The aroma of Chicken Paprikash wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm, delicious hug that feels like home. This dish, with its creamy sauce and vibrant paprika hue, dances on your taste buds, offering a flavor explosion that can turn even the gloomiest of days into a celebration.
Picture this: it’s a chilly Sunday evening, and you’re snuggled up on the couch with your favorite blanket when the thought of Chicken Paprikash pops into your mind. Memories flood back of family gatherings where laughter mingled with the rich scent of spices and chicken simmering away, creating an atmosphere filled with love and warmth. What better occasion to whip up this comforting classic than right now? Get ready to indulge in a bowl of nostalgia topped with a sprinkle of paprika magic!
Why You'll Love This Chicken Paprikash
- This incredible Chicken Paprikash transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Chicken Paprikash:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs for their juiciness; however, breasts work too if you’re feeling fancy.
- Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; make sure it’s finely chopped to blend well into the sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide a punch; opt for at least three cloves for maximum flavor impact.
- Sweet Paprika: The star of the show! Use high-quality sweet paprika to ensure vibrant color and taste.
- Chicken Broth: A flavorful broth brings everything together; homemade is great but store-bought works too.
- Sour Cream: Adds creaminess; you can substitute Greek yogurt if you’re feeling adventurous!
For the Sauce:
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for its depth of flavor while cooking your chicken and veggies.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all those delicious flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Chicken Paprikash:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, add two tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, toss in the chopped onions and sauté until they are translucent—about five minutes—then throw in minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Add your boneless chicken thighs to the skillet. Cook them until they are golden brown on both sides—around six minutes per side should do it. Don’t forget to season them generously with salt and pepper!
Step 3: Spice It Up
Sprinkle sweet paprika over the chicken (don’t be shy!). Stir everything around so each piece gets coated in that glorious red powder. Cook for about one minute until it becomes aromatic.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in chicken broth, stirring well to combine all those beautiful flavors. Bring it to a gentle simmer then cover the skillet and let it bubble away for roughly twenty minutes.
Step 5: Finish with Creaminess
Remove from heat and stir in sour cream until fully incorporated. If you forgot about dinner plans tonight because you were busy dancing around your kitchen—it happens—just keep it on low heat until ready to serve!
Step 6: Serve It Up
Transfer servings onto plates or bowls; drizzle with any extra sauce from the pan for that finishing touch. Pair it with egg noodles or crusty bread to soak up all that saucy goodness.
Now that you’ve mastered this Chicken Paprikash recipe, prepare yourself for compliments galore at dinner parties or cozy nights at home! Enjoy every creamy bite knowing you’re indulging in a dish steeped in tradition and love!

You Must Know About Chicken Paprikash
- This showstopping Chicken Paprikash delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken to lock in that juicy goodness. While it cooks, whip up the pasta and prepare your sauce in another pan. This way, everything comes together seamlessly for a mouthwatering Chicken Paprikash.
Flavor Your Way
Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or even hearty mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Add a dash of smoked paprika or a splash of white wine for an extra flavor kick that takes your Chicken Paprikash to new heights.
Storing & Reheating
Allow your leftovers to cool completely before transferring them into airtight containers. When reheating, use low heat on the stove to maintain that creamy sauce without losing its magic.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Chicken Paprikash
- This professional-quality Chicken Paprikash relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
The first time I made Chicken Paprikash, my friends declared it “life-changing,” prompting me to host weekly dinners just so I could recreate that moment!

FAQs
What is Chicken Paprikash?
Chicken Paprikash is a traditional Hungarian dish known for its rich, creamy sauce and vibrant paprika flavor. The dish features tender chicken simmered in a sauce made from onions, tomatoes, and plenty of paprika, resulting in a comforting meal that’s both flavorful and hearty. Often served with dumplings or egg noodles, Chicken Paprikash has become popular beyond Hungary due to its delicious taste and ease of preparation. This dish not only celebrates the unique flavors of paprika but also showcases the simplicity of cooking with fresh ingredients.
How do you make Chicken Paprikash?
To make Chicken Paprikash, start by sautéing onions in a pot until they are soft. Next, add chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Stir in sweet paprika, garlic, and tomatoes, followed by chicken broth. Let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Finally, mix in sour cream to create a creamy sauce that enhances the flavor. Serve hot over your choice of noodles or dumplings for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Can I use other meats in Chicken Paprikash?
While Chicken Paprikash traditionally uses chicken, you can experiment with other meats like turkey or pork. Each meat will bring its own unique flavor to the dish while still allowing you to enjoy the rich paprika sauce. Just ensure that you adjust cooking times based on the type and cut of meat used. For example, pork may take longer to cook than chicken to reach tenderness. This flexibility makes Chicken Paprikash a versatile recipe suitable for a variety of tastes.
What can I serve with Chicken Paprikash?
Chicken Paprikash pairs beautifully with several side dishes that complement its flavors. Traditional options include egg noodles or Hungarian dumplings known as nokedli. You might also consider serving it over rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting touch. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables can add freshness to your meal while balancing the richness of the sauce. Whatever sides you choose, they should enhance your enjoyment of this classic dish without overpowering its robust flavor.
Conclusion
In summary, Chicken Paprikash is a delightful dish rich in flavor and tradition. With its creamy sauce and aromatic spices, it offers comfort food at its finest. Making this recipe at home is easy and allows room for creativity with different meats or side dishes. Whether served over noodles or rice, Chicken Paprikash will surely impress family and friends alike. Enjoy this culinary treasure that brings warmth to any dining table!
Chicken Paprikash
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Paprikash is a comforting Hungarian classic that combines tender chicken thighs with a rich, creamy sauce infused with sweet paprika. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests, offering a delightful explosion of flavors in every bite. Serve it over egg noodles or with crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce, making it a meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent (about 5 minutes), then add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add chicken thighs, seasoning with salt and pepper. Brown on both sides (approximately 6 minutes per side).
- Sprinkle paprika over the chicken and stir for about one minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, stir to combine, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in sour cream until fully incorporated.
- Serve hot over egg noodles or with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg





