Delicious Chicken Paprikash Recipe – Comforting and Flavorful

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1. Introduction

Chicken Paprikash is the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth with every bite. It’s a rich, comforting recipe that’s perfect for cozy dinners, and it’s full of savory flavors thanks to the star ingredient—paprika. The creamy sauce, paired with tender chicken, is a true crowd-pleaser, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal that feels like a special treat, Chicken Paprikash fits the bill perfectly.

This dish is versatile, customizable, and full of vibrant flavor, making it a perfect choice for anyone who enjoys hearty, flavorful meals. In this post, I’ll take you step-by-step through making this Hungarian classic, share tips for getting the best results, and offer variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Let’s dive into the world of Chicken Paprikash and see how easy it is to create this amazing dish at home!

2. Ingredients Breakdown

To make this dish come together perfectly, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken (4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts): Chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they remain tender and juicy when cooked. However, chicken breasts can also be used for a leaner option. Bone-in chicken adds extra flavor during cooking.
  
• Onion (1 medium, chopped): Onions create the savory base for the sauce. They add sweetness and depth to the dish.
  
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic enhances the flavor and brings aromatic depth to the sauce.
  
• Paprika (2 tablespoons, Hungarian sweet paprika): The key ingredient in Chicken Paprikash, paprika gives the dish its signature smoky, earthy flavor. Hungarian sweet paprika is ideal, but you can also use smoked paprika for a slightly different flavor.
  
• Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons): Tomato paste adds richness and helps thicken the sauce.
  
• Chicken Broth (1 ½ cups): Chicken broth is the base for the sauce. It adds moisture and a savory flavor, balancing the richness of the cream.
  
• Sour Cream (½ cup): Sour cream is what makes this dish creamy and adds a tangy contrast to the spiciness of the paprika.
  
• Flour (2 tablespoons): Flour is used to thicken the sauce. It gives the dish a silky texture and helps the sauce coat the chicken evenly.
  
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning the chicken and the sauce.
  
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For browning the chicken and sautéing the onions and garlic.
  
• Fresh Parsley (for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
  

Common Substitutions:

• Chicken: You can substitute bone-in chicken with boneless chicken for a quicker cooking time. Alternatively, use chicken legs or wings.
  
• Paprika: If you don’t have Hungarian paprika, any sweet paprika will do. For a smoky flavor, you can also use smoked paprika.
  
• Sour Cream: If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute sour cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
  
• Flour: For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch or rice flour as a thickening agent.
  

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this creamy, flavorful Chicken Paprikash:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and brown it on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
   
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
   
3. Add Paprika and Tomato Paste:
   Stir in the paprika and tomato paste. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their flavor and deepen in color.
   
4. Add Broth and Simmer:
   Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Once it’s simmering, return the chicken to the pan, skin-side up, and spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.
   
5. Simmer the Chicken:
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken cook for 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be tender and cooked through.
   
6. Make the Sauce Creamy:
   Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and set it aside to rest. Stir the sour cream into the sauce, making sure it’s well incorporated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
   
7. Serve:
   Return the chicken to the pan, spooning some of the creamy sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
   

4. Tips and Variations

• For Extra Creaminess: If you like a creamier sauce, add a few tablespoons of heavy cream along with the sour cream. This will create an even richer texture.
  
• Slow Cooker Method: You can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker by browning the chicken and sautéing the onions and garlic, then transferring everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender.
  
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, cauliflower, or zucchini. You can also add tofu for extra protein.
  
• Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch or rice flour as a substitute for regular flour to thicken the sauce. Check that your broth and sour cream are gluten-free.
  
• Spicy Paprikash: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to bring some heat to the dish. Adjust to your spice preference.
  

5. Serving Suggestions

Chicken Paprikash is a deliciously hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Egg Noodles: Traditional egg noodles are a classic pairing for Chicken Paprikash. The soft noodles soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
  
• Rice: Serve the dish over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
  
• Bread: Serve with crusty bread or a warm baguette for dipping into the rich sauce.
  
• Green Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken and sauce.
  

Drink Pairing: Chicken Paprikash pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, try iced tea or sparkling water.

6. Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  
• Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a little chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  

7. Recipe Notes

• Prep Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat the sauce and add the chicken when you’re ready to serve.
  
• Browning the Chicken: Browning the chicken before simmering it creates a deeper, richer flavor, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip this step and simmer the chicken directly in the sauce.
  
• Herbs: You can use dried herbs if fresh ones aren’t available, but be sure to reduce the amount. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs.
  

8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	400 kcal
Fat	25g
Saturated Fat	7g
Carbs	10g
Sugar	4g
Fiber	1g
Protein	35g
Sodium	600mg
Cholesterol	90mg
Calcium	50mg
Iron	3mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

9. Recipe Card Summary

• Course: Main Dish
  
• Cuisine: Hungarian
  
• Servings: 4
  
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
  
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
  
• Total Time: 1 hour
  
• Ingredients:
  
  1. 4 chicken thighs (or breasts)
     
  2. 1 medium onion, chopped
     
  3. 3 cloves garlic, minced
     
  4. 2 tablespoons paprika
     
  5. 2 tablespoons tomato paste
     
  6. 1 ½ cups chicken broth
     
  7. ½ cup sour cream
     
  8. 2 tablespoons flour
     
  9. Salt and pepper to taste
     
  10. Fresh parsley for garnish
      
• Instructions:
  
  1. Brown the chicken and set aside.
     
  2. Sauté onions and garlic.
     
  3. Add paprika, tomato paste, and broth.
     
  4. Simmer the chicken in the sauce.
     
  5. Stir in sour cream and serve.
     
• Notes: Can be prepped ahead. Best with freshly shredded cheese.
  
• Nutrition: See nutrition table above.
  

🏷️ Diet Tags: Gluten-Free Option, High-Protein
🌿 Health Benefits: High in protein, rich in vitamins A and C, good source of iron.

10. Final Thoughts or CONCLUSION

Chicken Paprikash is the kind of dish that makes you feel right at home. It’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy meal with family or friends. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do! Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below, and feel free to share your variations or tips. Enjoy every bite!