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Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Paprikash
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Chicken Paprikash is a comforting Hungarian classic featuring tender bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces simmered in a rich, creamy sauce infused with sweet Hungarian paprika. This dish offers a harmonious balance of smoky, sweet, and creamy flavors, perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings. Easy to prepare and adaptable to dietary preferences, it brings authentic Eastern European taste to your kitchen with simple everyday ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper or hot paprika (for spicy twist)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquids and Dairy

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup sour cream (or coconut cream/non-dairy yogurt for dairy-free)

Thickening Agents and Fats

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat butter or oil in a large pan over medium heat and brown the chicken on all sides until golden to lock in juices and build flavor.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Remove the chicken and add chopped onions to the same pan. Cook on low heat until onions are soft and golden brown, releasing their natural sweetness. Stir in minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
  3. Add Paprika: Reduce heat to low and sprinkle sweet Hungarian paprika over the onions and garlic. Stir quickly to coat evenly and allow the paprika to bloom without burning, enhancing its rich flavor.
  4. Simmer with Broth: Return the browned chicken to the pan and pour in chicken broth to partially cover the pieces. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 30 to 40 minutes until the chicken is tender and infused with the paprika flavors.
  5. Thicken and Add Sour Cream: Remove chicken from the pan to keep warm. Mix flour or cornstarch with sour cream until smooth, then temper by stirring in some warm cooking liquid. Gradually add this mixture back to the pan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to a creamy, velvety consistency.
  6. Final Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Return the chicken to the pan, coating it well with the sauce before serving immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Dry your chicken well before searing to ensure a flavorful crust.
  • Use authentic sweet Hungarian paprika for the true traditional taste and color.
  • Cook on low heat to develop deep flavors and keep the chicken juicy.
  • Temper sour cream with warm liquid before adding it to prevent curdling.
  • Allow the dish to rest a few minutes before serving so flavors meld perfectly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Paprikash, Hungarian chicken, paprika chicken, comfort food, creamy chicken stew, traditional Hungarian recipe

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/chicken-paprikash/