There’s something magical about Chicken Paprikash. Imagine tender chicken simmered in a rich, velvety sauce, infused with the warm embrace of paprika and a hint of sour cream. It’s the kind of dish that wraps around you like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening, filling your kitchen with aromas that could make anyone weak in the knees.
I remember the first time I tried Chicken Paprikash at my grandma’s house, where every meal felt like a feast. The moment I took a bite, I was transported to another world—one where comfort food reigned supreme and calories didn’t count. It’s perfect for family gatherings or just an ordinary Tuesday night when you need to treat yourself.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Paprikash is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The flavor profile combines smokiness from paprika with creamy goodness
- Its vibrant colors will brighten any dinner table
- Perfect for impressing guests but simple enough for everyday meals!
I still chuckle when I think about how my sister thought adding extra paprika would make it “more authentic.” Spoiler alert: it didn’t end well for her taste buds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: These are juicy and tender; they won’t dry out while cooking, unlike some other cuts.
- Onion: Choose a sweet onion for balance; it adds natural sweetness as it cooks down.
- Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for more robust flavor; they really amp up the dish.
- Hungarian Paprika: Go for high-quality paprika; it’s the star of this show and gives that rich color and flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Homemade is best, but store-bought works fine too; it adds depth to the sauce.
- Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream makes the sauce creamy and tangy; don’t skimp here!
- Pasta or Dumplings: Serve with egg noodles or dumplings to soak up all that delicious sauce.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by prepping your chicken thighs and chopping onions and garlic. Gather all ingredients so you’re ready to go—this makes things easier!
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter until bubbly. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
Add Garlic and Paprika: Stir in minced garlic along with Hungarian paprika. Cook for about one minute until aromatic—this step is vital for flavor infusion!
Brown the Chicken Thighs: Increase heat to medium-high and add chicken thighs into the pan. Brown them on both sides until golden brown—about 5 minutes each side will do!
Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cover, letting it cook for about 30 minutes.
Finish with Sour Cream: Once cooked through, reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream until smooth. This gives you that dreamy sauce you’ve been waiting for!
Enjoy serving this delightful dish over pasta or dumplings for maximum sauce absorption!
Incorporating humor into cooking not only lightens up your kitchen but also makes your culinary adventure way more enjoyable! You’ll find that Chicken Paprikash not only fills stomachs but also warms hearts—and possibly spark some friendly family debates over who makes it best!
You Must Know
- Chicken Paprikash is a delightful dish full of rich flavors and aromas
- It’s the perfect comfort food that warms your soul and impresses your guests
- This dish is easy to prepare, making it a great choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in flavor, then simmer it with spices while preparing the creamy sauce. This sequence ensures the chicken remains juicy and flavorful.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with other proteins like turkey or even vegetarian options! Adding mushrooms or bell peppers can enhance both flavor and texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Chicken Paprikash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain its creamy consistency.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use skin-on chicken for richer flavor; boneless cuts cook faster but miss out on depth
- Don’t skip browning—it’s where the magic happens!
- Lastly, let it rest before serving for maximum juiciness
Sharing this Chicken Paprikash recipe always brings back fond memories of family gatherings around my grandmother’s table filled with laughter and deliciousness.
FAQ
What is Chicken Paprikash?
Chicken Paprikash is a Hungarian stew made with chicken, paprika, and sour cream.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken cooks faster but may lack some flavor compared to bone-in cuts.
What can I serve with Chicken Paprikash?
Serve it over egg noodles, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Chicken Paprikash
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Dive into the rich flavors of Chicken Paprikash, a classic Hungarian dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a creamy, paprika-infused sauce. This comforting stew is perfect for cozy nights at home or impressing guests during family gatherings. With its vibrant color and mouthwatering aroma, Chicken Paprikash will warm your soul and fill your kitchen with delightful scents.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 large sweet onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Hungarian paprika
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 oz egg noodles or dumplings (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping onions and mincing garlic.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp of butter. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and Hungarian paprika, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add chicken thighs; brown on both sides for about 5 minutes each.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 30 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low; stir in sour cream until smooth, then season with salt and pepper.
- Serve over cooked egg noodles or dumplings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: For added richness, consider using skin-on chicken thighs. Experiment with adding mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on the stove.