Traditional Chicken Paprikash Recipe

Name: Traditional Chicken Paprikash Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Hungarian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons cooking oil, divided; 2 ½ lb chicken thighs and drumsticks (skin on and bone in); salt and pepper, to taste; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 red bell peppers, chopped; 2 cloves garlic; 4 tablespoons ground Hungarian paprika; 1 tablespoon plain flour; 1 (14-ounce) can chopped tomatoes; 2 cups chicken broth; ¾ cup sour cream

By Jennine Rye and Tasting Table StaffMarch 24, 2023 5:30 pm EST

Jennine Rye/Tasting Table

Chicken paprikash is such a popular dish worldwide that it almost needs no introduction. If you don't already have a recipe for this delicious Hungarian stew, recipe developer Jennine Rye has created one for you. Chicken paprikash is a deeply comforting dish that is packed full of flavor, and it is simple and pleasurable to cook.

The first and perhaps most important thing to know about chicken paprikash is in the name; paprika. Not all paprika is made the same, and for a great chicken paprikash you need to use the right paprika. Nobody knows quite how paprika found its way to Hungry, we only know that the plant first reached Hungary in the 1500s. Paprika, which comes in different varieties, is now considered central to Hungarian cuisine, and Hungarian paprika is the only real option if you want to cook up authentic paprikash.

The best way to serve up this great dish is with simple sides; let the flavors of the chicken paprikash do all the talking. Rice, potatoes, or noodles are all great accompaniments as they absorb all the delicious juices from the stew.

Gather the ingredients for this chicken paprikash

Jennine Rye/Tasting Table

To make this traditional chicken paprikash, first you will need to gather the ingredients. You will need chicken thighs and drumsticks, cooking oil, an onion, red bell peppers, garlic, Hungarian paprika, flour, chopped tomatoes, chicken broth, sour cream, and salt and pepper. To maximize on the flavor of this dish, Jennine Rye recommends using chicken pieces that are bone in and skin on.

Brown the chicken

Jennine Rye/Tasting Table

For this recipe you will want to use a deep, heavy bottomed pan with a lid. Heat up some oil and then add the chicken pieces to the pan. Fry them in the hot oil, turning them regularly to gently brown the chicken all over. Once it is browned, remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a plate to one side. Searing the chicken before adding it to the stew will enhance the flavor of the chicken, and the final dish as a result.

Prepare the stew

Jennine Rye/Tasting Table

Add a little more oil to the pan and then sauté the onions for a few minutes before adding the sliced peppers to the mix. Continue to sauté the vegetables until they are softened, then put the garlic to the pan, followed by the ground Hungarian paprika. Allow the paprika to fry for a minute or two in the oil, as this helps to release flavor-soluble compounds in the spice, making the most of the flavor; this is known as blooming the spices. Make sure to keep an eye on the paprika so that it doesn't burn, stir in the flour and then add the canned tomatoes and the stock. Stir everything well until the ingredients are combined into a thick, red stew.

Add the finishing touches

Jennine Rye/Tasting Table

Return the browned chicken pieces to the pan, making sure they are well covered by the liquid. Place a lid on the pan and allow the paprikash to gently simmer for 30 minutes. After this time, remove the lid and allow the stew to simmer for another 5 minutes with the lid off, before adding the sour cream and mixing it in. Allow everything to simmer for another 5 minutes, before serving the paprikash with your favorite side dishes and some fresh steamed greens.

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and should be consumed within three days. Carefully reheat the chicken paprikash before enjoying it.