Hungarian Chicken Paprikash with Dumplings (Csirkepaprikás)

Hungarian Chicken Paprikash with Dumplings, known as Csirkepaprikás, is one of the most famous and comforting dishes in Hungary. Tender chicken simmered in a rich paprika sauce and served with soft homemade dumplings creates a meal that is warm, hearty, and unforgettable.

This dish perfectly represents traditional Hungarian cuisine: simple ingredients transformed into deep, rich flavor through slow cooking and quality paprika.

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🇭🇺 Why Csirkepaprikás Is So Loved

This classic Hungarian meal is famous because:

• The sauce is creamy and packed with paprika flavor
• Chicken becomes incredibly tender
• Homemade dumplings soak up the rich sauce perfectly
• It is comforting and filling
• Found in homes and restaurants all across Hungary

For many families, it’s the ultimate Sunday comfort meal.

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🧾 Ingredients

🍗 For the chicken paprikash:

• 1 kg chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 2 large onions (finely chopped)
• 3 tablespoons oil or lard
• 2–3 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tomato (or tomato paste)
• 1 green pepper (optional but traditional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 200 ml sour cream
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 250 ml water or broth

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🥟 For the dumplings (Nokedli)

• 250 g flour
• 2 eggs
• 100 ml water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation

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1. Prepare the onion base

Heat oil or lard in a large pot.

Cook onions slowly until soft and golden.

This forms the flavor foundation of the dish.

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2. Add paprika

Remove the pot from heat briefly.

Stir in Hungarian paprika carefully so it doesn’t burn.

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3. Add the chicken

Place chicken pieces into the paprika onion base.

Mix well so every piece is coated.

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4. Add vegetables and simmer

Add:

• garlic
• tomato
• green pepper
• salt and pepper
• broth or water

Cover and simmer gently for 45–60 minutes.

The chicken should become very tender.

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5. Make the creamy sauce

Mix sour cream with flour and a little hot sauce from the pot.

Slowly stir it back into the stew.

Cook for another few minutes until creamy and smooth.

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🥟 Prepare the dumplings

Mix flour, eggs, water, and salt into a thick batter.

Drop small spoonfuls into boiling salted water.

Cook until dumplings float to the surface.

Drain well.

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🍽️ How to Serve

Serve Csirkepaprikás hot over fresh dumplings with:

• Extra sour cream
• Fresh parsley
• Cucumber salad
• Crusty bread

The dumplings absorb the sauce beautifully.

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🔥 Tips for Authentic Flavor

• Use real Hungarian paprika for best taste
• Never burn the paprika
• Chicken thighs stay juicier than breast meat
• Sour cream creates the signature creamy texture
• Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving

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🇭🇺 A Symbol of Hungarian Cuisine

Csirkepaprikás is considered one of Hungary’s national dishes. It represents the heart of Hungarian home cooking:

• paprika-rich sauces
• slow simmering
• simple but rich flavors
• comforting family meals

It’s a dish that has been loved for generations.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

Hungarian chicken paprikash with dumplings is creamy, rich, and deeply satisfying. The tender chicken, velvety paprika sauce, and soft dumplings create a perfect balance of flavor and comfort.

It’s one of those meals that instantly feels warm, homemade, and unforgettable.