Chicken Paprikash, a dish that dances on your taste buds with its rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and a hint of smoky paprika, is what culinary dreams are made of. The aroma wafts through the kitchen like a warm hug, inviting everyone to gather around the table in anticipation of a hearty meal. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes.
Growing up, Chicken Paprikash was our family’s go-to comfort food. My grandma would whip it up on chilly weekends, filling the house with mouthwatering scents. Nothing beats that first bite of velvety sauce over soft noodles or rice while sharing laughs and stories with loved ones.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Paprikash is easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
- Its savory flavor profile will leave everyone asking for seconds
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing and Instagram-worthy
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with various side dishes depending on your mood
I remember one time when my friends dropped by unexpectedly, and I had just made Chicken Paprikash. They were blown away! The compliments flowed faster than the sauce itself.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Bone-in Chicken Thighs: Opt for bone-in thighs for extra flavor and tenderness during cooking.
- Onions: Sweet yellow onions work best; they caramelize beautifully and add depth to the dish.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring a robust flavor; avoid pre-minced varieties for maximum freshness.
- Smoked Paprika: Essential for that signature taste; it adds warmth and complexity to the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while still enhancing flavor.
- Sour Cream: This gives the dish its signature creaminess; full-fat varieties work wonderfully here.
- Pasta or Dumplings: Choose your favorite carb to soak up all that delicious sauce!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all ingredients and chopping the onions and garlic finely. This will save you time during cooking.
Brown the Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, add oil. Once hot, add chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook until browned and crispy—about 5-7 minutes per side.
Sauté the Aromatics: Remove chicken from pot and set aside. In the same pot, add onions and cook until translucent and sweet-smelling—about 3-5 minutes—before adding garlic.
Add Paprika & Broth: Sprinkle in smoked paprika and stir well to coat onions and garlic. Pour in chicken broth while scraping any brown bits off the bottom for added flavor.
Simmer & Stir In Sour Cream: Return chicken to pot; cover and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until cooked through. Stir in sour cream just before serving for creaminess.
Serve It Up!: Plate over pasta or dumplings; ladle generous amounts of sauce over everything. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired!
Now you’ve got an aromatic dish ready to impress family or friends at any occasion! Enjoy every bite as the flavors mingle together beautifully.
You Must Know
- Chicken Paprikash is more than a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl
- This dish combines tender chicken with rich paprika sauce, creating a comforting experience
- The vibrant colors and aromas will brighten any dinner table, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in flavor, then simmer it gently in the paprika sauce for tender perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap sour cream for Greek yogurt or add bell peppers for a pop of color and sweetness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Chicken Paprikash in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain quality.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use sweet Hungarian paprika for authentic flavor
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy
- Add a splash of vinegar at the end for extra brightness!
It was my grandmother’s go-to recipe that never failed to bring everyone together, filling our home with warmth and laughter.
FAQ
What can I serve with Chicken Paprikash?
Serve with egg noodles, rice, or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Can I make Chicken Paprikash ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better when made a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Is there a vegetarian version of Chicken Paprikash?
Yes! Replace chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a delightful twist.

Chicken Paprikash
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Paprikash is a delightful Hungarian dish that brings comfort to any table with its creamy sauce and tender chicken. The rich flavors of smoked paprika and sautéed aromatics create an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Serve this dish over pasta or dumplings for a satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for more.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 medium sweet yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 8 oz egg noodles or dumplings
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the onions and mincing the garlic.
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil and brown the chicken thighs skin-side down for about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onions until translucent (3-5 minutes), then add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in smoked paprika, then pour in chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot.
- Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until fully cooked.
- Just before serving, stir in sour cream and serve over pasta or dumplings, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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