The aroma of Chicken Paprikash wafts through the air, blending smoky paprika with tender chicken and a creamy sauce that dances on your taste buds. Picture this: you take a bite, and it’s like a warm hug from grandma, wrapped in comfort and flavor! For more inspiration, check out this hearty dinner ideas recipe.
I still remember the first time I tasted Chicken Paprikash at my friend’s family gathering. Their kitchen was buzzing with laughter, and as soon as I inhaled that delicious aroma, I knew I’d found my new obsession.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Paprikash recipe is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends
- The rich flavors create an unforgettable dish that will impress your family and friends
- Its vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as well
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve over noodles, rice, or even just crusty bread!
I made this dish for friends once, and they devoured every last bite while begging for seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: They’re juicy and absorb flavors beautifully; perfect for this creamy dish.
Onion: Use finely chopped onions to build a sweet base that enhances the overall flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth; always choose firm cloves for the best taste.
Paprika: Sweet Hungarian paprika is essential here; it gives that vibrant color and exquisite flavor.
Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness of your dish.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess; make sure it’s full-fat for the best results!
Olive Oil: A good drizzle helps brown the chicken perfectly and adds a nice flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all those glorious flavors.
Pasta or Rice (optional): This is perfect for serving underneath your Chicken Paprikash for extra heartiness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients so you’re ready to dive right into cooking without any interruptions. Chop your onions and garlic finely; trust me, it makes everything easier!
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs seasoned with salt and pepper until browned on both sides—about 4-5 minutes per side. That sizzling sound? Music to my ears!
Add the Aromatics: Toss in chopped onions and garlic after removing the chicken from the pan. Cook until onions are translucent and aromatic—about 3-4 minutes—watching them turn golden brown.
Incorporate Paprika & Broth: Sprinkle in sweet paprika while stirring everything together, letting those spices dance around! Then pour in chicken broth, scraping up any delicious bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
Return Chicken & Simmer : Place chicken back into the pan with some broth mixture. Let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes on low heat until fully cooked through.
Add Sour Cream & Serve!: Finally, stir in sour cream off heat until smooth and creamy. Serve over pasta or rice if desired—dig in while it’s hot!
With these simple steps, you’ll have a pot of Chicken Paprikash that not only looks fantastic but smells divine too! Enjoy every comforting bite!
You Must Know
- Chicken Paprikash is not just a meal; it’s an experience
- The rich aroma fills your kitchen, making everyone crave that first bite
- Think of it as a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends at gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in flavor, then simmer it gently in paprika-infused sauce for tender results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or add mushrooms for extra earthiness; personalization makes it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat on low to preserve moisture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance your Chicken Paprikash, use fresh paprika for genuine flavor; it makes a world of difference
- Also, consider marinating the chicken overnight for deeper flavor absorption
- Lastly, serve with egg noodles or dumplings for an authentic touch that everyone will love
I remember the first time I made Chicken Paprikash for my friends; they kept asking for second helpings while I secretly took notes on their reactions.
FAQ
What type of paprika should I use for Chicken Paprikash?
Use sweet Hungarian paprika for the best flavor and authentic taste.
Can I make Chicken Paprikash ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better when allowed to sit overnight in the fridge.
What sides pair well with Chicken Paprikash?
Egg noodles or crusty bread are perfect sides that complement this dish beautifully.

Chicken Paprikash
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of Chicken Paprikash, a dish that wraps you in warmth with every bite. This classic recipe combines tender chicken thighs with smoky sweet paprika and a luscious sauce that’s perfect over noodles, rice, or crusty bread. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s sure to impress guests at any gathering while evoking the nostalgia of home-cooked meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 cups cooked pasta or rice
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the onions and garlic finely.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper; sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the pan.
- Add chopped onions and garlic to the skillet; cook until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in paprika, then pour in chicken broth, scraping any bits from the pan bottom.
- Return chicken to the skillet; let simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes until fully cooked.
- Off heat, stir in sour cream until smooth and creamy. Serve hot over pasta or rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight with spices before cooking. Substitute chicken with turkey or add mushrooms for extra heartiness.