Lena'S Paprika Chicken

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Hungarian

A hearty Hungarian paprika chicken featuring tender chicken cooked with onions, tomatoes, and green pepper, finished with sour cream for a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for comforting meals.

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Ingredients

  • 3 lb. frying chicken
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 3 Tbsp. fat
  • 1 Tbsp. paprika
  • 1 tsp. salt (optional)
  • 1 c. sour cream
  • soft noodles
  • 1 small can tomatoes
  • 1/2 green pepper

Instructions

  1. Wash the chicken well and drain.
  2. Brown the finely chopped onions lightly in the fat.
  3. Add the paprika and the chicken to the onions.
  4. Sprinkle with salt if desired.
  5. Add the canned tomatoes and green pepper.
  6. Cover and cook slowly for about 1 hour or until the chicken is tender.
  7. Pour sour cream over the cooked chicken.
  8. Do not let it boil after adding the sour cream.
  9. Serve with freshly boiled soft noodles.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the paprika and sour cream mixture for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have frying chicken, any cut of chicken will work, but adjust cooking time accordingly. You can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream for a tangy twist. For added depth, try incorporating garlic or mushrooms when browning the onions.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish over freshly boiled soft noodles for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the chicken. For a delightful twist, try serving it alongside Rice With Fried Vermicelli for a unique combination.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave it, covered, in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lena'S Paprika Chicken contains roughly 516 calories, with 20g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (197% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), and iron (74% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2316mg per serving (101% of the Daily Value).

516 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 19.9g 40% DV
Total Fat 11.8g 15% DV
Carbs 99.3g 36% DV
Fiber 21.9g 78% DV
Sugar 10g 20% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2315.9mg 100% DV
Potassium 1964.3mg 42% DV
Cholesterol 35.3mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1773.6mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 35.9mg 40% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 575.6mg 44% DV
Iron 13.3mg 74% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 recipe with boneless chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken; however, reduce the cooking time to about 30-40 minutes, as boneless pieces cook faster. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

If you prefer a lighter option, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for sour cream. It provides a similar creaminess with added protein. You can also try mixing cream cheese with a bit of milk to achieve a sour cream-like consistency.

How can I thicken the sauce if it's too thin?

To thicken the sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry, then add it to the dish while simmering. Allow it to cook for a few minutes until thickened to your desired consistency.

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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