Chicken Paprikash

Chicken, braised in paprika sauce until meltingly tender, then finished off with a generous dollop of sour cream, is a real winner.

This recipe for Hungarian chicken paprikash is classic, and therefore something everyone needs to know how to make it. 

For more creamy chicken recipes, try my Chicken Stroganoff!

I believe our bodies naturally know what they need to warm up. And the reason I think that is because whenever November strikes, I start to dream of chicken and beef braises. The meals that bring us comfort and warm us up from the inside.

This recipe for chicken paprikash is one of those magic recipes. It doesn’t just taste delicious, it also makes us feel good afterwards. How? I have no clue. The spell of comfort food I suppose.

My family has been enjoying chicken paprikash for years. Ever since I discovered how delicious it is at my late father-in-law’s insistence, I’ve made various incarnations of it.

One of my attempts to simplify it led to my  Easy Chicken and Chickpea Paprikash, that has become a readers’ favourite. If you are after a quick and leaner version for this iconic dish, check it out.

However today is all about the classic version, the authentic paprikash or chicken paprikas as it is also known.

What is the recipe for classic chicken paprikash?

The classic recipe is quite simple actually, as most old style European cooking. It uses a chicken cut up into smaller parts, that is browned and then slowly cooked in Hungarian paprika sauce until very tender.

In the end sour cream is added for some creaminess and to tame the strong paprika flavour. The dish, that originates in Hungary but is enjoyed all over Eastern Europe, and quite frankly most of the world, is often served with homemade dumplings.

I usually serve it with rice but egg noodles are a great substitute for dumplings.

How long does it take to make chicken paprikash?

Not as long as it appears!

Cooking chicken paprikash will take about 1 hour from start to finish but only 15-20 minutes of that time is active. The rest is chicken happily bubbling away in the delicious paprika sauce.

What gives chicken paprikash its unique taste?

The answer is simple. It’s paprika! If you want to make the best tasting chicken paprikash, you have to make sure your paprika is fresh and fragrant.

Contrary to many beliefs, dried spices do NOT last forever. In fact they lose their fragrance quite quickly. The best test would be to smell your spices to determine whether they are still useable.

Generally dried spices last for 2-3 years but your nose will still be the best indicator!

What paprika is best for chicken paprikash?

Hungarian sweet or hot paprika is traditionally used for this recipe. However, I prefer using Spanish sweet paprika that has a slightly smoky aroma and delicious flavour.

More Braised Chicken Recipes

• Chicken Cacciatore
• French Chicken Casserole a la Normande
• Italian Rosemary Chicken and White Beans
• Classic Coq au Vin

Have you made any of these and which one is your favourite?

Chicken Paprikash

A classic Chicken Paprikash recipe. Chicken sauteed in creamy paprika sauce until meltingly tender is a real winner.

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Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Hungarian

Keyword: chicken paprikash

Servings: 6

Calories: 488kcal

Author: Julia Frey of Vikalinka

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• salt and pepper
• 2 lbs chicken thighs and legs
• 1 onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp sweet paprika
• 2 tbsp flour
• 400 ml/1 1/2 cups chicken stock
• 400g/14oz tinned chopped tomatoes/crushed tomatoes in the US and Canada
• 250ml/1 cup sour cream

Instructions

• In a large pan heat 1 tbsp of olive oil and brown seasoned with salt and pepper chicken parts over medium-high heat until golden but not cooked all the way through. Remove to a plate and set aside. Discard most of the chicken fat but 2 tbsp. 
• To the same pan add chopped onion and cook over low heat for 5-7 minutes without browning it, then add garlic and briefly cook for about 30 seconds while stirring. Then add paprika and flour, stir to combine until you have a paste. Then slowly add the chicken stock while stirring to avoid lumps, then add the canned tomatoes, turn the heat up and bring to a boil. Once boiled return the chicken with its juices back to the pan, cover with a lid, lower the heat and simmer for 40-45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent from burning. 
• At the end of cooking time, stir in sour cream and take it off the heat. Serve sprinkled with some fresh parsley. 

Nutrition Facts

Chicken Paprikash

Amount Per Serving

Calories 488 Calories from Fat 324

% Daily Value*

Fat 36g55%

Saturated Fat 11g69%

Cholesterol 170mg57%

Sodium 719mg31%

Potassium 688mg20%

Carbohydrates 12g4%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 28g56%

Vitamin A 1650IU33%

Vitamin C 6.9mg8%

Calcium 87mg9%

Iron 2.7mg15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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