously spiced sauce.

Key Steps for Succulent Chicken and a Velvety Sauce

To start, you’ll need to prep your vegetables and chicken—the foundation of a truly authentic paprikash. For ultra-efficient chopping of onions, garlic, and even bell peppers, consider using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. Not only does it save precious time, but it also keeps your pieces uniform, leading to even cooking and the perfect texture in every bite.

Use a heavy skillet or Dutch oven for the chicken, as maintaining an even heat is key to browning the meat perfectly without burning the paprika. The SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch works beautifully, giving you even sear and a naturally nonstick surface that makes cleanup effortless.

Classic Assembly and Finishing Touches

After the chicken and onions have simmered into a fragrant stew, finishing the sauce with sour cream is crucial for both flavor and authenticity. It’s important to let the chicken cool slightly before stirring in sour cream, to prevent curdling and achieve that signature silky sauce.

To easily and evenly shred the chicken for serving, a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, Elegant Black makes quick work of this step without making a mess or burning your fingers.

Serve your finished paprikash over broad noodles, dumplings, or rice for a complete, hearty meal. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a final burst of freshness for presentation.

Perfect Serving and Storing Tips

For storing leftovers or meal prepping, the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) are ideal. Their airtight design keeps your paprikash fresh and makes reheating easy.

Pair your Authentic Chicken Paprikash with a crisp, green salad, or some crusty bread to mop up the luxurious sauce. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 generous servings. Each portion contains roughly 350–400 calories, depending on your choice of serving base and the amount of sour cream used. It’s a protein-rich and fulfilling dish with moderate carbs—perfect for a balanced comfort meal.

Authentic Chicken Paprikash (Recap)

This authentic take on Chicken Paprikash delivers classic Hungarian flavor—succulent chicken in a smoky, creamy paprika sauce, finished with a flourish of sour cream. Simple, nostalgic, and always a favorite at the dinner table.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
2 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large red bell pepper, chopped
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 ½ cups chicken broth
½ cup sour cream
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Wide egg noodles, dumplings, or rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry, then season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a heavy skillet or SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high heat. Brown chicken on both sides (about 3–4 minutes per side), then transfer to a plate.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion, garlic, and red pepper (use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for quick prep) to the pan drippings. Sauté 5–6 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle in the paprika and stir for 30 seconds; don’t let it scorch. Return chicken to the pan, then pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  4. Remove chicken and let cool slightly. For easy shredding, use the Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, Elegant Black, or serve pieces whole if preferred.
  5. With heat on low, return chicken to the pan, stir in sour cream, and simmer for 2 minutes until heated through and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Serve immediately over noodles, dumplings, or rice. Garnish with parsley for freshness. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for easy reheating later.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Enjoy the comforting, classic flavors of Authentic Chicken Paprikash—the bold taste and creamy sauce will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!

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