Chicken Paprikash is a classic Hungarian stew that highlights tender chicken thighs simmered in a luscious, paprika-infused sauce. Creamy and comforting, this dish is known for its bold yet balanced flavors and pairs beautifully with egg noodles, dumplings, rice, or fresh bread. It’s simple to prepare and brings rich, homestyle warmth to the table—perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 pounds)

• 1 large yellow onion, peeled and minced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced

• ¼ cup sweet Hungarian paprika

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• ½ tablespoon salt

• 1 cup full-fat sour cream

• ⅓ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 5–7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, sauté the minced onion until soft (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes more.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Spices
Stir in diced Roma tomatoes, paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 3–5 minutes until tomatoes soften and spices are fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well for 1 minute. Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Finish Cooking the Chicken
Return chicken to the skillet, sprinkle with salt, cover, and simmer on low for 30–35 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 6: Add the Creamy Touch
Remove chicken again. Mix sour cream and heavy cream in a bowl. Temper with a few spoonfuls of hot sauce from the skillet, then stir mixture back into the skillet.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Return chicken to the skillet, coat in creamy sauce, heat through, and serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: ~520 kcal

• Protein: ~32g

• Fat: ~38g

• Carbohydrates: ~10g

• Fiber: ~1g

• Sugar: ~3g

• Sodium: ~750mg

The Essence of Hungarian Cuisine

Chicken Paprikash is one of the most iconic dishes in Hungarian cuisine, embodying the nation’s love for paprika. Hungary is renowned for its vibrant red peppers and the ground spice they produce, which comes in varieties ranging from sweet to hot. In Chicken Paprikash, sweet paprika is essential, delivering not just heat but a deep, earthy warmth and color that sets this dish apart. The use of sour cream to finish the sauce reflects Eastern European culinary traditions, where dairy plays a crucial role in enriching and balancing robust flavors.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes Chicken Paprikash so appealing is its simplicity. The process is straightforward, making it accessible even to novice cooks, yet the final result tastes like it simmered all day. The chicken is browned for flavor, the aromatics are gently cooked to form the base, and the sauce comes together with just a few pantry staples. Unlike other stews that may take hours, Chicken Paprikash comes together in just over an hour, delivering deeply satisfying results with minimal effort. It’s the ideal blend of ease and elegance.

Flavor Profile and Texture

The flavor of Chicken Paprikash is rich, savory, and slightly smoky, with tangy undertones from the sour cream. The sauce is thick and luscious, clinging to the tender chicken with each bite. Because the chicken is simmered in the sauce for over 30 minutes, it becomes incredibly tender and absorbs the robust flavors of the paprika and aromatics. The final dish is deeply warming and satisfying, perfect for colder nights or when you crave something cozy and homemade.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Paprikash is traditionally served with nokedli, Hungarian egg dumplings similar to German spätzle, but it also pairs beautifully with buttered egg noodles, steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or rustic crusty bread. These starches help soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce. For a complete meal, consider adding a simple cucumber salad with dill and vinegar or steamed green beans tossed with butter and lemon.

Health Benefits

Despite its indulgent texture, Chicken Paprikash offers several nutritional benefits. Chicken thighs are a good source of high-quality protein and contain more iron and zinc than chicken breast. Paprika is rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin A and carotenoids, which support eye health and immune function. Sour cream and heavy cream do contribute to the fat content, but using high-quality, full-fat dairy in moderation supports satiety and flavor without requiring oversized portions. Garlic and onions, staples in the recipe, also offer heart-protective benefits and help bolster immunity.

Why You’ll Love It

Chicken Paprikash is a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. Its comforting nature makes it perfect for weeknight dinners, yet it’s elegant enough to serve to guests. The dish appeals to a broad range of palates—its flavors are bold but not spicy, creamy but not heavy, and rustic yet refined. It also reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers. Most importantly, this dish delivers a flavor experience that is both deeply rooted in tradition and universally comforting.

Cultural Significance and Origins

Hungarian cuisine is steeped in centuries of tradition, and Chicken Paprikash reflects the agricultural heritage of the region. In the 18th and 19th centuries, paprika began to replace black pepper as Hungary’s dominant seasoning. Dishes like goulash and paprikash emerged during this time as both practical and flavorful ways to feed families. The name “paprikás” refers to the style of cooking with paprika, and “csirke” means chicken. Today, this dish is a mainstay not only in Hungary but across Central and Eastern Europe, where variations might include veal, pork, or even mushrooms for vegetarian adaptations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the biggest pitfalls when making Chicken Paprikash is using the wrong type of paprika. Sweet Hungarian paprika is essential—using smoked or spicy paprika will change the entire flavor profile. Another common mistake is adding sour cream directly into the boiling sauce, which can cause it to curdle. Tempering the sour cream with a bit of hot liquid from the skillet before adding it helps maintain a smooth, creamy texture. Also, avoid overcooking the chicken before it simmers in the sauce—searing should create a golden crust without drying it out.

Perfect Pairings

To elevate your Chicken Paprikash dinner, pair it with a glass of dry white wine such as Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, or Sauvignon Blanc, which will cut through the richness of the sauce while complementing its earthy notes. For beer lovers, a malty lager or pilsner works beautifully. For a complete table, include a crisp salad with vinegar-based dressing, pickled vegetables, or roasted root veggies to contrast the creaminess of the dish. For dessert, consider something light and fruity like a berry compote or lemon sorbet.

Variations to Try

While traditional Chicken Paprikash calls for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, you can adapt the recipe to suit your preferences. Boneless thighs or drumsticks also work well. For a leaner version, use chicken breast, though it may be slightly less tender. Vegetarians can substitute mushrooms, tofu, or seitan for the chicken. For a twist on the sauce, add a splash of dry white wine before the broth or fold in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for added depth. Some cooks also add sliced bell peppers for an extra layer of flavor and color.

Ingredient Spotlight: Hungarian Paprika

The star of this dish, sweet Hungarian paprika, is more than just a spice—it’s a cornerstone of Hungarian identity. Grown in the sun-drenched plains of the country, the peppers used to make this paprika are dried and ground into a vibrant red powder with a rich, sweet, and slightly fruity flavor. Unlike the dull, generic paprika found on many grocery shelves, true Hungarian paprika has a potency that defines the dish. Investing in a high-quality paprika makes all the difference, transforming a good Paprikash into a great one.

Conclusion

Chicken Paprikash is a celebration of hearty, rustic cooking with refined, unforgettable flavor. Rooted in Hungarian tradition, this dish brings together humble ingredients to create something truly special. It’s a recipe that comforts, satisfies, and transports you to another place with each bite. Whether you’re serving it to your family on a chilly evening or sharing it with friends over a glass of wine, Chicken Paprikash never fails to deliver joy. Its creamy texture, bold paprika flavor, and tender chicken make it a meal to remember—and one you’ll want to make again and again.