traditional chicken paprikash recipe

The Best traditional chicken paprikash recipe

I’ve been making chicken paprikash for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress my family and friends. This traditional Hungarian dish is a staple in many Eastern European households, and for good reason – it’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor.

The key to a great chicken paprikash is in the preparation of the paprika spice blend, which is typically made from a combination of sweet and smoked paprika, garlic powder, and caraway seeds. I like to use a mixture of ground meats, such as beef and pork, to give the stew a rich, meaty flavor.

The slow-cooked vegetables and tender meat make this dish perfect for a cold winter’s night or special occasion. My kids love helping me make the paprikash from scratch, as it involves browning the meat in a skillet before adding the spices and simmering it all together in a big pot.

We often serve it with egg noodles or crusty bread to mop up the juices. One of the best things about chicken paprikash is its versatility – you can make it in a large batch and freeze it for later use or serve it as a main course with some crusty bread on the side.

I also appreciate how easy it is to customize this recipe to suit my family’s tastes – whether we’re in the mood for spicy or mild flavors, I can adjust the amount of paprika or add extra ingredients like sour cream or chopped fresh herbs. The slow-cooked nature of this stew makes it perfect for busy weeknights when we’re short on time but still want a satisfying meal.

My family always looks forward to chicken paprikash night! It’s become one of our go-to recipes for special occasions like holidays or birthdays when we want something comforting yet impressive.

Traditional Chicken Paprikash

4.8 from 1250 votes

Chicken Paprikash is a classic Hungarian dish featuring tender chicken in a rich, creamy, and slightly sweet paprika-infused sauce. Served with egg noodles or dumplings, this comforting meal is perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 5 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sauce

2 tbsp paprika (preferably Hungarian sweet paprika)
2 tbsp flour
1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
1 cup (240ml) sour cream
1 tbsp tomato paste
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

For Serving

Egg noodles or dumplings

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3The onions should be soft and slightly golden.
4Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
5The garlic should be fragrant and lightly golden.
6Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
7The chicken should be evenly browned and cooked through.
8Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and stir to coat evenly.
9Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.
10The mixture should thicken slightly.
11Stir in the paprika and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to develop the flavors.
12The mixture should be fragrant and slightly thickened.
13Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to combine with the flour mixture.
14The sauce should thicken as it simmers.
15Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
16The chicken should be tender and the sauce should be thick and creamy.
17Stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
18The sauce should be creamy and well-combined.
19Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
20Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
21Serve the chicken paprikash hot over egg noodles or dumplings, spooning the sauce generously over the top.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 125mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier version, use hot paprika instead of sweet. You can also add bell peppers or carrots for extra vegetables.

This traditional chicken paprikash recipe has become a staple in our household – not only does it taste amazing but also freezes beautifully for future meals. We love serving it with crusty bread or egg noodles to soak up all that rich broth.

For an added twist, try adding some sour cream or chopped fresh herbs on top – my family gives it two thumbs up! You can reheat this stew by simmering it gently on low heat until warmed through; if you want to get fancy, try serving it over mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for an extra-special touch.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Paprikash

Q: What is chicken paprikash?

Chicken paprikash is a traditional Hungarian stew made with chicken or beef cooked in a flavorful paprika-spiced broth.

Q: What type of meat should I use?

You can use either chicken or beef for this recipe – if using beef, look for lean cuts like sirloin or round.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

Q: How do I store leftover chicken paprikash?

You can refrigerate leftover paprikash for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I add vegetables other than carrots and potatoes?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans if you prefer.

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