Chicken Paickas

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Eastern European

Chicken Paickas is a hearty, flavorful dish with tender chicken simmered in spices and sour cream, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 Tbsp. shortening
  • 1 Tbsp. paprika
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp. salt
  • 4 to 5 lb. chicken
  • 1 1/2 c. water
  • 1/2 c. sour cream

Instructions

  1. Brown chopped onion in shortening in a large skillet or pot.
  2. Add paprika, black pepper, salt, and chicken pieces to the browned onions.
  3. Cook and brown the chicken for about 10 minutes.
  4. Pour in water and let the mixture simmer slowly until the chicken is tender.
  5. Remove the chicken from the pan; add sour cream to the drippings and mix well.
  6. Add dumplings to the pan and arrange the cooked chicken on top.
  7. Heat through until everything is hot and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of shortening. You can also substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be used to speed up the cooking process. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially if you prefer a spicier dish by adding cayenne pepper.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Chicken Paickas over a bed of egg noodles or rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad complements the dish well. For a heartier meal, pair it with crusty bread or dumplings to enjoy with the creamy sauce. This dish also pairs beautifully with Baked Chicken Breast Fillet.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Chicken Paickas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chicken Paickas contains roughly 389 calories, with 19g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (276% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (138% of the Daily Value), and iron (126% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2010mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).

389 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 19.2g 38% DV
Total Fat 17.5g 22% DV
Carbs 68.4g 25% DV
Fiber 38.7g 100% DV
Sugar 10.7g 21% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2009.9mg 87% DV
Potassium 2569.6mg 55% DV
Cholesterol 10.1mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2487.4mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 0.9mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 333.1mg 26% DV
Iron 22.7mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

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 for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken can be used; however, the cooking time may be reduced. Ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Boneless thighs may add more flavor, while breasts will be leaner. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream, providing a similar consistency and tangy flavor. Alternatively, you can use crème fraîche or even a dairy-free yogurt if you're looking for a lactose-free option. Just mix it in well with the drippings.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas during the last few minutes of cooking to enhance both flavor and nutrition. This also gives a nice color contrast, making the dish more appealing. Just ensure they are tender-crisp when serving.

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).

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