Print

Creamy Chicken Paprikash Recipe

4.5 from 137 reviews

Chicken Paprikash is a classic Hungarian comfort dish featuring tender chicken simmered with onions and sweet paprika, finished with creamy sour cream for a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a warm and hearty stew traditionally served over noodles or dumplings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 lbs chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks recommended)

Spices and Vegetables

  • 2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Finishing

  • 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Onion: Heat the vegetable oil or lard in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Cook Chicken with Paprika: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and sprinkle the sweet Hungarian paprika over everything. Stir to coat the chicken and onions evenly with paprika. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken until lightly browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Simmer the Paprikash: Add enough water or chicken broth to just cover the chicken pieces. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer gently until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, approximately 35-40 minutes.
  4. Make the Sour Cream Sauce: In a separate small bowl, mix the sour cream with flour if using, to create a smooth mixture. Temper the sour cream by slowly adding a few tablespoons of the hot cooking liquid to the mixture while stirring to avoid curdling.
  5. Combine Sour Cream and Chicken: Stir the tempered sour cream mixture back into the skillet with the chicken. Heat gently, without boiling, for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
  6. Serve: Serve the chicken paprikash hot, traditionally over buttered noodles, spaetzle, or rice.

Notes

  • Use sweet Hungarian paprika for an authentic flavor; avoid smoked or hot varieties unless preferred.
  • Tempering sour cream prevents it from curdling when added to hot liquids.
  • Chicken thighs and drumsticks provide more flavor and stay moist compared to breasts.
  • Adjust the gravy thickness by adding or skipping the flour.

Keywords: Chicken Paprikash, Hungarian chicken stew, paprika chicken, creamy chicken dish