Hearty Homestyle Chicken Paprikash

Cozy Night In My Hearty Chicken Paprikash Recipe

By Diego HartSeptember 28, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a hug in a bowl? Have you ever craved something rich and comforting? This chicken paprikash recipe is your answer! Its creamy, paprika infused sauce is an absolute delight.

Brief Overview

This authentic chicken paprikash hails from Hungary. It's been a family favorite for generations! While a bit involved, it is totally doable.

Prep takes about 20 minutes. It cooks in roughly 45. This easy chicken paprikash recipe yields 6 servings. Perfect for a family dinner, innit?

Main Benefits

Honestly, this dish is like a dose of happiness. Seriously, this comfort food chicken recipe warms you from the inside out! Plus, the paprika chicken recipe is packed with protein.

Serve it on a chilly evening. It makes it special. Oh my gosh, you can imagine the aroma now!

Ready to explore the chicken paprikash ingredients ?

How to Make Chicken Paprikash Sauce Fit for Royalty

Let's be real, the sauce is the star of this show. The secret to a good Hungarian chicken paprikash is all about the paprika! You will use a generous amount.

And don't skip the sour cream! It's what gives it that signature richness.

Now, about that paprika.

Chicken Paprikash: My Story

Growing up, my nan used to make chicken paprikash with sour cream every autumn. The smell alone would fill the entire house.

Honestly, it's one of my fondest food memories. She has taught me how to make chicken paprikash sauce . This recipe tries to be close to the original, but with a little twist.

Tips for Paprikash Perfection!

The key is to not burn the paprika! It happens so quickly! Keep the heat low when you are blooming the spices.

You also need to temper the sour cream. Add a bit of the hot sauce to the cream. This prevents it from curdling.

Now, let's talk chicken paprikash variations .

Enjoy exploring the chicken paprikash and dumplings world!

Getting Started: What You'll Need for Chicken Paprikash

Right then, so you fancy giving the chicken paprikash recipe a go? Good on ya! It's a belter of a dish.

We'll dive right into the nitty gritty of the chicken paprikash ingredients and equipment to keep things nice and straightforward. This easy chicken paprikash recipe is really approachable if you just follow along.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Let's nail down those measurements. Accuracy is key, especially when we're talking about this authentic chicken paprikash .

Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Any good quality olive oil will do.
Chicken: 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) bone-in, skin-on pieces. Thighs and drumsticks are magic! Quality chicken makes a world of difference.
Onion: 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup/150g). Nice and firm, no bruises, you know?
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (around 2 tsp/6g). Fresh is best, no question.
Sweet Paprika: 2 tablespoons (30g). Hungarian if you can get it. Honestly, good paprika is the secret sauce of this whole thing, especially in Hungarian chicken paprikash .
Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon (5g). Totally optional.
Caraway Seeds: ½ teaspoon (3g). Optional.
Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240 ml).
Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounce/411g). Undrained!
Tomato Paste: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
Sour Cream: 1 cup (240 ml). Full fat is the way to go. For a richer Chicken paprikash with sour cream , don't skimp.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons (30g).
Salt & Pepper: To taste.

Seasoning Secrets

Alright, let's talk about flavour, innit?

Paprika Power: Sweet and smoked paprika. It is the foundation.
Aromatics: Garlic and onion set the stage. Don't skip them.
Substitution Note: If you don't have smoked paprika, just use a bit more of the sweet.

Essential Kit

Keep it simple, yeah?

Dutch Oven: Or any heavy bottomed pot. Keeps the heat even, see?
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Don't eyeball it all!
Chopping Board & Knife: Obvious, but you'd be surprised!
Whisk: For the sour cream mixture.
Wooden Spoon: To stir without scratching your pot.

That's the gear! The Paprika chicken recipe is really easy if you have all the right equipment, and remember, this comfort food chicken recipe will certainly make you happy!

Let's Get Cooking: My Take on Chicken Paprikash Recipe

Alright, let's get cracking! Chicken paprikash recipe , eh? It's like the culinary equivalent of a warm hug. Honestly, it's proper comfort food chicken recipe .

I've tweaked this recipe over the years, and I'm gonna share my best tips with you.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place . Chop your onion (1 large) and mince the garlic (2 cloves). Measure out your paprika (2 tablespoons sweet, 1 teaspoon smoked).

Trust me, having everything ready saves you a load of time. If you're using bone-in chicken, give it a rinse and pat it dry.

Safety reminder: wash your hands after handling raw chicken.

step-by-step: From Humble Beginnings to Hungarian Heaven

This is how you make easy chicken paprikash recipe :

Sear the chicken. Get that oil hot ( medium high heat ). Season your chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. Set aside.
Sauté the aromatics. Reduce heat to medium. Cook the onion until soft ( 5 minutes ). Add garlic, cook until fragrant ( 1 minute ).
Bloom the spices. This is important! Stir in paprika and caraway seeds. Cook ( 1 minute ). Don't burn it!
Build the sauce. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Add tomato paste and lemon juice. Simmer and scrape the bottom.
Simmer the chicken. Return the chicken to the pot. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer ( 30- 35 minutes ). Chicken should reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
Thicken the sauce. Whisk sour cream and flour. Slowly whisk into the sauce.
Simmer to thicken. Simmer ( 5- 10 minutes ), until thickened. Don't boil!
Season and serve. Season, garnish, and serve.

Pro Tips: Secrets from My Kitchen

For a richer flavor, don’t skip the searing! It really helps build depth. Oh my gosh, use good quality paprika, preferably authentic chicken paprikash .

It makes a world of difference. One common mistake is adding cold sour cream to hot sauce. Temper it first to prevent curdling.

If you wanna get ahead, you can make the sauce a day in advance.

And there you have it. You're now a Hungarian chicken paprikash pro! Enjoy your paprika chicken recipe .

Recipe Notes for the Perfect Chicken Paprikash

Alright, so you're diving into the world of chicken paprikash recipe , eh? Ace! I've made this comfort food chicken recipe loads of times, and honestly? It's all about the little things.

Here's what I've learned along the way:

Serving Suggestions Make it a Feast

Plating and presentation ideas : First impressions count. I like to serve my Chicken paprikash with sour cream piled high on a bed of egg noodles.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds colour, but also some freshness. Serve family style, in a big bowl in the middle of the table.

Makes everything feel more relaxed.

Complementary sides or beverages : Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice with Authentic chicken paprikash . A simple cucumber salad cuts through the richness nicely.

A crisp white wine or light beer pairs perfectly. If you're feeling fancy, why not try some Chicken paprikash and dumplings ?

Storage Tips Keep it Fresh

Refrigeration guidelines : Leftovers are your friend! Store your Hungarian chicken paprikash in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s safe to keep it for 3-4 days .

This allows all those Chicken paprikash ingredients time to mesh.

Freezing options : Yep, you can freeze it. Let it cool completely, then pop it in a freezer safe container. It’ll last for 2-3 months .

Reheating instructions : The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over medium low heat. You can also use the microwave, but watch it doesn't split.

If it's thickened too much add a splash of chicken stock.

Variations Put Your Spin On It

1-2 dietary adaptations : For a dairy-free version of Paprika chicken recipe , swap the sour cream for cashew cream. For a low-carb twist, serve it with cauliflower rice instead of noodles.

Seasonal ingredient swaps : In the autumn, you could add some roasted butternut squash to the sauce for extra sweetness and texture.

Use it when you try out different Chicken paprikash variations .

Nutrition Basics Goodness in a Bowl

This easy chicken paprikash recipe is full of goodness.

Simplified nutrition information : Each serving is roughly 450 calories, 35g of protein, 25g of fat, and 15g of carbs.

Key health benefits : Chicken is a great source of lean protein. The paprika is rich in antioxidants. Plus, it's all made with real food and love.

Oh, and, remember. It’s all about experimenting to find the right balance for your taste!

Chicken Paprikash: Your New Favourite?

So there you have it! With these tips, you're well on your way to making a knock out chicken paprikash recipe .

Don't be afraid to get stuck in and have a bit of fun. You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to prevent the sour cream from curdling in my chicken paprikash recipe?

Nobody wants a curdled sauce, that's a right proper disaster! The key is to temper the sour cream. Bring it to room temperature before using it, and whisk it together with the flour until smooth before gradually stirring it into the simmering sauce.

This helps stabilize the sour cream and prevents it from splitting when it hits the heat.

Can I make this chicken paprikash recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Chicken Paprikash is a great make-ahead dish. In fact, the flavors often meld together even more beautifully overnight. Just let it cool completely, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and gently reheat it on the stovetop before serving.

You might need to add a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

I don't have sour cream. What can I substitute in this chicken paprikash recipe?

No sour cream? Don't fret, there are a couple of options! Full fat Greek yogurt can work as a substitute, though it will have a slightly tangier flavor. For a dairy-free option, you can use cashew cream. Simply soak raw cashews in hot water, blend them with fresh water, and you get a creamy substitute.

Is there a vegetarian version of chicken paprikash?

You bet there is! You can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Simply swap out the chicken for mushrooms (cremini or portobello work great) and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Follow the rest of the recipe as written, and you'll have a delicious, meat free paprikash in no time.

It's a cracking veggie option!

What's the best way to store leftover chicken paprikash?

Store leftover chicken paprikash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the sauce to separate.

You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the stovetop method is generally preferred for better texture.

My chicken paprikash sauce isn't thick enough. How do I thicken it up?

A thin sauce is a right pain, innit? If your sauce isn't thick enough, you have a few options. You can whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce.

Alternatively, you can create a beurre manié by kneading equal parts butter and flour together and whisking small pieces into the sauce until it thickens to your liking. Simmer for a few minutes after adding either thickening agent to cook out the starchy flavor.