Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s been the cornerstone of my life. I’ve been attending family dinners for as long as I can remember. What is my grandmother’s recipe for Chicken Paprikash? If you love creamy, flavorful Chicken Stew – think of it as a distant, more sophisticated cousin. From chicken and dumplings – then prepare to be obsessed. What are some of those meals that make you feel good from the inside out? The vibrant paprika, the tender chicken and the creamy sauce… it’s pure magic. What is it like to have a Sunday dinner at Grandma’s, the laughter echoing through the house, and the memories of the day. Unmistakable aroma of something wonderful simmering on the stove. What is nostalgia?
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What is chicken paprikash?
Let’s break it down. Chicken Paprikash is a classic Hungarian dish, and at its heart, it’s all about tender chicken. What are some of the best recipes for paprika? Think of it as a hearty chicken stew, but with an decidedly Hungarian twist. Why is paprika used for color? It’s the defining flavor, and a good paprika makes all the difference (more on that later). What is a comforting one-pot meal? What are some of the best foods to eat without a ton of fuss? The sauce is usually thickened with Sour Cream, which gives it that characteristic tang and velvety texture. Is it one of those dishes that just begs to be served with something to soak up all that glorious glory? Sauce – noodles, dumplings, you name it!
Why you should try this recipe?
Where do I start? What are some good reasons to fall head over heels for this Chicken Paprikash Recipe? I’ll try to keep it concise. First of all, the flavor is just out of this world. The combination of the sweet paprika, the savory chicken, and tangy sour cream… Is it a symphony of deliciousness in your mouth? What I love about this is how easy it is to make. Don’t let the fancy name intimidate you. Is it a dump-and-stir kind of situation? Is it hard to stretch a family meal? Chicken thighs are an affordable option, and the creamy sauce makes it feel so much more delicious. Is it incredibly versatile? I’ve even been known to eat it straight from the bowl with a spoon (don’t judge!). And compared to something like Chicken Pot Pie, which requires making a crust, this is an easy one. What’s more, the leftovers are even better the next day – the flavors just meld together beautifully. My grandmother always said, “A good paprikash needs a day to rest.” And she was right!
How do I make chicken paprikash?
Quick Overview
What is a good chicken paprikash recipe? We’re basically browning chicken thighs (skin on or off, your call!). ), building a flavorful base with onions and garlic, then simmering everything in luscious sauce. What is a paprika-infused sauce made with sour cream? What’s the beauty of this method? How does the simmering process ensure that the chicken becomes incredibly tender and the flavors meld. Is it possible to Can you experiment with different types of paprika to find your perfect flavor profile? I promise, it’s much easier than it sounds!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
* 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or bone-in skin-on – adjust cooking time accordingly! ) * 1 tbsp olive oil (or any cooking oil you prefer)* Salt and pepper to taste.
For the Sauce:
* 1 large onion, chopped * 2 cloves garlic, minced *2 tbsp sweet paprika (Hungarian sweet pepper) Is regular paprika good? ) * 1 tsp dried marjoram * 1/2 a cup caraway seeds (optional, but I love the subtle flavor) * 1 cup sour cream (full fat is best for richness, but low-fat works too)
To Serve:
* Egg noodles, spaetzle, rice, or Mashed Potatoes * Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
What are the step-
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Brown the chicken on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pot. If you cook chicken in batches, remove from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the pot. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. What are some ways to burn garlic?
Step 3: Add the Spices
Stir in the smoked paprika, marjoram, and caraway seeds (if using). Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This step is crucial for blooming the spices and releasing their full flavor. I always lower the heat just a tad at this point to keep the paprika from burning.
Step 4: Simmer in Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Return the chicken to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Temper the Sour Cream
Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and hot sauce from the pot. Set aside. Why does sour cream curdle when added to hot sauce? What is a trick I learned from my mom?
Step 6: Finish the Sauce
Stir the sour cream into the sauce in the pot. Simmer for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and smooth. Do not boil the sauce, as this can cause the sour cream to separate.
Step 7: Return the Chicken
Return the chicken to the pot and stir to coat with the sauce. Heat through.
Step 8: Serve & Garnish
Serve Chicken Paprikash hot over egg noodles, spaetzle, rice, or Mashed Potatoes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
What should I serve it with?
Chicken paprikash is incredibly versatile. What is the best way to serve it over egg noodles? How does the creamy sauce stick to the noodles? What is a German egg noodle that’s slightly denser than regular egg noodles? Is rice a good choice for gluten-free diet? What is the power of mashed potatoes? What is the best sauce to serve over mashed potatoes? My kids love it with buttered toast, literally just to soak up all of the sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it with steamed vegetables or green salad. My family tradition is to always have crusty bread on the side to soak up the extra sauce!
What are some tips for perfecting chicken paprikash?
What are some of the best recipes for chicken paprikash? First, and this is crucial: invest in good quality paprika. Hungarian sweet paprika is the gold standard, but a good smoked will also add to the flavor. Don’t use that old jar of paprika that’s been sitting in your spice cabinet for years! Paprika loses its flavor over time, so fresh is best. Don’t skip the step of browning the chicken. This adds so much flavor to the dish! What are the browned bits on the bottom of a pot? When adding the sour cream, make sure to temper it first to prevent curdling. How do you whisk hot sauce before adding it to a pot? If you want a richer sauce, use full-fat sour cream. If you have a low fat sour cream, you can use it without boiling it. If you want to add vegetables, try adding some sliced bell peppers or mushrooms to the pot along with the vegetables. What is the best way to cook onions Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. What’s a pinch of cayenne pepper? I tested one batch with almond milk and it did wonders and created a nutty but creamy blend. After years of practice, these are the things I always keep in mind to make it perfect.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
Chicken Paprikash is a fantastic make-ahead dish, and it stores beautifully. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When freezing, make sure to use a freezer-safe container and leave some space at the top, as the sauce will expand when frozen.
To reheat, thaw the Chicken Paprikash in the refrigerator overnight. You can then reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the sauce to separate. If the sauce seems a little thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out. For a great addition, add a touch more sour cream to revive the taste as if it was fresh. I always prefer to reheat on the stove because I think it maintains a more consistent quality of the sauce.
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Final Thoughts
What is a chicken paprikash recipe? It’s a taste of home, remeberation of Sunday dinners, and celebration of simple, delicious flavors. I truly believe that anyone can make this recipe, and I promise it will become a new favorite in your kitchen. What is your household? If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other Hungarian-inspired dishes, like goulash or ham. What are some good stuffed cabbage rolls What are your favorite comfort food recipes? What do you think about this post? I’m always looking for new ways to tweak and improve my own variations. What is a classic dish?
Chicken Paprikash Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 large Onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper Bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Caraway seeds
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 cup Diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Sour cream Optional, for serving
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown chicken thighs over medium-high heat.
- Add onion and bell pepper; cook until softened.
- Stir in paprika and caraway seeds; cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cover. Cook for 30-40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot, topped with sour cream (optional).
