A comforting Hungarian classic, chicken paprikash is a rich and flavorful dish made with tender chicken simmered in a creamy paprika-infused sauce. It’s deeply aromatic, slightly smoky, and perfectly balanced with a velvety texture that pairs beautifully with noodles or bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish delivers bold, authentic flavor using simple ingredients. The paprika gives it a warm, earthy taste while the creamy sauce adds richness without being too heavy. It’s a one-pan recipe that feels special yet is easy enough for a weeknight meal. The slow simmer ensures juicy, tender chicken every time, and it’s incredibly satisfying served over dumplings, pasta, or rice.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg), cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon butter
• fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Remove the pot from heat briefly and stir in both types of paprika to prevent burning.
5. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well with the onion and paprika mixture.
6. Return to heat and add the chopped tomato and sliced bell pepper.
7. Pour in the chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer.
8. Cover and cook for 35–45 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
9. In a small bowl, mix sour cream with flour until smooth.
10. Stir a few spoonfuls of the hot sauce into the sour cream mixture to temper it.
11. Add the mixture back into the pot and stir gently to thicken the sauce.
12. Add butter and simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce is creamy.
13. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 to 6 people
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

You can swap sour cream with plain yogurt for a lighter version. Boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of a whole chicken for convenience. Some versions include mushrooms for extra depth, while others add a pinch of hot paprika for a spicier kick. Serving it with traditional Hungarian dumplings adds authenticity, but pasta or rice works just as well.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid boiling after adding the sour cream to prevent curdling. This dish can also be frozen without the sour cream; add it fresh when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of whole chicken?

Yes, but chicken thighs or mixed pieces provide more flavor and stay juicier.

What type of paprika is best?

Sweet Hungarian paprika is traditional and gives the dish its signature flavor.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, add hot paprika or a pinch of chili flakes to increase heat.

Why do I need to remove the pan before adding paprika?

Paprika can burn quickly and turn bitter if added to very hot oil.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute sour cream with a dairy-free alternative, though the flavor will slightly change.

What should I serve with chicken paprikash?

It pairs well with egg noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, or bread.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, the flavors deepen after a day, making it even better.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Temper the sour cream before adding it and avoid boiling afterward.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, but freeze it before adding sour cream for best texture.

Is this dish traditionally Hungarian?

Yes, it is one of Hungary’s most iconic and beloved dishes.

Conclusion

Hungarian chicken paprikash is a timeless comfort dish that brings warmth and rich flavor to the table. With its creamy paprika sauce and tender chicken, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with family or friends.

Print