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Tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, creamy paprika-infused sauce. This comforting Hungarian classic is perfect served over egg noodles or nokedli (Hungarian dumplings) for a hearty family dinner that comes together in about an hour.
Sear the Chicken
Sauté Aromatics
Create the Paprika Roux
Tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, creamy paprika-infused sauce. This comforting Hungarian classic is perfect served over egg noodles or nokedli (Hungarian dumplings) for a hearty family dinner that comes together in about an hour.
This hungarian recipe takes 60 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 350.65 calories per serving with 36.61g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for dinner or lunch.
Simmer the Stew
Temper and Finish with Sour Cream
Serve
Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for a richer flavor and more tender meat. You can also use chicken drumsticks. For a leaner version, use chicken breast, but reduce the simmering time to 15-20 minutes to avoid drying it out.
For a touch of heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of hot Hungarian paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the sweet paprika.
Incorporate 8 oz (225g) of sliced cremini mushrooms along with the onions and bell peppers for added umami and texture.
For an even richer sauce, substitute half of the sour cream with heavy cream. Note that this is less traditional but very delicious.
Chicken thighs provide high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Chicken is a good source of B vitamins, particularly niacin (B3) and pyridoxine (B6), which help convert food into energy and support nervous system health.
Paprika and red bell peppers are rich in antioxidants, including Vitamin C and carotenoids, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
The carotenoids found in paprika, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, are known to support eye health and may reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases.
One serving of this Chicken Paprikash contains approximately 585 calories, though this can vary based on the exact ingredients used, such as the fat content of the chicken and sour cream.
Chicken Paprikash can be part of a balanced diet. It's a great source of protein from chicken. However, it is traditionally made with full-fat sour cream and oil for browning, making it higher in fat and calories. To make it lighter, you could use chicken breast and low-fat sour cream, but this will alter the traditional taste and texture.
Authentic Hungarian sweet paprika ('édesnemes') is essential for the true flavor of this dish. It has a vibrant red color and a rich, sweet, and slightly fruity flavor that is very different from standard or smoked paprika.
Curdling usually happens for two reasons: the sour cream was too cold when added, or the sauce was boiled after the sour cream was incorporated. To prevent this, always use room-temperature sour cream and temper it by mixing it with a little hot liquid from the pot before stirring it into the main dish. Never boil the sauce after adding the sour cream.
Yes, Chicken Paprikash reheats beautifully. You can prepare the entire dish, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the sauce to separate.
The most traditional pairing is with Hungarian dumplings called 'nokedli', which are similar to German spaetzle. Wide egg noodles are also a very popular and delicious choice. Other great options include mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple crusty bread to soak up the sauce.