Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite comfort foods: chicken paprikash! This traditional Hungarian dish is a beautiful celebration of flavors, thanks to its rich paprika sauce that envelops tender chicken pieces. I just adore how it’s not only a meal but also a taste of culture, bringing warmth and coziness to the table. What really makes chicken paprikash special is that vibrant, smoky flavor from the paprika, which transforms simple ingredients into a hearty feast. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why this dish holds a special place in so many hearts and homes!
Ingredients List
- 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor! Make sure to use sweet paprika for that authentic taste. I love how each ingredient plays a role in building that rich, comforting sauce that makes chicken paprikash so special.
How to Prepare Chicken Paprikash
Making chicken paprikash is such a rewarding experience! The smell that fills your kitchen as this dish simmers is simply divine. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat. A nice, big pot will give you plenty of space to work with.
- Once the oil is hot, toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Wow, that smell already makes my heart sing!
- Now, it’s time to add the chicken pieces. Brown them on all sides, turning them frequently for about 8-10 minutes. You want that lovely golden color; it adds depth to the flavor!
- Next, stir in your sweet paprika and sliced bell pepper. This is where the magic happens! Stir well to coat the chicken in that gorgeous paprika.
- Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the chicken is covered. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot and let it cook for about 30 minutes. This will make the chicken so tender and juicy!
- After the simmering time, stir in the sour cream, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become rich and creamy.
- And there you have it! Serve your chicken paprikash hot, ideally with dumplings or pasta to soak up all that luscious sauce.
Trust me, every bite will be worth the wait!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional values for chicken paprikash per serving, which is about 1 cup. You can expect around 450 calories, with 25 grams of fat, including 10 grams of saturated fat. It packs a hearty punch of 30 grams of protein and 30 grams of carbohydrates, along with 2 grams of sugar and 2 grams of fiber. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, flavorful sauce that’s simply irresistible.
- Comforting and hearty, it warms your soul.
- Gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it!
- Perfectly pairs with dumplings or pasta for a complete meal.
Trust me, once you serve this dish, it will quickly become a family favorite!
Tips for Success
To make the best chicken paprikash, here are my top tips! First, always use sweet paprika for that authentic flavor—it’s truly the heart of this dish. If you want a thicker sauce, just add less broth or let it simmer a bit longer to reduce. Don’t skip the sour cream; it adds that creamy richness we all love! And when it comes to serving, I highly recommend pairing it with homemade dumplings or a side of pasta to soak up that delicious sauce. Trust me, these little touches make all the difference in elevating your chicken paprikash experience!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many ways to put your personal spin on chicken paprikash! Try adding a splash of white wine for a deeper flavor profile or toss in some mushrooms for an earthy touch. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to brighten things up. For a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. The beauty of this dish is that it’s wonderfully adaptable to your taste—have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your chicken paprikash tasting fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep the sauce creamy and luscious. Avoid microwaving, as it can change the texture. Trust me, you want that vibrant flavor to shine through every time!
What to Serve with Chicken Paprikash
When it comes to sides, you can’t go wrong with fluffy dumplings or a generous serving of pasta to soak up that delightful sauce. Steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli also make a wonderful addition, adding a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken paprikash. Trust me, these pairings will elevate your meal to a whole new level!
For more information on the health benefits of paprika, check out this Healthline article.
To explore more about Hungarian cuisine, visit this Spruce Eats guide.
Print
Chicken Paprikash: 7 Steps to Comforting Perfection
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A traditional Hungarian dish made with chicken and a rich paprika sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add chicken pieces and brown on all sides.
- Stir in paprika and bell pepper.
- Add chicken broth, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Stir in sour cream, season with salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve hot with dumplings or pasta.
Notes
- Use sweet paprika for best flavor.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken paprikash, Hungarian chicken, paprika chicken
