Chicken Paprikash – A Classic Hungarian Comfort Food 🇭🇺🍗🔥

Hungary is famous for its rich, flavorful dishes, and one of the most beloved is Chicken Paprikash (Paprikás Csirke). This hearty, creamy, and slightly spicy dish is a true comfort food that has been passed down through generations. Made with tender chicken, a luscious paprika-infused sauce, and served with traditional nokedli (dumplings) or buttered noodles, Chicken Paprikash is a must-try for any food lover. Let’s explore its history, ingredients, step-by-step preparation, and serving suggestions! 🍽️✨

The History of Chicken Paprikash 📜🔥

Chicken Paprikash dates back centuries in Hungarian cuisine, with roots tied to the Great Hungarian Plain, where paprika became a defining spice in local cooking. 🌶️ The dish evolved as an easy-to-make, flavorful meal that farmers and families could enjoy using simple, locally available ingredients. Over time, it became one of the most recognized Hungarian dishes worldwide.

The name Paprikás Csirke comes from the star ingredient—Hungarian sweet paprika—which gives the dish its signature deep red color and smoky-sweet flavor. Unlike other chicken stews, Paprikash is known for its creamy, velvety sauce, often enriched with sour cream to balance the paprika’s warmth with a slight tang. 🥣😋

Ingredients for an Authentic Chicken Paprikash 🛒🍗

Main Ingredients:

✅ 2 lbs (900g) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks 🍗 ✅ 2 tbsp vegetable oil or lard 🛢️ ✅ 1 large onion, finely chopped 🧅 ✅ 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄 ✅ 2 tbsp Hungarian sweet paprika 🌶️ ✅ 1 ½ cups (350ml) chicken broth 🍵 ✅ 1 cup (240ml) water 💧 ✅ 1 medium tomato, finely diced 🍅 ✅ 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional) 🫑 ✅ ½ cup (120ml) sour cream 🥛 ✅ 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 🌾 ✅ Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂 ✅ 1 tbsp fresh parsley for garnish 🌿

Step-by-Step Preparation 🥄🔥

Step 1: Sear the Chicken 🍗

1️⃣ Heat oil or lard in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. 2️⃣ Season the chicken with salt and pepper. 3️⃣ Sear the chicken pieces until golden brown on both sides (about 4-5 minutes per side), then remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics 🧅🧄

4️⃣ In the same pan, add the chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). 5️⃣ Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. 6️⃣ Stir in the paprika and mix well—be careful not to burn it!

Step 3: Build the Flavor 🍅

7️⃣ Add the diced tomato and sliced bell pepper (if using) and cook for 2-3 minutes. 8️⃣ Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring well to combine. 9️⃣ Return the seared chicken to the pot, cover, and let simmer for 40-45 minutes on low heat until the chicken is tender. 🕰️🔥

Step 4: Make It Creamy 😍

🔟 In a small bowl, mix sour cream with flour until smooth. 1️⃣1️⃣ Gradually stir the sour cream mixture into the sauce, letting it thicken slightly. 1️⃣2️⃣ Simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.

How to Serve Chicken Paprikash 🍽️🎉

Chicken Paprikash is traditionally served with nokedli (Hungarian dumplings), which are similar to German spaetzle. However, you can also pair it with:

➡️ Buttered egg noodles – A classic and easy option 🍜 ➡️ Mashed potatoes – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce 🥔 ➡️ Crusty bread – Great for dipping into the rich, flavorful sauce 🍞 ➡️ Steamed rice – A lighter alternative 🍚

To finish, sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm for the ultimate comfort meal! 🌿🔥