Name: Chicken Paprikash Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Hungarian
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs and 4 drumsticks (about 3.5 pounds); Salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 large onion (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 3 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika; 1/2 cup white wine (optional); 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano); 1 cup chicken broth; 2/3 cup FAGE Sour Cream; 2 tablespoons flour; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnishing, optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 76 reviews

If you’ve ever wanted to dive into a comforting dish that bursts with rich, smoky flavors and creamy textures, this Chicken Paprikash Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. A true Hungarian classic, it brings together tender chicken simmered in a luscious paprika-spiked sauce that’s both deeply satisfying and surprisingly simple to make. With a perfect balance between robust spices and velvety sour cream, this dish will not only warm your soul but quickly become a beloved staple you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large yellow pot filled with seven large chicken pieces covered in thick, rich red tomato sauce with a hint of oil and spices, garnished with small chopped green herbs scattered across the sauce and chicken. The sauce has a smooth texture with visible seasoning bits, and the chicken is nestled closely together inside the pot. The pot sits on a dark wooden table with a hint of a red cloth beneath and a white marbled surface visible in the upper right corner holding a bowl of beige spiral pasta. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Chicken Paprikash Recipe is a celebration of simple, quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering authentic taste, gorgeous color, and wonderful texture. From the savory chicken to the sweet paprika and creamy sour cream, every component shines in its own way.

Chicken thighs and drumsticks: Choose bone-in, skin-on pieces for maximum flavor and juiciness throughout the cooking process.
Salt and freshly ground pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing the entire dish’s flavors.
Vegetable oil: Perfect for getting a beautiful golden sear on the chicken without overpowering the paprika.
Large onion: Adds sweetness and depth once softened and sautéed.
Garlic cloves: Bring aromatic warmth that complements the paprika without stealing the spotlight.
Hungarian sweet paprika: The star spice, giving the dish its vibrant red hue and signature smoky sweetness.
White wine (optional): Adds acidity and complexity, helping lift the rich sauce to new heights.
Crushed tomatoes: Provide body and balance the flavors with their slight natural acidity and sweetness.
Chicken broth: Builds a savory foundation that keeps the chicken moist and infuses the sauce.
Sour cream: Creates a silky, tangy finish that mellows the paprika and ties everything together.
Flour: Used to thicken the sauce gently, ensuring it clings to the chicken perfectly.
Chopped parsley: An optional garnish that adds a fresh burst of color and brightness just before serving.

How to Make Chicken Paprikash Recipe

The image shows a flat lay of different ingredients on a white marbled surface. In the center is a blue and white container of sour cream. Above it, on the left, is a wooden bowl filled with thick white sour cream and a spoon inside. Next to it, on the top right, is a wooden bowl with bright red sauce. Below the sauce is a small brown bowl filled with white salt. To the right, a bunch of fresh green parsley leaves lies next to a glass container with clear liquid. At the bottom right, there is a white plate with raw chicken drumsticks that have pale pink skin. Towards the left side, below the wooden bowl with sour cream, is a brown bowl with a light beige powder. Below that, a white bowl holds red paprika powder. Near the bottom left corner, there is a whole brown onion and two cloves of garlic. The dark wood texture of the table is clearly visible around the bowls and plates. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by generously seasoning your chicken thighs and drumsticks with salt and freshly ground pepper. This foundational step is vital as it enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and ensures every bite is well-seasoned.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or braiser over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin side down and cook until golden brown on all sides, around 3 to 4 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and adds that irresistible caramelized crust every dish benefits from. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside temporarily.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Lower the heat slightly, then add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its aroma, about 2 to 3 minutes. This creates a fragrant base for the sauce that complements the paprika beautifully.

Step 4: Toast the Paprika

Take the pot off the heat briefly and stir in the Hungarian sweet paprika. The residual warmth will toast the paprika just enough to bring out its full flavor without burning it, which is key to achieving that authentic, smoky taste.

Step 5: Deglaze with White Wine

Return the pot to the heat and add white wine, if you’re using it. Scrape all those delicious browned bits off the bottom of the pot — they’re flavor gold. Cook until the wine reduces considerably, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 6: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then season with salt and pepper to taste. This combination simmers down into the rich, flavorful sauce that defines the Chicken Paprikash Recipe.

Step 7: Simmer the Chicken

Return the browned chicken to the pot, nestling each piece into the sauce so it’s surrounded but not necessarily fully submerged. Cover and simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The slow cooking infuses every bite with paprika’s warm, smoky essence.

Step 8: Prepare the Sour Cream Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream with a couple of ladlefuls of the hot cooking liquid to temper it gently. Then whisk in the flour until smooth and lump-free. This method keeps the sour cream from curdling and forms the creamy base of the sauce.

Step 9: Thicken the Sauce

Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Increase the heat to medium-high, pour the tempered sour cream mixture into the sauce, and cook while stirring until the sauce thickens to your liking. This step turns the sauce into a velvety coating that clings beautifully to the chicken.

Step 10: Final Touches and Serve

Taste your sauce and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Pour the luscious sauce over the chicken, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and serve immediately — preferably with nokedli, spätzle, or egg noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce.

How to Serve Chicken Paprikash Recipe

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only adds a vibrant green contrast but introduces a fresh herbaceous note that lightens the richness of the sauce. If you’re feeling extra special, a dollop of sour cream on top can deepen the creamy experience.

Side Dishes

No Chicken Paprikash Recipe feels complete without something to scoop up its irresistible sauce. Traditional nokedli (Hungarian dumplings), spätzle, or even simple egg noodles are fantastic choices. If you prefer lighter options, creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread make excellent companions for savoring every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, serve the Chicken Paprikash on a bed of buttered spaetzle arranged in a shallow bowl so guests can appreciate the sauce’s creamy texture. Alternatively, transfer the chicken and sauce to a large rustic platter, garnished with parsley, for a communal, family-style meal that encourages sharing and conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Chicken Paprikash Recipe actually benefits from resting overnight as the flavors meld beautifully. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Remember to store the chicken with the sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.

Freezing

If you want to keep this deliciousness longer, freeze the cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When freezing, leave some headspace for expansion, and label clearly so you can easily grab it when craving a taste of Hungary.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat to avoid breaking the sauce or drying out the chicken. Stir occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to preserve the sauce’s creamy texture, or reheat in short bursts if using the microwave, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts for Chicken Paprikash Recipe?

While chicken breasts can be used, they often become dry with this long simmering method. Thighs and drumsticks are preferred for their juiciness and capacity to stay tender and flavorful throughout the cooking process.

Is Hungarian paprika different from regular paprika?

Yes, Hungarian paprika is known for its smoky sweetness and vibrant red color, which is essential for authentic Chicken Paprikash Recipe. Regular paprika can be used in a pinch but may lack the depth of flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the sour cream with a lactose-free or plant-based yogurt or cream alternative. Just be sure to add it slowly and avoid high heat to prevent curdling.

What if I don’t have white wine?

White wine is optional and helps brighten the sauce, but you can simply skip it or substitute with a splash of white grape juice or additional chicken broth for a similar effect.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

The traditional method involves combining sour cream with flour and tempering it into the hot sauce, which gives that signature creamy, thick consistency without lumps. Avoid adding flour directly to hot sauce as it can clump.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the way paprika and sour cream come together in this Chicken Paprikash Recipe to create a dish that is both cozy and sophisticated. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or an impressive meal for friends, it never fails to bring smiles and a few happy sighs around the table. I promise, once you try it, this recipe will earn a cherished spot in your routine. Give it a go and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite!