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Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe

4.6 from 148 reviews

Chicken Paprikash is a classic Hungarian dish featuring tender chicken thighs and drumsticks simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce made with sweet Hungarian paprika, onions, garlic, and sour cream, resulting in a creamy and comforting meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

  • 1 kg Chicken thighs and drumsticks
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (up to 2.5 cups for more sauce)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sour Cream Mixture

  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • 1.5 tablespoons flour
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse and pat dry the chicken thighs and drumsticks. Season them with salt and pepper on all sides.
  2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add Paprika: Remove the pan from the heat momentarily to avoid burning the paprika. Stir in the sweet Hungarian paprika and smoked paprika, mixing well with the onion and garlic.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Return the pan to medium heat and add the chicken pieces. Sear them on all sides, allowing the paprika to form a rich coating. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
  5. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, adding up to 2.5 cups if you prefer more sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  6. Make Sour Cream Slurry: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, flour, and water until smooth and well combined.
  7. Finish the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set aside. Slowly whisk the sour cream mixture into the pan sauce over low heat to prevent curdling. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens, stirring frequently.
  8. Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the pan and coat with the creamy paprika sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, traditionally with dumplings, noodles, or rice.

Notes

  • To prevent the paprika from burning, always add it off the heat and stir quickly.
  • Use skin-on chicken pieces for added flavor and moisture.
  • If you want a thicker sauce, use slightly less chicken broth.
  • Serve chicken paprikash with traditional Hungarian nokedli (egg noodles) or wide egg noodles.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream with coconut cream or a vegan sour cream alternative.

Keywords: Chicken Paprikash, Hungarian Chicken, Paprika Chicken, Creamy Chicken Stew, Traditional Hungarian Recipe