I’ll never forget the first time my grandmother made Chicken Paprikash for me. I was just a little kid, but the moment that savory, creamy dish touched my lips, I was transported to another world. The fragrant blend of paprika, garlic, and tender chicken instantly became one of my all-time favorite comfort foods.
To this day, the smell of Chicken Paprikash simmering on the stove takes me right back to my grandma’s cozy kitchen. I can see her stirring the pot, her face glowing with pride as she added the finishing touches. And when she’d finally scoop a big, steaming serving onto my plate, I’d dive in with pure, unadulterated joy.
Chicken Paprikash has remained a beloved staple in my life, and I’m excited to share my family’s cherished recipe with you. Trust me, once you try this version, it’ll become a go-to in your house too.
Table of Contents
Why This Chicken Paprikash Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Chicken Paprikash
There are a few key factors that make this Chicken Paprikash recipe so incredible. First and foremost, it’s all about the spices. By using both sweet and smoked paprika, you get a beautifully balanced flavor profile – the sweetness of the regular paprika is perfectly complemented by the subtle smokiness of the smoked variety.
The other secret ingredient is sour cream. While some Chicken Paprikash recipes rely solely on broth for the sauce, adding a dollop of tangy sour cream takes the creaminess to the next level. It makes the whole dish feel luxurious and indulgent, without being too heavy.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the star of the show: the chicken. For this recipe, you’ll want to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces. Thighs are way more flavorful and juicy than plain old chicken breasts, which is essential for a dish like Chicken Paprikash.
The onion and garlic provide the aromatic base, while the olive oil helps bring out the best in all the flavors. And of course, you can’t have Chicken Paprikash without the paprika – both sweet and smoked varieties are key.
Rounding out the ingredient list, you’ll need chicken broth to create the rich, creamy sauce, and a touch of sour cream for that extra luxurious mouthfeel. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste, and top it all off with a sprinkle of fresh, fragrant parsley.
Step-by-Step Chicken Paprikash Instructions
Preparing Your Chicken Paprikash
With a total time of just 45 minutes (15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking), this Chicken Paprikash recipe comes together in a flash. All you’ll need is a large skillet or Dutch oven, a cutting board, and a sharp knife.
1- Start by cutting the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces, making sure they’re all roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Dice the onion and mince the garlic while you’re at it.
2- Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften and become translucent.
3- Next, add the minced garlic and both types of paprika. Stir constantly for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant and the paprika is toasted and aromatic.
4- Now it’s time for the chicken. Add the cubed thighs to the skillet and let them brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes total. You want the outside to get a nice sear, but the inside should still be slightly pink.
5- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the Chicken Paprikash simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
6- Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t be afraid to let the chicken get a good sear before adding the broth. This adds a ton of flavor to the overall dish.
- Make sure to use both sweet and smoked paprika – the combination is what gives Chicken Paprikash its signature depth of flavor.
- Don’t skimp on the sour cream! It’s what makes the sauce so rich and creamy.
- If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of extra chicken broth. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
Serving and Storing Your Chicken Paprikash
Perfect Pairings for Chicken Paprikash
This Chicken Paprikash recipe serves 4 hearty portions, making it perfect for a family dinner or intimate gathering. As for sides, I love serving it over a bed of buttery egg noodles or fluffy white rice. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with both.
For a veggie side, sautéed mushrooms or roasted Brussels sprouts would be delicious. And don’t forget a crusty loaf of bread to soak up every last drop of that paprika-infused sauce.
As for drinks, a crisp white wine or a cold beer would be the perfect accompaniment. But if you’re in the mood for something a little stronger, a classic Old Fashioned or Manhatta
n cocktail would also be a fantastic pairing.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, Chicken Paprikash is one of those dishes that actually gets better the next day. The flavors have a chance to meld and intensify, making leftovers just as delicious (if not more so) than the freshly cooked version.
To store, simply let the Paprikash cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can do so on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Chicken Paprikash also freezes wonderfully. Let it cool, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Chicken Paprikash
Creative Chicken Paprikash Variations
While the classic version is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on Chicken Paprikash. For a little extra richness, you could stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard or a splash of dry white wine.
In the summer, try grilling the chicken instead of sautéing it for a nice smoky twist. And if you’re a mushroom lover, sautéed ‘shrooms would be a delicious addition.
For a lighter take, you could swap the chicken thighs for boneless, skinless breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily.
Making Chicken Paprikash Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply serve it over gluten-free noodles or cauliflower rice instead of regular pasta or rice.
For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the sour cream with a plant-based yogurt or cashew cream. And to make it vegan, use cubed tofu or sautéed mushrooms in place of the chicken.
No matter which adaptations you choose, the core flavors of Chicken Paprikash will still shine through, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: While chicken thighs are the traditional choice for Chicken Paprikash, you can absolutely use chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be mindful not to overcook them, as they can become dry more easily.
Q: How long does it take to make this Chicken Paprikash recipe?
A: This Chicken Paprikash recipe has a total time of 45 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking.
Q: Can I make Chicken Paprikash ahead of time?
A: Yes, Chicken Paprikash is a great make-ahead dish! It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Q: How much does this Chicken Paprikash recipe serve?
A: This recipe makes 4 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or small gathering.
Q: What if my Chicken Paprikash sauce is too thin or too thick?
A: If the sauce is too thin, simply let it simmer a bit longer to allow it to reduce and thicken. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of extra chicken broth.
Chicken Paprikash
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Chicken Paprikash is a classic Hungarian dish that features tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy paprika-infused sauce. This comforting, family-style recipe is easy to make and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup sour cream
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent.
3. Add the garlic and both types of paprika to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Serve the Chicken Paprikash hot, garnished with chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
For a creamier sauce, you can use full-fat sour cream. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mix in a tablespoon or two of all-purpose flour with the sour cream before adding it to the skillet.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Chicken, Turkey & Pork Mains
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Conclusion
Chicken Paprikash is truly a Hungarian classic that deserves a spot in everyone’s recipe arsenal. With its mouthwatering blend of spices, tender chicken, and creamy sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to please.
I hope this recipe becomes a new family favorite in your home, just like it is in mine. Give it a try and let me know what you think! I’d love to hear your thoughts and see how your Chicken Paprikash turns out.
