Authentic Chicken Paprikash Recipe with Sour Cream

Chicken Paprikash recipe gives comfort food to a whole new level with its rich, savory flavors that have been warming hearts across Hungary for generations.

Every bite unlocks that cozy, home-cooked feeling you crave after a long day.

The dish has become a beloved classic far beyond its Eastern European roots, winning over dinner tables around the world.

It's satisfying enough for special occasions yet simple enough to become a weeknight favorite.

The warm, deep flavors create a meal that feels both familiar and exciting at the same time.

You can serve it any time of year, though it's especially perfect when cooler weather calls for something hearty.

What makes it so appealing is how effortlessly it unlocks big flavor with a rustic, homestyle charm that never goes out of fashion.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Paprikash’s Rich Sauce

• Easy Weeknight Meal: This chicken paprikash comes together super quickly, making dinnertime a breeze when your family is hungry and tired after a long day.
• Comfort Food Champion: The combination of tender chicken, rich sour cream sauce, and warm paprika creates a deeply satisfying meal that feels like a hug on a plate.
• Budget-Friendly Dinner: With simple ingredients like chicken thighs, onions, and pantry staples, this recipe helps stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor.
• One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in a single skillet means less cleanup and more time relaxing after dinner, which every busy home cook appreciates.

Complete Ingredient List for Chicken Paprikash

• 2 Pounds Chicken Thighs: These tender, flavorful cuts provide a rich base for your paprikash and hold up beautifully during slow cooking.

• 1 Onion, Chopped, 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced, 1 Bell Pepper, Sliced: These ingredients create a deep, fragrant foundation that builds incredible depth in your dish.

• 2 Tablespoons Paprika: This vibrant spice gives your chicken the classic Hungarian warmth and gorgeous red color.
• 1 Can Diced Tomatoes, 1 Cup Chicken Broth: These liquids help create a luxurious, simmering sauce that keeps your chicken moist.
• 1 Cup Sour Cream: This final touch adds a creamy, tangy richness that softens the paprika’s intensity.

• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, Salt and Pepper to Taste: These essentials help develop color, season the meat, and create a perfect cooking environment.

Essential Tools for Chicken Paprikash

• Large Skillet (12-inch): Your main cooking vessel for browning chicken and creating the rich paprikash sauce.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Perfect for chopping onions, garlic, and bell peppers with precision.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for prepping all your fresh ingredients safely.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir and move ingredients around the skillet without scratching its surface.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures you add the right amount of salt, pepper, and paprika for balanced flavor.
• Tongs: Great for turning and handling chicken pieces while browning them evenly.
• Measuring Cup: Helps you add the correct amount of chicken broth and diced tomatoes.
• Serving Spoon: Lets you transfer the creamy paprikash smoothly from skillet to plates.

Step By Step Instructions For Chicken Paprikash

Smart Cooking Tips For Chicken Paprikash

• Chop your onions super fine for a silky smooth sauce that melts into the chicken perfectly.
• Grab fresh, high-quality Hungarian paprika to unlock the authentic, rich flavor that makes this dish special.
• Select bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum tenderness and deep, rich taste that holds up beautifully in the sauce.
• Temper your sour cream by adding a little hot liquid before stirring into the sauce to prevent curdling and create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Serve over wide egg noodles or fluffy rice to soak up all the delicious sauce and make your meal complete.

Chicken Paprikash With Sauce Variations

• Vegetarian Paprikash: Swap chicken thighs with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing out excess moisture and cutting into chunks before seasoning and browning just like the chicken.
• Spicy Hungarian Version: Add a small diced hot pepper or dash of cayenne when adding paprika to give your dish an extra kick that brings authentic heat to the traditional recipe.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace tomatoes with roasted red peppers to reduce carbohydrate content and keep the rich, deep flavor profile intact while maintaining the classic sauce texture.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream to maintain the creamy consistency without using traditional dairy, perfect for those avoiding lactose.

Best Ways To Serve Cozy Chicken Paprikash

• Serve with Egg Noodles: Toss hot, buttered egg noodles underneath your chicken paprikash for a classic, hearty companion that soaks up all those delicious pan juices.
• Pair with Crusty Bread: Grab a thick slice of rustic bread to mop up the creamy, paprika-rich sauce – trust me, not a drop should go to waste.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or dill on top right before serving to bring a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, warm flavors of the dish.
• Wine Selection: Pour a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Gris or Riesling that will complement the tangy sour cream and subtle spice of the paprika.

Chicken Paprikash Storage And Cooling Guidance

• Wrap extra portions in airtight containers and store directly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days – the flavors actually improve overnight.
• Freeze your leftover chicken paprikash flat in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and maintain that rich sauce texture.
• When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently in a covered skillet with a splash of extra chicken broth to keep the meat tender and prevent drying out.
• Transfer cold leftovers to a fresh container within 2 hours of cooking to preserve food safety and maintain the best possible taste and texture.

Chicken Paprikash FAQs

Chicken Paprikash Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Chicken Paprikash brings pure Hungarian comfort straight to your dinner table with tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy paprika sauce. Generations of family recipes blend together in this classic dish that delivers warmth and depth with just a few simple ingredients.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 pounds chicken thighs

Supporting Vegetables:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced

Liquid and Seasoning Components:

• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 ounces)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet at medium heat (325°F) for 2 minutes until surface shimmers slightly.
2. Toss chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves into the hot oil, stirring consistently until they turn translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Season 2 pounds of chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring even coating.
4. Carefully place seasoned chicken thighs into the skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
5. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons paprika over the chicken and add 1 sliced bell pepper, gently mixing to distribute spice evenly and cook for 2 minutes.
6. Pour 14 ounces diced tomatoes and 1 cup chicken broth into the skillet, scraping bottom to release any browned bits.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover skillet, and simmer chicken for 30 minutes until meat reaches 165°F internal temperature.
8. Remove skillet from heat and swirl 1 cup sour cream into the sauce, creating a creamy, rich finish before serving immediately.

Notes

• Choose dark meat chicken thighs for richer flavor and more tender results compared to chicken breasts.
• Authentic Hungarian paprika makes a significant difference, so select a high-quality sweet or half-sharp paprika for deeper taste.
• Toast the paprika briefly in the oil before adding other ingredients to release its full aromatic potential and prevent a raw spice flavor.
• Reduce heat when adding sour cream and stir gently to prevent curdling, creating a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 32 minutes
• Category: Sautéed
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 391 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg