Go Back
–+ servings
Chicken Paprikash Recipe – Tender chicken pieces smothered in a creamy paprika sauce, garnished with fresh parsley and served over buttered egg noodles in a skillet. A rich and comforting Hungarian dish.

Best Chicken Paprikash Recipe in 5 Steps

Chicken Paprikash Recipe is a traditional Hungarian comfort food featuring tender chicken cooked in a rich, creamy sauce made with paprika and sour cream. Served over noodles or dumplings, it's a hearty one-pot meal ready in about an hour.
No ratings yet
Print Pin
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Eastern European
Keyword: chicken paprikash recipe​
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 5
Calories: 385kcal
Cost: $27

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot (4-6 quart size)
  • Sharp kitchen knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small whisk (for sour cream mixture)
  • Large bowl (for tempering sour cream)

Ingredients

Main Protein:

  • 3 lbs chicken pieces preferably thighs and legs, bone-in, skin-on

Sauce Base:

  • 2 large onions finely diced
  • 3 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 red bell peppers sliced
  • 1 large tomato diced
  • 1½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving:

  • Fresh parsley chopped (garnish)
  • Hungarian nokedli or egg noodles

Optional Add-ins:

  • ½ teaspoon hot Hungarian paprika for heat
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

Prep Phase:

  • Cut chicken into serving pieces (if needed)
  • Dice onions, slice peppers, mince garlic
  • Measure all ingredients
  • Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper

Step 1: Base Preparation (10 minutes)

  • Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium heat
  • Add diced onions, cook until golden (8-10 minutes)
  • Remove from heat, stir in paprika

Step 2: Cooking Chicken (45 minutes)

  • Return pot to medium heat
  • Add seasoned chicken pieces
  • Add bell peppers, garlic, tomato
  • Pour in chicken broth
  • Bring to simmer, cover
  • Cook 45-50 minutes until chicken is tender

Step 3: Making Sauce (5 minutes)

  • Mix sour cream and flour in bowl
  • Temper mixture with ½ cup hot cooking liquid
  • Stir tempered mixture back into pot
  • Simmer 5 minutes until thickened

Final Steps:

  • Taste and adjust seasoning
  • Let rest 5 minutes before serving
  • Garnish with parsley
  • Serve over noodles or nokedli

Notes

  • Always use room temperature sour cream to prevent curdling
  • Never add paprika to very hot oil as it can become bitter
  • Let chicken come to room temperature before cooking
  • Don't rush the onion cooking process - golden onions create the flavor base
  • Can be made 1-2 days ahead
  • Flavor actually improves overnight
  • Store sauce and chicken separately from noodles
  • Reheat gently to prevent sauce separation
 

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 580mg | Potassium: 485mg | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 25IU | Vitamin C: 45mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 2.5mg