Paprikás Csirke, or Hungarian Chicken Paprikash, is one of Hungary’s best-known traditional dishes. Tender chicken is gently simmered in a rich paprika-infused sauce and finished with sour cream for a creamy, comforting result.
Served with Hungarian dumplings called nokedli, this classic makes a satisfying family meal.
🍗 Ingredients
For the Chicken
1 kg chicken thighs or drumsticks
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
1 tomato, diced
1 Hungarian wax pepper or sweet pepper, chopped
400–500 ml chicken broth or water
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce
200 g sour cream
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2–3 tablespoons of the warm cooking liquid
For Serving
Hungarian nokedli (dumplings)
Fresh parsley, optional
👩🍳 How to Make Chicken Paprikash
1. Brown the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Heat the oil or lard in a large heavy-bottomed pot and lightly brown the chicken on both sides.
Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. Cook the Onion
Add the chopped onion to the same pot.
Cook over medium heat until softened and lightly golden.
Add the garlic and cook briefly.
3. Add the Paprika
Remove the pot from the strongest heat before adding the paprika.
Stir it into the onions for a few seconds.
Don’t burn the paprika, as it can become bitter.
4. Add the Vegetables
Add the diced tomato and pepper.
Return the chicken to the pot and pour in enough broth or water to create a flavorful cooking sauce.
Season to taste.
5. Simmer
Cover the pot and simmer gently for approximately 35–45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked.
Turn the chicken occasionally and add a little more liquid if necessary.
6. Make It Creamy
In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and flour.
Slowly whisk in a few tablespoons of the warm cooking liquid to temper the mixture.
Stir the sour cream mixture into the sauce and simmer gently for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens.
Avoid vigorous boiling after adding the sour cream.
🥟 How to Make Simple Nokedli
For a traditional Hungarian presentation, serve the paprikash with nokedli.
Ingredients
250 g flour
2 eggs
100–120 ml water
½ teaspoon salt
Method
Mix the flour, eggs, salt, and water into a soft, sticky dough.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Drop small pieces of dough into the boiling water using a spaetzle maker, grater, or spoon.
Cook until the dumplings rise to the surface.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain.
Serve immediately with the chicken and plenty of creamy paprika sauce.
🌶️ Tips for Authentic Flavor
Use Good Hungarian Paprika
Paprika is the defining flavor of this dish. Sweet Hungarian paprika gives the sauce its characteristic color and mild pepper flavor.
Don’t Burn the Paprika
Paprika can become bitter when exposed to very high heat. Add it after removing the pot from direct heat and quickly add liquid.
Use Chicken Thighs
Bone-in chicken thighs provide plenty of flavor and remain tender during simmering.
Don’t Rush the Sauce
Gentle simmering allows the chicken and paprika to develop a richer flavor.
Add Sour Cream Carefully
Tempering the sour cream with warm cooking liquid helps prevent it from curdling when added to the hot sauce.
🍽️ What to Serve With Chicken Paprikash
Traditionally, Paprikás Csirke is served with:
Nokedli
Egg noodles
Boiled potatoes
Pickled cucumbers
Fresh parsley
A spoonful of extra sour cream on the side is also delicious.
🇭🇺 Why Hungarians Love Paprikás Csirke
Chicken Paprikash represents the heart of Hungarian home cooking: simple ingredients, generous paprika, slow cooking, and a creamy sauce.
It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy enough to become a regular family dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast?
Yes, but chicken breast cooks more quickly and can become dry. Thighs are generally more forgiving for this dish.
Can I make it without sour cream?
You can, but sour cream gives traditional Paprikás Csirke its characteristic creamy finish.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. The flavors often become even more developed after resting. Reheat gently rather than boiling the sauce aggressively.
🇭🇺 Final Thoughts
Hungarian Chicken Paprikash (Paprikás Csirke) is a comforting classic that brings together tender chicken, sweet Hungarian paprika, onions, tomatoes, and creamy sour cream.
Serve it with homemade nokedli and you have a truly satisfying Hungarian meal.
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