If you’re in the mood for something hearty, comforting, and full of flavor, Chicken Paprikash is a dish that will steal your heart. This classic Hungarian recipe is packed with tender chicken, a rich paprika-infused sauce, and just the right amount of creaminess. The combination of smoky paprika, garlic, and onions creates a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and bold. Whether you serve it over a bed of buttery egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, Chicken Paprikash is the perfect meal for any occasion. Get ready for a dish that’ll make you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm hug—trust me, you’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Paprikash

Name: Chicken Paprikash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-484647H33M31S
Total time: PT-484647H33M31S
Cuisine: Hungarian
Ingredients: – 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; – 1 large onion, finely chopped; – 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or a mix of thighs and drumsticks); – 1 tablespoon sweet Hungarian paprika; – 1 teaspoon hot Hungarian paprika (optional, for added heat); – 1 tablespoon tomato paste; – 2 cloves garlic, minced; – 1 cup chicken broth; – 1 cup sour cream, room temperature; – Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; – Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); – Egg noodles or dumplings, for serving

Here’s why this dish is a winner:

Rich and Flavorful: The smoky paprika sauce is everything you didn’t know your taste buds needed—creamy, tangy, and full of layers of flavor.

Comforting: It’s one of those dishes that’ll make you feel all warm and cozy inside. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a comforting meal.

Quick and Easy: Even though it’s packed with flavor, this recipe comes together pretty quickly, making it great for busy nights or impressing guests.

Customizable: You can adjust the spice level to suit your preferences—go for mild paprika for a more subtle flavor or add a pinch of cayenne if you like a little heat.

Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is always a hit, whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party. It’s one of those recipes that gets everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients in Chicken Paprikash

Here’s what you need to make this flavorful dish:

Chicken Thighs: The bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs give the dish a rich, juicy flavor. They hold up well to the paprika sauce and stay tender.

Onions: Onions are sautéed until soft and golden, forming the base of the sauce.

Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a fragrant kick that complements the smoky paprika.

Paprika: The star of the show! Paprika gives this dish its signature flavor. Use sweet paprika for a more subtle flavor or hot paprika if you like a little spice.

Tomato Paste: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.

Chicken Broth: This forms the liquid base of the sauce, bringing everything together.

Heavy Cream: For that creamy finish that takes the sauce to the next level of indulgence.

Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the flavors.

(Note: Measurements are available in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Time to bring this hearty dish to life!

1. Brown the Chicken:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and brown them in the hot pan for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the onions until they’re soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add the Paprika and Tomato Paste:
Stir in the paprika and tomato paste, cooking for another 2 minutes to bring out the flavor of the paprika. The mixture should smell amazing!

4. Add the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.

5. Return the Chicken:
Place the browned chicken thighs back into the pan, skin-side up. Cover the pan and let the chicken cook for 25-30 minutes, until it’s fully cooked and tender.

6. Add the Cream:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Stir in the heavy cream to the sauce, letting it simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken with the creamy paprika sauce over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. Don’t forget to spoon some of that rich sauce over everything—it’s the best part!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~350 (varies based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used)

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Paprikash

This dish pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal even better:

Over Egg Noodles: The classic pairing! Egg noodles soak up the creamy paprika sauce beautifully.
With Mashed Potatoes: For extra comfort, serve this dish with buttery mashed potatoes.
Over Rice: A simple and easy side that allows the flavors of the Chicken Paprikash to shine.
With a Side Salad: A light green salad with a tangy dressing helps balance out the richness of the dish.

Additional Tips

For Extra Flavor: Try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding the broth for an extra layer of flavor.
Spicy Kick: If you like things spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use hot paprika in place of the sweet variety.
Chicken Breasts Alternative: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken thighs are preferred for their rich flavor and tenderness. If you use breasts, be sure to not overcook them.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat before serving.

3. Can I freeze Chicken Paprikash?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing, and reheat gently when ready to serve.

4. Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can use hot paprika or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat level.

5. Can I make this without cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter version, though it will have a different flavor profile.

6. What can I serve with Chicken Paprikash?
Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. A side salad is also a great option to balance the richness.

7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.

8. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken.

9. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the chicken first, then add the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

10. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Conclusion

Chicken Paprikash is the ultimate comfort food—rich, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. With its smoky paprika sauce and tender chicken, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a dinner party, this dish will leave everyone asking for the recipe. Try it out, and enjoy every bite!