Simplified Hungarian Chicken Paprikash

This Hungarian Chicken Paprikash is a comforting, rustic dish built on simple ingredients and rich, bold flavors. Tender chicken thighs simmer in a creamy paprika-infused sauce that’s silky, savory, and full of depth. It’s an easy, weeknight-friendly version of the traditional classic — no complicated steps, just pure cozy comfort. Serve it over egg noodles, spaetzle, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 chicken thighs (about 2.5 pounds)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Paprikash Base

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 cup chicken stock

For the Creamy Finish

• 1 tablespoon flour
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Season and Brown the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken thighs and brown for 3–4 minutes per side.
4. Remove the chicken and set aside.

2. Build the Flavor Base

1. Melt the remaining butter in the same pot.
2. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the diced red bell pepper and minced garlic.
4. Add tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.

3. Simmer the Chicken

1. Pour in the chicken stock and mix well.
2. Return the chicken pieces to the pot.
3. Reduce heat to medium and let everything simmer for 20–25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway.

4. Create the Creamy Paprikash Sauce

1. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour and sour cream.
2. Scoop about ½ cup of hot cooking liquid from the pot and slowly whisk it into the sour cream mixture until smooth.
3. Pour this mixture back into the pot.
4. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring gently until the sauce thickens and becomes silky.

5. Serve

1. Garnish with fresh parsley.
2. Serve hot over egg noodles, spaetzle, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Tips and Variations

• Add mushrooms for extra richness.
• Use chicken drumsticks or breasts if preferred.
• For a deeper color, mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika along with sweet paprika.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of stock. If it’s too thin, simmer longer.

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove over low heat.
• Avoid boiling after adding the sour cream mixture to prevent curdling.

Pairings

• Serve with egg noodles, spaetzle, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted potatoes.
• A refreshing cucumber salad or simple green salad pairs well.
• Warm crusty bread is excellent for dipping into the sauce.

Quick Info

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Cuisine: Hungarian