🍗 Hungarian Chicken Paprikash 🇭🇺

Here’s a delicious and traditional recipe for Hungarian Chicken Paprikash with some emoji flair to make it even more fun! 🍗🌶️🥘

🍗 Hungarian Chicken Paprikash 🇭🇺

✨ A Classic, Comforting Dish! ✨

Chicken Paprikash (Paprikás Csirke) is one of Hungary’s most beloved dishes! Made with tender chicken, rich paprika sauce, and finished with sour cream for creaminess, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Serve it over nokedli (Hungarian dumplings), buttered egg noodles, or mashed potatoes for a perfect meal. 🍽️

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

For the Chicken Paprikash:

  • 2 tablespoons lard 🧈 (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 large onion 🧅, finely chopped
  • 2 pounds (900g) bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces 🍗 (thighs and drumsticks work best)
  • 2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika 🌶️ (for authentic flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon salt 🧂 (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 🌿
  • 2 cloves garlic 🧄, minced
  • 1 large bell pepper 🫑, sliced
  • 2 medium tomatoes 🍅, chopped (or 2 tbsp tomato paste)
  • 1 ½ cups (350ml) chicken broth 🍲 (or water)
  • 1 bay leaf 🍃 (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream 🍶
  • 1 tablespoon flour 🌾 (for thickening, optional)

For Serving:

  • Egg noodles 🍜, mashed potatoes 🥔, or Hungarian dumplings 🥢
  • Fresh parsley 🌿 (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Sauté the Onions

🔥 Heat lard (or oil) in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
🧅 Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.

2️⃣ Brown the Chicken

🍗 Add the chicken pieces, skin-side down, and brown for 5 minutes per side.
🌶️ Sprinkle in the paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring quickly to coat the chicken.

⚠️ Tip: Don’t let the paprika burn! Stir it in after removing the pot from the heat for a moment to prevent bitterness.

3️⃣ Add Garlic, Peppers & Tomatoes

🧄 Stir in the garlic, bell pepper, and tomatoes (or tomato paste).
🍲 Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf (if using).

4️⃣ Simmer Until Tender

⏳ Cover and simmer on low heat for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

5️⃣ Make It Creamy!

🍶 In a small bowl, mix sour cream with flour (if using) to prevent curdling.
🌟 Stir into the pot, letting it blend into the sauce for a silky, rich texture.
🔥 Simmer for 5 more minutes, then remove from heat.

PREPARATION