Chicken Paprikas
Chicken Paprikas is a hearty Hungarian dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a flavorful paprika-infused sauce with onions and sour cream. Its rich, smoky, and creamy profile makes it perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings craving authentic Eastern European flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven over low heat, cook onions in butter until soft but not brown.
- Add paprika and rub into onions with a wooden spoon.
- Add chicken parts, meaty side down, and chicken stock.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and gently simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until chicken is very tender and onions are mushy.
- Remove chicken to a platter and debone.
- Cut larger pieces into serving chunks, if desired.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of cooking liquid with cornstarch until well combined.
- Add this mixture to the liquid in the pot.
- Bring to a boil and stir until thickened.
- Reduce heat and stir in sour cream, heating just to simmer point.
- Add chicken back to the pot, cover, and simmer a few minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot, holding well at low heat if needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of paprika and a bit of sour cream for a few hours before cooking. If you're out of Hungarian sweet paprika, you can substitute with a mix of regular paprika and a pinch of cayenne for heat. For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons. Remember to stir the mixture in the pot well to avoid lumps when adding the cornstarch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Paprikas over a bed of egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables make great side dishes. This dish pairs beautifully with Arroz Con Pollo (Rice With Chicken) for a comforting meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it up before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Paprikas contains roughly 122 calories, with 3g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 650mg per serving (28% 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 make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by sautéing the onions and paprika first, then transferring everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
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).