The Best Homemade Chicken Paprikash Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade chicken paprikash is a comforting dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. You’ll love how the rich, creamy sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken. It’s a one-pot wonder**, making cleanup a breeze after dinner. The smoky sweetness of paprika shines through, creating a unique taste that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s versatile**, so you can serve it with noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes for a cozy meal.
Recipe
Chicken Paprikash is a classic Hungarian dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy paprika sauce. This comforting meal is perfect served over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a hearty dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then brown on both sides (about 5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion until soft (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in sweet and smoked paprika, then pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
- Return chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until cooked through.
- In a small bowl, mix sour cream and flour until smooth. Stir into the sauce and cook for 5 more minutes until thickened.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
Notes:
- For extra richness, use bone-in chicken.
- Adjust paprika to taste—Hungarian paprika is ideal.
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: Hungarian
Serving: 4
Nutrition
Homemade Chicken Paprikash offers a balanced meal with essential nutrients. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my chicken paprikash with simple, hearty sides that soak up the rich sauce, like buttered egg noodles or mashed potatoes. A crisp white wine or light beer balances the dish’s bold flavors perfectly, and I’ve found even picky eaters enjoy the combo. Don’t forget a fresh green salad or crusty bread—they add just the right crunch!
Side Dish Pairings
Since chicken paprikash is rich and comforting, I like to pair it with lighter, starchy sides that balance its flavors perfectly. My go-to is fluffy rice or buttery egg noodles, which soak up the creamy paprika sauce beautifully. Sometimes, I’ll serve it with mashed potatoes for extra creaminess or a hearty slice of crusty bread to mop up every last bit. Steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple cucumber salad add a fresh, crunchy contrast. These sides keep the meal satisfying without overpowering the dish’s bold, smoky paprika flavor. It’s all about creating harmony on the plate!
Wine Pairing Options
Chicken paprikash’s bold, smoky flavors deserve a wine that complements it just right. I’d go for a medium-bodied red, like Pinot Noir or Zweigelt—their fruity notes balance the dish’s richness. If whites are more your thing, try a dry Riesling or Grüner Veltliner; their crispness cuts through the creamy sauce. I like experimenting with wines that have a hint of spice, as they echo the paprika’s warmth. Personally, I’ve found that avoiding overly tannic wines keeps the meal harmonious. Take a sip, savor the pairing, and let the flavors shine. Trust me, it’s a combo you’ll want to make again!
