Chicken Paprikash
Tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, creamy paprika-infused sauce. This comforting Hungarian classic is perfect served over egg noodles or nokedli (Hungarian dumplings) for a hearty family dinner that comes together in about an hour.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sear the Chicken
- b.Pat the chicken thigh pieces dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt and pepper.
- c.Heat the sunflower oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- d.Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the chicken until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the pot, using the residual fat.
- c.Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Create the Paprika Roux
- b.Remove the pot from the heat completely. This is a crucial step to prevent the paprika from burning and becoming bitter.
- c.Stir in the sweet Hungarian paprika and all-purpose flour, mixing until the vegetables are fully coated.
- d.Return the pot to low heat and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the paprika and cook out the raw flour taste.
- e.Stir in the tomato paste until well combined.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Stew
- b.Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring, scraping up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pot.
- c.Return the seared chicken and any accumulated juices to the pot.
- d.Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Temper and Finish with Sour Cream
- b.Turn off the heat. In a separate medium bowl, place the room-temperature sour cream.
- c.Ladle about 1 cup of the hot broth from the pot into the sour cream, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. This tempering process prevents the sour cream from curdling.
- d.Pour the tempered sour cream mixture back into the pot. Stir gently until the sauce is creamy and uniform in color. Do not bring the sauce back to a boil.
- e.Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve
- b.Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- c.Serve immediately over hot egg noodles, spaetzle (nokedli), mashed potatoes, or rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, seek out high-quality sweet Hungarian paprika. It is the heart of this dish and makes a significant difference.
- 2Always add paprika off the heat. Paprika contains sugars that can scorch quickly over direct heat, resulting in a bitter taste.
- 3Ensure your sour cream is at room temperature before tempering. A cold shock is the primary reason for a curdled sauce.
- 4For a deeper, richer flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Sear them skin-side down first until crispy, and increase simmering time by 10-15 minutes.
- 5Deglazing the pan with the chicken broth is key to incorporating all the flavorful browned bits from the chicken and vegetables into the sauce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein
Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for a richer flavor and more tender meat. You can also use chicken drumsticks. For a leaner version, use chicken breast, but reduce the simmering time to 15-20 minutes to avoid drying it out.
Spice LevelSpice Level
For a touch of heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of hot Hungarian paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the sweet paprika.
VegetablesVegetables
Incorporate 8 oz (225g) of sliced cremini mushrooms along with the onions and bell peppers for added umami and texture.
CreaminessCreaminess
For an even richer sauce, substitute half of the sour cream with heavy cream. Note that this is less traditional but very delicious.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken thighs provide high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in B Vitamins
Chicken is a good source of B vitamins, particularly niacin (B3) and pyridoxine (B6), which help convert food into energy and support nervous system health.
Contains Antioxidants
Paprika and red bell peppers are rich in antioxidants, including Vitamin C and carotenoids, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Supports Vision Health
The carotenoids found in paprika, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, are known to support eye health and may reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this Chicken Paprikash contains approximately 585 calories, though this can vary based on the exact ingredients used, such as the fat content of the chicken and sour cream.