Aunt Ella'S Chicken Paprika
A hearty Hungarian-inspired chicken dish featuring tender breast cutlets in a flavorful paprika-tomato sauce, enriched with sour cream. Perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut each chicken breast in half to make 4 pieces.
- Sauté the chicken cutlets in oil until almost golden brown.
- Add sliced onion to the meat and sauté together until golden.
- Pour in chicken broth and tomato juice, then add sweet Hungarian paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
- Remove the cooked chicken to a warm platter and keep warm.
- Thicken the juices in the pot with a cornstarch and water mixture.
- Once thickened, stir in the sour cream and blend until smooth.
- Optional: add sautéed mushrooms for added flavor.
- Pour the sour cream sauce over the chicken and serve with hot noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of paprika, salt, and pepper for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have sweet Hungarian paprika, smoked paprika can be used for a different taste profile. To cut down on calories, consider using low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt as a substitute for the dairy sour cream.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with hot noodles or rice to soak up the rich sauce. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. You can also add sautéed mushrooms for added flavor, enhancing the overall experience of Aunt Ella's Chicken Paprika.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Ella'S Chicken Paprika contains roughly 107 calories, with 3g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 678mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breast cutlets?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute. They will provide a slightly richer flavor and stay moist during cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may require a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.
What can I serve with Chicken Paprika?
Chicken Paprika is delicious with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or even a crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad can also complement the dish well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Chicken Paprika in advance and reheat it before serving. It often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to store it properly and reheat gently to preserve the chicken's tenderness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).