If you are craving a cozy, hearty meal bursting with old-world flavors, look no further than this Easy Chicken Paprikash Recipe.
Rooted in Hungarian culinary tradition, Chicken Paprikash—called "Paprikás Csirke" in its homeland—is a quintessential dish that combines succulent chicken, vibrant paprika, and a creamy, savory sauce that will transport you to Eastern Europe with every bite.
Chicken Paprikash has earned its fame not just for its incredible taste but for its simplicity, making it a favorite in both busy family kitchens and gourmet restaurants. It’s traditionally made with simple, wholesome ingredients like chicken thighs, onions, sweet Hungarian paprika, sour cream, and bell peppers.
The secret lies in using authentic paprika, which infuses the dish with its distinct color and aroma.
For more on paprika’s importance in Hungarian cuisine, check out this detailed guide on Serious Eats: https://www.seriouseats.com/paprika-guide. This Easy Chicken Paprikash Recipe celebrates the classic flavors while ensuring a straightforward and approachable cooking process, ideal for home cooks of any skill level.
Whether you are familiar with Hungarian dishes or trying them for the first time, you’ll find this Chicken Paprikash deeply satisfying and perfect for any night of the week. Explore how simple ingredients come together to create a meal that is both soul-warming and downright delicious.
Ingredients for Easy Chicken Paprikash Recipe
- 2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1⁄2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat preferred)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Cooked egg noodles, rice, or dumplings, for serving
Instructions for Making Easy Chicken Paprikash Recipe
- Heat the oil or butter in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add them to the hot pan and sear on each side for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium, then add the chopped onion to the same pan. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the sliced bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the minced garlic and Hungarian paprika, stirring briskly for about 1 minute to release the paprika’s aroma—take care not to burn it.
- Return the browned chicken pieces and any juices back to the pan.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is nearly covered. Stir well.
- Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and very tender.
- Mix the sour cream and flour in a bowl until smooth, then slowly whisk in several spoonfuls of the hot cooking liquid to temper.
- Stir this sour cream mixture back into the pan. Simmer uncovered for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Taste for seasoning, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot over egg noodles, rice, or dumplings.
Nutritional Information
Chicken Paprikash is both flavorful and balanced, making it a nutritious choice for home-cooked meals.
A single serving of this Easy Chicken Paprikash Recipe (without noodles or rice) typically provides about 350-400 calories, 23 grams of protein, 21 grams of fat (largely from the sour cream and chicken), and roughly 10 grams of carbohydrates, mainly from the aromatic vegetables and the sauce.
The dish is rich in B vitamins and iron, particularly when using darker chicken meat like thighs. The addition of Hungarian paprika not only boosts the dish’s color and flavor but also adds beneficial antioxidants. For those monitoring their sodium intake, using low-sodium chicken broth can help control salt levels.
By serving Chicken Paprikash with whole-grain noodles or a side of steamed vegetables, you can easily increase the fiber and nutrient content of your meal.
For more detailed breakdowns on chicken nutrition, consider referencing the USDA FoodData Central: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/. If you’re looking to lighten the dish, low-fat sour cream can be used, reducing overall fat content while keeping the creaminess.
Wine/Beverage Pairings With Easy Chicken Paprikash Recipe
A classic Hungarian white wine such as Tokaji Dry Furmint is a natural pairing for Chicken Paprikash, as its fresh acidity cuts through the creamy paprika sauce beautifully.
If you prefer red, opt for a light and fruity Pinot Noir or Blaufränkisch, both of which complement the paprika’s warm, sweet notes without overwhelming the dish.
Non-alcoholic pairings like sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a tangy unsweetened iced tea are excellent, refreshing options, especially for family dinners.
Cooking Tips and Variations
To master this Easy Chicken Paprikash Recipe, focus on using the best paprika you can find—ideally Hungarian sweet paprika as its smoky-sweet essence is essential. Avoid using smoked or hot paprika as they can radically alter the flavor.
Always sauté the paprika gently and briefly so it doesn’t burn; burnt paprika can impart bitterness. If you want to enrich the flavor further, try using chicken pieces with both skin and bone, removing the skin just before serving to keep the sauce rich without excess fat.
For a lighter interpretation, skinless breast pieces can be substituted, but adjust the cook time to prevent drying out. This Chicken Paprikash can be personalized with a splash of dry white wine added before simmering, lending subtle complexity. You can also add vegetables, like mushrooms or tomatoes, for added depth.
For a thicker sauce, simply increase the amount of flour mixed with sour cream. For a gluten-free option, use a cornstarch slurry instead of flour. Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for up to three days; the flavors often deepen after resting overnight.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Chicken Paprikash Recipe is traditionally served over feather-light egg noodles (nokedli or spaetzle), which soak up the luscious sauce beautifully. Alternatively, you can pair it with rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread to mop up every drop of the creamy paprikash sauce.
For a complete meal, add a fresh cucumber salad tossed in vinegar and dill on the side to provide a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, rich main dish.
When serving a crowd, present the Chicken Paprikash family-style in a large platter, garnished with chopped parsley for a burst of color. Consider offering small bowls of extra sour cream so guests can add extra creaminess to taste.
For a weeknight dinner, portion the paprikash into individual bowls with a side of vegetables or a crisp green salad for a balanced plate.
If hosting, serve this Chicken Paprikash with small glasses of Hungarian white wine and finish the meal with a traditional dessert like fruit compote or poppy seed cake. The versatility of this dish means it can be adapted for both casual and special meals, delighting both kids and adults alike.
Easy Chicken Paprikash Recipe Health Benefits
This Easy Chicken Paprikash Recipe offers a variety of health benefits, making it a worthy addition to your meal rotation. Chicken is a lean protein source, essential for muscle maintenance and repair.
Paprika, the star spice in this dish, is loaded with antioxidants like carotenoids, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Onions and garlic not only add flavor but also provide allicin and quercetin, compounds known for their immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
Using full-fat sour cream adds calcium and vitamin D, but for those watching their fat intake, low-fat varieties allow you to enjoy a lighter paprikash without sacrificing taste. When paired with whole grains and fresh vegetables, Chicken Paprikash can form part of a balanced, heart-healthy eating pattern.
For further reading on the health impacts of traditional dishes and the nutritional benefits of poultry, visit Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/chicken#nutrients. Remember, moderation and balanced portion sizes ensure you get the best of both flavor and nutrition.
FAQs About Easy Chicken Paprikash Recipe
Can I make this Easy Chicken Paprikash Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, Chicken Paprikash can be made a day in advance. The flavors actually improve as it sits, so gently reheat before serving and add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Is it necessary to use Hungarian paprika?
For authentic flavor and color, Hungarian sweet paprika is highly recommended. Regular or smoked paprika will change the taste profile significantly.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works, but be cautious not to overcook, as white meat can dry out faster. Reduce simmering time by 10-15 minutes.
Is Chicken Paprikash gluten-free?
By default, this recipe uses flour as a thickener, but you can swap it for cornstarch or another gluten-free thickener to make it gluten-free.
How can I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring in broth or water to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
The Easy Chicken Paprikash Recipe is more than just a comforting dinner—it’s a celebration of Hungarian heritage and flavors. With its rich, creamy sauce and layers of paprika-kissed taste, this dish is simple enough for weeknight meals but special enough to serve guests. Whether you stick to tradition or try one of the variations suggested, it’s sure to become a family favorite. By embracing wholesome ingredients and straightforward techniques, you’ll enjoy delicious results every time. Gather your loved ones, savor the taste, and share this hearty classic that stands the test of time.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 3 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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1Heat the oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
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2Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add them to the pan and cook until lightly browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
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3Sprinkle the paprika over the chicken and stir well to coat. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom.
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4Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
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5In a small bowl, mix the sour cream and flour until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the pan, cooking uncovered for another 3-5 minutes until the sauce is thickened.
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6Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy with egg noodles or rice.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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