Chicken Paprikash : Chicken Paprikash is a soul-warming Hungarian dish known for its rich, creamy, and paprika sauce served with egg noodles or dumplings, this comforting recipe combines tender chicken with a velvety sauce that bursts with flavor.
What is Chicken Paprikash?
Chicken Paprikash, or Paprikás Csirke in Hungarian, is a traditional dish where chicken is simmered in a sauce flavored with sweet paprika, onions, garlic, and often sour cream. The dish gets its name from its liberal use of paprika, a spice synonymous with Hungarian cuisine. Paprikash is a dish that beautifully balances earthy, smoky, and creamy flavors.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Paprikash
- Use Hungarian Sweet Paprika: The star of this dish is the paprika, so investing in high-quality Hungarian sweet paprika is essential. Smoked paprika adds depth, but it’s optional.
- Don’t Rush the Onions: Cooking the onions slowly until golden enhances the base flavor of the sauce.
- Sear the Chicken Well: Browning the chicken adds a layer of richness to the sauce.
- Control the Heat: Paprikash should have a gentle simmer to tenderize the chicken and meld the flavors. Avoid boiling.
- Temper the Sour Cream: To prevent curdling, mix a bit of the hot sauce into the sour cream before adding it back to the pot.
Variations of Chicken Paprikash
- Vegetarian Paprikash: Swap chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Add chickpeas for protein.
- Spicy Paprikash: Incorporate a touch of hot paprika or chili flakes for a fiery kick.
- Creamier Sauce: Mix heavy cream with sour cream for a richer, silkier texture.
- Dumpling Paprikash: Serve with Hungarian dumplings (nokedli) instead of noodles for a traditional experience.
How to Serve Chicken Paprikash
- Traditional Pairing: Chicken Paprikash is often served with buttered egg noodles or dumplings, which soak up the luscious sauce.
- Side Dishes: Include a simple cucumber salad or pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast.
- Bread for Dipping: Serve with crusty bread to scoop up every last bit of the sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A dry Riesling or a light red wine like Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with this dish.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Paprikash
Storing:
- Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions without the sour cream (add it when reheating). Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- On the Stove: Gently reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickened.
- In the Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks are preferred for their flavor and tenderness. You can also use boneless chicken for convenience, but bone-in adds richness to the sauce.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, Chicken Paprikash tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Is there a substitute for sour cream?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or heavy cream as a substitute. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream with a splash of lemon juice.
What’s the difference between sweet paprika and smoked paprika?
Sweet paprika has a mild, earthy flavor, while smoked paprika has a bold, smoky taste. Use sweet paprika as the base and smoked paprika sparingly if desired.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes can be added for extra texture and flavor.
Chicken Paprikash
Chicken Paprikash : Chicken Paprikash is a soul-warming Hungarian dish known for its rich, creamy, and paprika sauce served with egg noodles or dumplings, this comforting recipe combines tender chicken with a velvety sauce that bursts with flavor.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Paprikash:
- 2 lb chicken thighs (skinless, boneless, cut into 2-3 pieces each)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ large onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, cubed
- 1 green bell pepper, cubed
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 tsp Hungarian sweet paprika
- 1 cup chicken stock (250 ml)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz/400 g)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Cucumber Dill Salad (Optional Side):
- 3 cucumbers (Lebanese), thinly sliced
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅓ tsp pepper
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup dill, chopped
Instructions
- Cut chicken into pieces and season with salt. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear half the chicken pieces for 2 minutes on each side until golden.
- Repeat with the second batch, adding more oil as needed. Remove chicken
- Add olive oil to the same pan, then sauté onions and bell peppers for 7-8 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic.
- Return chicken to the pan. Sprinkle with paprika and stir. Add tomato paste, canned tomatoes, black pepper, and chicken stock.
- Cover and simmer on low-medium heat for 25-30 minutes.
- Uncover the pan and stir in sour cream. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley.
- Toss sliced cucumbers with salt, pepper, sour cream, and dill. Serve chilled.
- Pair the Chicken Paprikash with buttered pasta, nokedli (Hungarian dumplings), rice, or potatoes.
- Add the cucumber dill salad for a refreshing side.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 461Total Fat: 30gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 206mgSodium: 951mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 3gSugar: 6gProtein: 39g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary journey to Hungary, where rich traditions and simple ingredients come together to create something magical. The warmth of paprika, the creaminess of the sauce, and the tender chicken make Chicken Paprikash an unforgettable comfort food.
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