Description
Chicken Paprikash is a traditional Hungarian dish featuring tender chicken thighs and drumsticks simmered in a rich, creamy sauce flavored with sweet Hungarian paprika. This comforting stew is finished with sour cream for a velvety texture and served with your choice of side, making it a perfect hearty meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 kg Chicken thighs and drumsticks
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Vegetables and Spices
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Liquid and Sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth (up to 2.5 cups for more sauce)
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 1.5 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs and drumsticks generously with salt and pepper on all sides to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Paprika: Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the sweet Hungarian paprika and smoked paprika (if using) to prevent burning, ensuring the spices are evenly coated in the butter and onion mixture.
- Brown the Chicken: Return the pan to medium heat and add the seasoned chicken pieces, browning them lightly on all sides to develop flavor, about 5-7 minutes.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, enough to partially cover the chicken, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and water to form a smooth slurry. Gradually stir this into the simmering sauce to thicken it while cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Remove the skillet from heat. Temper the sour cream by mixing a few spoonfuls of hot sauce into it, then slowly stir the sour cream mixture back into the pan, creating a creamy, rich sauce without curdling.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, traditionally paired with egg noodles, dumplings, or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Temper the sour cream carefully by adding some hot sauce to it before mixing into the pan to avoid curdling.
- Using both sweet and smoked paprika adds a deeper flavor complexity.
- You can increase the chicken broth to 2.5 cups if you prefer a saucier dish.
- Chicken thighs and drumsticks are recommended for their tenderness and flavor.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with buttered noodles or spaetzle.
Keywords: Chicken Paprikash, Hungarian Chicken Stew, Paprika Chicken, Comfort Food, Traditional Hungarian Recipe